
National Indigenous Television (NITV) will move from broadcasting one signal nationally to begin broadcasting to 12 markets from tomorrow, Tuesday 17 May. The move to a 12 market split transmission - across the five metro and seven regional markets - will support NITV in delivering more targeted programming, including news, sport and weather, tailored for its audiences across the country, as well as introducing the capability for NITV to broadcast live events simultaneously to all five time zones.
This latest development for NITV, the national channel dedicated to First Nations stories and perspectives and part of the SBS network, also presents new and unique opportunities for brands to connect with these audiences, not previously available in the Australian television landscape.
Tanya Denning-Orman, Birri and Guugu Yimidhirr woman and Director Indigenous Content at SBS, has been with NITV since it was first established as a satellite and cable channel in 2007 before it became available free-to-air to all Australians as part of SBS in 2012, said that this marks another milestone in the channel's continued growth and evolution.
NITV continues to grow and strengthen as a channel delivering powerful, entertaining, and important programming providing a voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and a place for our stories to be shared, explored and celebrated. Launching a 12 market signal and being able to explore more targeted opportunities for audiences and brands, comes at a time when we're investing more in First Nations content across our platforms than ever before, and reaching more Australians with our unique storytelling and Black perspectives across the wider SBS network.
Now, from Noongar Country in the west, Wiradjuri in the east, Yolngu in the north, and everything in between and all around, it's exciting to continue improving the services we provide for our diverse audiences, whatever part of the country they're tuning in from, Denning-Orman said.
This follows the launch of Beyond 3% by NITV and SBS Media in March last year - an initiative creating greater understanding of the role and value of First Nations media and increasing awareness of the benefits of investment by media agencies and brands, with a number coming on board and committing to increase their spend with Indigenous media platforms.
Anna Dancey, a Gamilaroi woman and NITV's National Sales Manager, said the initiative has seen interest and investment in NITV increase over the last 12 months, which supports NITV in investing more in content for its audiences, in partnership with the Indigenous production sector.
Dancey said: With Beyond 3%, we are asking the sector to rethink their media spend and commit to increasing investment in Indigenous platforms like NITV. It's about much more than the ability to engage hard to reach audiences - investment has a direct impact in communities, and in an Australian media landscape which reflects the strength of First Nations peoples, cultures, and history.
We've been overwhelmed by the positive response and interest from agencies and brands wanting to learn more and who have committed to investing more, recognising the opportunities and benefits on offer. We're excited about the opportunities ahead and the progress that we can continue to make as NITV continues to grow.
Across the remainder of this year, NITV will premiere more of the distinctive programming which sets it apart including Off Country, a candid documentary series which follows seven Indigenous students as they leave home to board at one of Australia's most elite schools; the always entertaining Going Places with Ernie Dingo when it returns for a fifth season later this year; and NITV and SBS's first co-commissioned drama series, True Colours, a murder mystery in both the First Nations language of Arrernte and in English. The iconic annual Koori Knockout rugby league tournament will also celebrate its 50th anniversary and NITV's fan favourite sports panel shows dedicated to the Indigenous perspective, Yokayi Footy for AFL fans and Over the Black Dot for NRL followers, will continue entertaining audiences throughout the footy seasons.
NITV news and current affairs continue to explore the issues that matter with an Indigenous lens, including through flagship programs the award-winning Living Black presented by Karla Grant, and The Point hosted by John-Paul Janke and Narelda Jacobs. Tomorrow night, The Point (7.30pm on NITV) presents a special election episode in the lead up to polling day, where a panel of politicians will be asked questions about the key policy issues for communities from a live studio audience of community representatives and advocacy groups.
For a PDF version of this media release, click here.
Stay up to date and follow NITV:
sbs.com.au/nitv
Twitter: @NITV
Instagram: @nitv_au
Facebook: @NITVAustralia
More from SBS Broadcast
28/05/2026
Get fit for the FIFA World Cup 2026 with new SBS On Demand features for the ult...
25/05/2026
SBS announces exclusive TV broadcast schedule for FIFA World Cup 2026
21 May, 2026
Media releases
Luke Wilkshire, Tommy Oar, Andrew Redmayne, Sarah Walsh ...
22/05/2026
Statement regarding 2026 National NAIDOC Lifetime Achievement Award for the late...
20/05/2026
From Gulkula to the nation: Yothu Yindi Foundation and NITV deepen national acce...
20/05/2026
SBS appoints David Fernandez as National Manager, Digital & TV Sales
20 May, 2026
Media releases
SBS has appointed David Fernandez as National Manager, Dig...
18/05/2026
Delta Goodrem shines for SBS as more than 3.27 million Australians tune in for E...
17/05/2026
Delta Goodrem's Eurovision Eclipse marks end of a stellar run
17 May, 2026
Media releases
Bulgaria wins Eurovision 2026
Relive every spellbinding mome...
15/05/2026
Joint Statement: News Bargaining Incentive
28 April, 2026
Media releases
The vibrancy of Australian democracy relies on the robust and open exchange of new...
15/05/2026
Call it Deltavision, Australia's through to the Grand Final of this year'...
14/05/2026
SBS Board appoints Jane Palfreyman Managing Director
13 May, 2026
Media releases
The Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) Board of Directors is pleased to an...
