National Indigenous Television (NITV) has announced the appointment of Mudburra and Wagadagam woman, Natalie Ahmat, as it’s Head of Indigenous News and Current Affairs.
In the role, the award-winning journalist, producer and presenter leads the editorial direction and oversees the output of NITV’s distinctive daily news, its current affairs line-up including weekly show The Point and the long-running Living Black, and news coverage of special events.
Natalie joined NITV in 2008 as a member of its inaugural news team and has been at the forefront of reporting news and events from a First Nations perspective in the Australian media. As the long-time anchor of NITV News, Australia’s only dedicated First Nations national news bulletin, and weekly news review program show Nula, Natalie has reported and broadcast from communities across the continent for more than 15 years.
She has also presented live coverage of a range of significant national events, including NITV’s rolling coverage on January 26 each year, and from on the ground in northeast Arnhem Land for the annual Garma Festival, in addition to her extensive work behind the camera as a producer and senior member of NITV’s news and current affairs team.
General Manager of NITV, Peter Noble, a Girramary and Bandjin man, said: “Nat is one of Australia’s most experienced Indigenous affairs journalists, trusted by communities to tell their stories. She’s passionate about exploring issues through a First Nations lens and embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into the stories that matter for all Australians. Her determination and dedication to the work she does is underpinned by a wonderful warmth that sees her connect with people in a unique way, whether on Country, on screen, or in the newsroom. We’re thrilled to have Nat leading the team, and at such an important time in the national conversation.”
On her appointment, Natalie added: “NITV’s news and current affairs play a vital role in providing a platform for First Nations voices to be heard. There are so many wonderful stories of the people and places of this country that we have unique access to and are privileged to share, along with the trust of communities to shine a light on issues and explore them with nuance and understanding, unlike any other broadcast. I’m proud to have the opportunity to work with the incredibly talented news and current affairs team at NITV, as we continue to amplify and elevate these stories, at a time when we know the importance of ensuring Australians are listening.”
Natalie will continue to maintain an on-air presence on Nula and across special events coverage.