The growing emphasis on diverse representation in Australian media reflects a significant shift towards inclusivity, particularly regarding the inclusion of Indigenous stories and voices in mainstream entertainment. Historically, the narratives surrounding Indigenous Australians have been dominated by non-Indigenous perspectives, often leading to misrepresentation and a lack of authentic representation. However, recent developments indicate a movement towards rectifying this imbalance, driven by community leaders, cultural advocates, and policy changes aimed at fostering a more inclusive media landscape.
The Australian media landscape has evolved significantly since the establishment of television in 1956. Initially, the industry was characterized by a predominantly Anglo-Celtic narrative that marginalized the voices of Indigenous Australians. For decades, non-Indigenous journalists and presenters controlled the narrative surrounding Indigenous issues, often perpetuating stereotypes and failing to accurately represent Indigenous cultures and experiences. This exclusion has contributed to the broader marginalization of Indigenous communities within Australian society.
In recent years, there has been a concerted effort to increase the representation of Indigenous perspectives in media. A survey conducted by researchers Amy Thomas and Yin Paradies revealed that while there has been an increase in the inclusion of Indigenous voices across mainstream media outlets, this inclusion often remains superficial. Their study found that only 20% of opinion pieces on Indigenous matters were authored by individuals with Indigenous backgrounds, highlighting the ongoing dominance of non-Indigenous voices in discussions about Indigenous issues. This disparity underscores the need for deeper engagement with Indigenous communities to ensure their perspectives are authentically represented.
Community leaders have voiced their concerns about the historical exclusion of Indigenous stories from mainstream media. Rachael Hocking, an award-winning Warlpiri journalist, emphasizes the importance of centering Indigenous voices in discussions about their own communities. She argues that meaningful engagement with Indigenous-run media is essential for fostering genuine representation and understanding. Hocking’s perspective reflects a broader call within the community for a shift away from paternalistic narratives towards a model that prioritizes self-determination and agency for Indigenous peoples.
The introduction of initiatives such as National Indigenous Television (NITV), launched by SBS in 2012, represents a significant step towards enhancing Indigenous representation in media. NITV is described as “a channel made by, for and about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” providing a platform for Indigenous voices to be heard and celebrated. This initiative has garnered positive responses from both Indigenous communities and broader audiences seeking authentic representations of Aboriginal culture.
Despite these advancements, challenges remain. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has faced criticism for its handling of Indigenous issues in its reporting. While there have been improvements in representation—such as the inclusion of prominent Indigenous journalists like Tony Armstrong—there is still a need for greater depth and authenticity in storytelling. Critics argue that many mainstream media outlets continue to rely on surface-level inclusion, failing to address the complexities and nuances of Indigenous experiences.
The media policy landscape also plays a crucial role in shaping representation. The Australian government has recognized the importance of promoting diversity within the media sector through various initiatives aimed at increasing opportunities for underrepresented groups. However, critics argue that these policies often lack enforceability and do not adequately address systemic discrimination within the industry.
The reasons behind this historical discrimination are multifaceted.
First, there are simply too few people from different cultural backgrounds in newsrooms across Australia.
According to Census 2021, only about 9% of journalists are from a non-Anglo or non-European background. A study that analysed 103 news programs over two weeks in June 2022 found 78% of presenters, commentators and reporters had an Anglo-Celtic background.
Second, competing news values often push diversity down the priority list.
The legacy of colonization has created a cultural climate where non-Indigenous narratives dominate public discourse. This power imbalance is further exacerbated by economic disparities that limit access to resources for Indigenous filmmakers and storytellers. As a result, many talented individuals within Indigenous communities face significant barriers when attempting to enter the media industry.
According to a research published in ‘The Conversation’ Journalists are generally critical of the state of diversity in the industry. Only 30% of journalists say there is enough ethnic or cultural diversity in their news organisation. Around one in ten say they have experienced discrimination based on their ethnic or cultural background, and 47% of women journalists say they have experienced discrimination because of their gender. Only around half say their news organisation is doing a good job of producing news content for ethnically diverse audiences.
Despite these challenges, there is hope for change as more Indigenous creatives gain visibility and recognition within mainstream entertainment. Filmmakers like Warwick Thornton and Rachel Perkins have made significant contributions to Australian cinema, crafting compelling narratives that challenge stereotypes and highlight the richness of Aboriginal culture. Their success serves as an inspiration for emerging artists seeking to tell their own stories.
Furthermore, social media has emerged as a powerful tool for Indigenous peoples to share their narratives outside traditional media channels. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok allow individuals to bypass gatekeepers and present their stories directly to audiences. This shift represents a democratization of storytelling, enabling First Nations peoples to reclaim their narratives in ways that resonate with contemporary audiences.
In terms of employment within Australian media, recent statistics indicate that around 55.5% of individuals working in television are women, while approximately 15% identify as being from culturally diverse backgrounds. However, specific data on how many individuals are directly involved in electronic versus print media remains limited. Historically, print media dominated until the rise of digital platforms reshaped consumption patterns; today’s landscape is characterized by an interplay between traditional journalism and new media formats.
While there has been progress towards increasing diverse representation in Australian media—particularly regarding Indigenous stories—the journey towards genuine inclusivity remains ongoing. The voices of First Nations peoples must be prioritized not only in terms of quantity but also quality; authentic representation requires meaningful engagement with communities and an acknowledgment of their lived experiences. As Australia continues to grapple with its colonial past and seeks reconciliation with its First Nations peoples, fostering an inclusive media environment will be essential for shaping a more equitable future.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.