14/05/2026
Transforming bold ideas into market-ready productions: Digital Originals returns
14 May, 2026
Media releases
SBS, NITV and Screen Australia have announced ...
14/05/2026
Australia Uncovered Returns to SBS with Bold New Season Featuring John Safran on...
12/05/2026
One month to go! SBS reveals expansive FIFA World Cup 2026 lineup beyond the pi...
11/05/2026
You're not meant to look at an Eclipse, but you won't be able to take yo...
30/04/2026
SBS & NITV LEAD NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK 2026 WITH LANDMARK GULPILIL DOCUMEN...
29/04/2026
Surgeon Dr Jasmina Kevric wins 2026 Les Murray Award
29 April, 2026
Media releases
Australia for UNHCR and SBS are proud to announce that Dr Jasmina Kevric...
22/04/2026
SBS names shortlisted brands for 2026 SBS Media Sustainability Challenge
22 April, 2026
Media releases
National broadcaster also releases its second annual...
16/04/2026
SBS reveals all-star alumni team to celebrate 70 years of the Eurovision Song Co...
02/04/2026
SBS Welcomes Back Cup Fever! For The Biggest FIFA World Cup Ever
2 April, 2026
Media releases
Santo Cilauro, Ed Kavalee and a host of special guests retur...
02/04/2026
Truth. Power. Perspective: NITV's Flagship Current Affairs Programs Return t...
27/03/2026
NITV to broadcast farewell to Rhoda Roberts AO with special coverage and week-lo...
21/03/2026
New campaign from NAATI and SBS CulturalConnect highlights how we all deserve t...
21/03/2026
Statement regarding Rhoda Roberts AO
21 March, 2026
Media releases
SBS is deeply saddened by the passing of Widjabul Wieybal woman from the Bundjalung Na...
20/03/2026
Feast for cycling fans as SBS extends road cycling broadcasts to include all Gra...
19/03/2026
Silicon Valley satire The Audacity premieres 15 April on SBS and SBS On Demand
19 March, 2026
Media releases
From one of the writer/producers of Succession...
19/03/2026
SBS brings communities together at Bondi Pavilion for Harmony Week multilingual ...
19/03/2026
Clarification from SBS regarding Western Sydney expansion
19 March, 2026
Media releases
From an SBS spokesperson:
SBS wishes to clarify some media coverag...
18/03/2026
Jess Ho explores the politics of food in new SBS Audio podcast For The Culture
18 March, 2026
Media releases
New SBS Audio podcast For The Culture, hosted ...
17/03/2026
New campaign from NAATI and SBS CulturalConnnect highlights how we all deserve ...
12/03/2026
AFL and NITV partner to launch new First Nations led program Inside the Huddle&...
06/03/2026
Statement on the appointment of Dr Nicholas Pappas AM as SBS Chair
6 March, 2026
Media releases
The SBS Board and Executive have welcomed the appointment o...
05/03/2026
SBS and Mint Pictures to chronicle the Bondi terror attack in major feature docu...
05/03/2026
Winter Olympic stars return to the ice for ISU World Figure Skating Championship...
04/03/2026
100 Days to Go: SBS Unveils World Class Team for The Greatest Show on Earth -The...
02/03/2026
Global powerhouse Delta Goodrem to represent Australia at this year's Eurovi...
02/03/2026
SBS brings together prominent voices to discuss rising social division and seek ...
02/03/2026
NITV Unveils Wednesday Night Sport Night
2 March, 2026
Media releases
A Midweek Hub for Blak Sport
Flagship NRL program Over The Black Dot moves to Wednes...
18/02/2026
SBS brings Australians together to mark Ramadan and Eid with communities nationw...
16/02/2026
SBS's Powerhouse Current Affairs Line-up is Back with the Conversations and ...
12/02/2026
Our Medicine S2: Frontline Medicine Through A Blak Lens
12 February, 2026
Media releases
A Bigger, Bolder Second Series showcasing First Nations Frontline ...
10/02/2026
World-first opt-out function now fully integrated on SBS On Demand
10 February, 2026
Media releases
SBS has announced a suite of audience-first enhancement...
09/02/2026
SBS Media Sustainability Challenge returns for 2026
9 February, 2026
Media releases
The challenge offers brands and agencies $500,000 in advertising invent...
04/02/2026
Queer Renegades: SBS Audio's new podcast reclaiming Australia's queer hi...
03/02/2026
The smash-hit series The Hospital: In the Deep End returns to shine a spotlight ...
02/02/2026
SBS's High-Flying Drama The Airport Chaplain casts Hugo Weaving alongside Th...
26/01/2026
NAIDOC launches 2026 theme 50 Years of Deadly , marks major milestone
25 January, 2026
Media releases
The National NAIDOC Committee has today unveiled its...
22/01/2026
A New Voice, New Places and the Real Australia as Brooke Blurton joins Ernie Din...
21/01/2026
Australia's Greatest Conman? premieres 24 February on SBS and SBS On Demand
Media releases
The $900 million dollar mystery that fooled our nation Austra...
21/01/2026
SBS ignites Lunar New Year with bold storytelling for The Year of the Fire Horse
21 January, 2026
Media releases
SBS is charging into Lunar New Year 2026 w...