NITV’s flagship current affairs program Living Black returns tonight, marking 23 years on air as Australia’s longest running Indigenous current affairs series.
Hosted by Karla Grant, Living Black returns with a new season of in depth reporting, opening with a conversation with Richard Frankland reflecting on decades since the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody.
Supplied:
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NITV’s two cornerstone Indigenous current affairs programs, Living Black and The Point, are set to return to screens in April and May, bringing bold, insightful, and essential storytelling that continues to shape the national conversation.
Premiering on Monday April 20, Living Black returns with 14 brand new episodes, marking an extraordinary milestone as Australia’s longest-running Indigenous current affairs television program and celebrating 23 years on air. Hosted by Walkley Award-winning journalist, producer and presenter, proud Western Arrernte woman Karla Grant, the program continues its legacy of powerful, in-depth investigations and compelling conversations.
Karla Grant sits down with Richard Frankland in the season premiere of Living Black (image – supplied)
Karla Grant: A Legacy of Storytelling
Since its inception in 2002, Karla Grant has been the driving force behind Living Black, both in front of and behind the camera. A prolific journalist, she sits down with inspiring and influential figures from across Australia and around the world, exploring the issues that matter most to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Renowned for its integrity and impact, Living Black delivers timely, intelligent and comprehensive coverage—told through a distinct First Nations lens.
Living Black host, Karla Grant, said:
“Living Black remains dedicated to elevating the voices and experiences of our communities, with a continued focus on storytelling that resonates and empowers.”
“This season highlights the strength, resilience and achievements within our communities while also reflecting on our history through milestone episodes and turning a critical eye toward the future with in-depth investigations.”
“I’m excited to bring audiences across the country another compelling season of incisive and culturally grounded storytelling.”
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New Season Highlights
Season 33 will continue to shine a spotlight on critical national issues including investigations into how police access commercial DNA ancestry databases to find criminal suspects; how music therapy is being used to rehabilitate Western Australian youth in and out of WA detention centres; and in a series of in-depth interviews, Karla talks to inspiring First Nations leaders about how they’re working to change the nation one day at a time.
Audiences can expect powerful investigations and deeply personal conversations with some of the most iconic and prominent First Nations voices.
Episode 1 synopsis:
Richard Frankland: Truth Teller – Monday April 20 at 8:30pm on NITV and SBS On Demand
When the 1991 Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody report was tabled, storyteller Richard Frankland hoped lasting change would come. 35 years later Richard discusses why it still hasn’t.
Episode 2 synopsis;
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Rachael Maza: A Life in Theatre – Monday April 27 at 8:30pm on NITV and SBS On Demand
Rachael Maza is one of Australia’s most enduring and compelling First Nations storytellers. Having departed the Ilbijerri Theatre Company, she shares what’s next in her remarkable career.
Episode 3 synopsis:
Beats Beyond Bars – Monday May 4 at 8:30pm on NITV and SBS On Demand
Karla Grant travels to Western Australia to meet the rappers behind ‘Banksia Beats’ – the innovative program run by artists Flewnt MC, Optamus and Tehiiri,- a hip-hop therapy program that’s helping young detainees at Banksia Hill and Unit 18 find their voice through rap.
Episode 4 synopsis;
Katie Kiss: Human Rights Champion – Monday May 11 at 8:30pm on NITV and SBS On Demand
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, Katie Kiss, talks with Karla Grant about why the fight for Indigenous Human Rights matters now more than ever before.
Natalie Ahmat, NITV’s Head of Indigenous News and Current Affairs, says Living Black remains a vital platform for First Nations voices (image – NITV)
Proud Mudburra and Wagadagam woman, and NITV’s Head of Indigenous News and Current Affairs, Natalie Ahmat, said:
“Living Black and The Point continue to stand as trusted spaces for First Nations voices – a forum where Indigenous stories are told with integrity, depth and purpose.”
“We take real pride in telling our communities’ stories, and in ensuring our mobs voices are not only seen and heard, but central to the national conversation.”
Living Black premieres on National Indigenous Television (NITV) on Monday April 20 at 8:30pm, while The Point returns on Tuesday May 26 at 7:30pm, and encores on SBS after SBS World News Late.
All episodes of both programs will be available to stream free on SBS On Demand.
The new season of Living Black premieres tonight, Monday 20 April at 8.30pm on NITV, with episodes also available to stream on SBS On Demand.
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