National Indigenous Times celebrates 20 years and new era of national syndication

Jarred Cross Published November 30, 2022 at 11.45pm (AWST)

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image: National Indigenous Times

The syndication of the National Indigenous Times in every state and territory is a landmark for First Nations voices and representation, Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney said on Tuesday.

The 100% Indigenous-owned news outlet celebrated its 20th anniversary and first nationally syndicated print edition with a gathering at Parliament House in Canberra.

Standing alongside Minister Burney in the Senate courtyard were a number of legislators including shadow minister for Indigenous Australians Julian Leeser, Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, Senator Lidia Thorpe, Senator Dorinda Cox, Senator Sue Lines, Ed Husic, Gordon Reid, Patrick Gorman and Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland.

left to right: NIT Co-owner and executive chairman Wayne Bergmann, Communications Minister Michell Rowlans, NIT Chief Operations Officer Reece Harley and NIT Partnerships and Relationships Director Scott Rochford at Parliament House, November 28, 2022.

Corporate partners, supporters and familiar faces, often voices called upon in stories and features, also joined in attendance.

A new website, greater profile, and partnerships with major media outlets around the country have delivered the opportunity for independent Indigenous media to reach new heights.

NIT's national-wide monthly print publication has been made possible through partnerships with Seven West Media, News Corporation, and Australian Community Media.

Commencing Tuesday and Wednesday, the NIT reaches audiences across the country as an insert published within The West Australian, The Daily Telegraph, Canberra Times, the Courier-Mail, The Advertiser, NT News, the Herald Sun and The Mercury.

Left to right: Business Managing Editor Zak Kirkup, Chief Operations Officer Reece Harley, Acting Editor Giovanni Torre, Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney, Lifestyle Managing Editor Shannon McGuire, Co-owner and executive chairman Wayne Bergmann, Co-owner and Managing Director Clinton Wolf and journalist Jarred Cross. image: National Indigenous Times

"20 years is extraordinary," Minister Burney said.

"I think that needs to be very much celebrated, and (NIT should) know that you really do hold a very special place in the media landscape in this country.

"But not just the media landscape, in our hearts and minds as First Peoples, because you take out the story of First Peoples and you share it with the rest of the community."

Wiradjir-yemba lawyer Dr Virgina Marshall, who lives in Bowral, is excited about expansion into parts of Australia previously unseen.

Ms Marshall has long served as an Indigenous voice on a grand scale, most recently travelling to COP27 in Egypt, and said it is vital that the concerns of Australia's First Peoples are voiced in the media landscape.

"Having an ownership with our press is really critical," she said.