TV Blackbox
THE ABC is proposing a major shake-up of how it develops and commissions First Nations television programs, with its long-running Indigenous Department set to end in its current form.
The proposed restructure would replace the specialist department with a new First Nations Content and Strategy team working across the national broadcaster and its platforms.
The change follows the redundancy of long-serving Head of Indigenous Kelrick Martin, who had led the department for more than a decade.
The Indigenous Department traces its history back to 1987 and has played a central role in developing and commissioning programs telling First Nations stories for almost four decades.
Its credits have included Redfern Now, Cleverman, Black Comedy, Total Control, The Dark Emu Story, Blue Water Empire and, more recently, Always Was Tonight.
Under the proposed model, First Nations programs would continue to be commissioned through ABC Screen, but individual projects would be managed by the relevant genre heads across scripted, factual, children’s, entertainment, arts, music and events.
Two dedicated First Nations positions would form part of the new structure, including a First Nations Commissioning Editor supported by a proposed Head of First Nations Content.
The ABC said the changes were designed to bring expertise together while increasing the prominence of First Nations voices and content across the organisation.
It has stressed the overhaul would not mean an end to First Nations television commissioning, with projects instead moving through the broader ABC Screen commissioning system.
However, the proposal has prompted concerns among some staff about what dismantling the specialist structure could mean for programs designed to challenge audiences and provide First Nations people with a platform to tell their own stories.
The overhaul comes after controversy surrounding Always Was Tonight, hosted by Tony Armstrong.
The satirical program attracted criticism following its January 21 episode, particularly over its treatment of Australia Day celebrations.
However, the ABC said its proposed restructure reflected an ongoing commitment to ensuring First Nations stories and voices remained visible across its content.
