This report provides data and analysis from a 12-month period, July 2023-June 2024, about the Australian Indigenous broadcasting and media sector. This national research is intended to inform present and future funding priorities and policy supports for Indigenous broadcasting in Australia.

A comprehensive survey was delivered across Australia to understand the media use patterns of Indigenous peoples in urban, regional and remote areas; the community role and value of existing Indigenous broadcasting and media services; and perceptions about current and future needs that can support cultural connection, news and information, entertainment, language maintenance, and community service functions.

The findings presented in this report build on previous evaluations conducted on the Indigenous broadcast media sector which have have found continuing themes of unmet audience and sector needs, suggestions for policy improvements and enhanced delivery of services to Indigenous communities. 

The report finds Indigenous broadcasting is a highly valued service across all communities, although this is particularly pronounced in remote and very remote areas where Indigenous broadcasting is often the primary media source. The findings led to six key recommendations for the National Indigenous Australian Agency's (NIAA) consideration

Key recommendations

1. The reconceptualisation of Indigenous broadcasting services as a ‘Community Media Hub’ would enable traditional radio sites to transition into multi-platformed media and digital hubs that can accommodate a range of activities.
2. An immediate reconsideration of the structure and clarity of funding guidelines for First Nations broadcasting services within the Indigenous Broadcasting and Media Program (IBMP).
3. To realise the above, it is necessary for a suite of training programs be developed and where possible, delivered by Indigenous trainers to upskill broadcasters and media producers working at Indigenous broadcasting services in digital and social media content production.
4. An audit of existing station equipment, satellite boxes, access to Wi-Fi/internet, carried out by field officers to report back to the NIAA. 
5. Indigenous broadcasting is extended to meet the needs of the significant number of Indigenous communities that are without a locally relevant and culturally appropriate Indigenous broadcasting service.
6. A consistent and regular study of Indigenous Australians’ media use patterns, and the role of Indigenous broadcasting and its related channels be conducted that produces comparative data.