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The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) provides most of the funding for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander broadcasting.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander broadcasting is an important element in the promotion and protection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural identity.

At present, activities relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander broadcasting are considered under four broad headings for policy and funding purposes:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander regional media resource groups;
• Broadcasting for Remote Aboriginal Communities Scheme (BRACS);
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander public broadcasting; and
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander involvement in mainstream broadcasting.
  (ATSIC, 1993: 21)

There are two types of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community broadcasting:

• urban
• remote.

Broadcasting in urban areas
Urban Aboriginal broadcasting consists of radio programs produced by Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander media groups and broadcast through regional ABC radio, public radio stations or less frequently through a Special Interest (Aboriginal) public radio station.

Broadcasting in remote areas

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people form a significant proportion of the population of remote Australia. The inhabitants of remote Australia are comparatively under-served by the media, even taking into account satellite-delivered services. The major growth in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander broadcasting has been in remote regions, with a large number of media associations operating their own community television and radio services with equipment provided under the Broadcasting from Remote Aboriginal Communities Scheme (BRACS). (ATSIC, 1993: 8)

Why is there a need for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander broadcasting?

In general, the larger number of mainstream television and radio channels available in urban centres seldom reflect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander information needs and interest. These stations are geared towards mass audiences and cannot provide satisfactory access for smaller sub-groups in the community such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
(ATSIC, 1993: 7)

Ideally Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues should be presented by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people themselves. It is not only the content that is important but also the manner in which it is presented.

ATSIC believes there are a number of reasons why there should be greater access to media by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, such as:

• educational needs
• equity
• enhance self-image
• cultural preservation and growth
• efficient communication
• training and development opportunities.

Activity

Overview of BRACS