Truth. Power. Perspective: NITV's Flagship Current Affairs Programs Return to Lead the National Conversation

Truth. Power. Perspective: NITV's Flagship Current Affairs Programs Return to Lead the National Conversation

26 March, 2026

Media releases

Living Black and The Point return this year with purposeful storytelling that centres First Nations voices within Australia's evolving story Living Black premieres Monday April 20 at 8:30pm on NITV

The Point premieres Tuesday, May 26 at 7:30pm on NITV NITV's two cornerstone Indigenous current affairs programs, Living Black and The Point, are set to return to screens in April and May, bringing bold, insightful and essential storytelling that continues to shape the national conversation.

NITV's Flagship Current Affairs Programs Return

Living Black will return to National Indigenous Television (NITV) on Monday April 20 at 8:30pm, while The Point returns on Tuesday May 26 at 7:30pm. All episodes will be available on SBS On Demand.

LIVING BLACK Returns - Celebrating 23 Years of Impact

Premiering on Monday April 20, Living Black returns with 14 brand new episodes, marking an extraordinary milestone as Australia's longest-running Indigenous current affairs television program and celebrating 23 years on air. Hosted by Walkley Award-winning journalist, producer and presenter, proud Western Arrernte woman Karla Grant, the program continues its legacy of powerful, in-depth investigations and compelling conversations.

Karla Grant: A Legacy of Storytelling

Since its inception in 2002, Karla Grant has been the driving force behind Living Black, both in front of and behind the camera. A prolific journalist, she sits down with inspiring and influential figures from across Australia and around the world, exploring the issues that matter most to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Renowned for its integrity and impact, Living Black delivers timely, intelligent and comprehensive coverage-told through a distinct First Nations lens.

Living Black host, Karla Grant, said: Living Black remains dedicated to elevating the voices and experiences of our communities, with a continued focus on storytelling that resonates and empowers. This season highlights the strength, resilience and achievements within our communities while also reflecting on our history through milestone episodes and turning a critical eye toward the future with in-depth investigations. I'm excited to bring audiences across the country another compelling season of incisive and culturally grounded storytelling.

New Season Highlights

Season 33 will continue to shine a spotlight on critical national issues including investigations into how police access commercial DNA ancestry databases to find criminal suspects; how music therapy is being used to rehabilitate Western Australian youth in and out of WA detention centres; and in a series of in-depth interviews, Karla talks to inspiring First Nations leaders about how they're working to change the nation one day at a time. Audiences can expect powerful investigations and deeply personal conversations with some of the most iconic and prominent First Nations voices.

Episode 1 synopsis:

Richard Frankland: Truth Teller - Monday April 20 at 8:30pm on NITV and SBS On Demand

When the 1991 Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody report was tabled, storyteller Richard Frankland hoped lasting change would come. 35 years later Richard discusses why it still hasn't.

Episode 2 synopsis:

Rachael Maza: A Life in Theatre - Monday April 27 at 8:30pm on NITV and SBS On Demand

Rachael Maza is one of Australia's most enduring and compelling First Nations storytellers. Having departed the Ilbijerri Theatre Company, she shares what's next in her remarkable career.

Episode 3 synopsis:

Beats Beyond Bars - Monday May 4 at 8:30pm on NITV and SBS On Demand

Karla Grant travels to Western Australia to meet the rappers behind Banksia Beats' the innovative program run by artists Flewnt MC, Optamus and Tehiiri,- a hip-hop therapy program that's helping young detainees at Banksia Hill and Unit 18 find their voice through rap.

Episode 4 synopsis:

Katie Kiss: Human Rights Champion Monday May 11 at 8:30pm on NITV and SBS On Demand

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, Katie Kiss, talks with Karla Grant about why the fight for Indigenous Human Rights matters now more than ever before.

THE POINT Returns with Agenda-Setting Conversations

Joining the lineup from Tuesday May 26, The Point is hosted by proud Wuthathi and Meriam man John Paul Janke. Now in its 11th year, The Point enters a new season of sharp, agenda-setting conversations focused on the biggest stories of the week, filmed on Country and in-studio.

John Paul Janke: Leading the National Conversation

As both the National Indigenous Affairs Editor at SBS and NITV, and host of The Point for the past eight seasons, JP brings authority, depth and a strong commitment to amplifying First Nations perspectives.

Each week, The Point invites direct conversations with decision-makers and community leaders, tackling the issues that matter most to Indigenous Australians, while advocating for greater awareness and celebration of the rich histories and diverse cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Host of The Point and National Indigenous Affairs Editor, John Paul Janke said: I'm proud to be part of another timely season of The Point, as we head out across the country to centre the voices of community. Creating space for local people to speak on a national stage remains vital, and this season takes us back into places we haven't visited in some time - allowing us to connect with more mob than ever before.

At a time when inequity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians persists, The Point plays an important role in informing audiences and deepening understanding of First Nations persp

LINK:	https://www.sbs.com.au/aboutus/2026/04/02/truth-power-perspective-nitv...
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