Indigneous Advancement and Closing the Gap

The National Indigenous Radio Service (NIRS) is one of the largest and most diverse radio broadcasting networks in Australia.  Even given this fact, our service can’t meet be all things to our stakeholders becuase of scarcity of resources, however NIRS seeks to maintain and build strong foundations for the ongoing essential service delivery into the foreseeable future for the main objective and key purpose of Closing the Gap between First Nations People and mainstream Australia.

NIRS offers a significant alternative to mainstream media which is a niche service specifically designed, produced and delivered for First Nations Peoples.  NIRS also delivers to all Australians our unique service and provide opportunities for First Australian Broadcasters to distribute their programs into broader markets - this to be achieved via Optus Digital / VAST and the National Broadband Network. Our Strategic Plans sets out a blueprint for innovative approaches through NIRS Online, social media and broadband to leverage convergence for getting the all important Closing the Gap message out through First Nations Broadcasting Services.

Our Strategic Business Plan also commits NIRS to innovative means informing, enlightening and entertaining all Australians,  building shared identity, providing a means for two way commentary and fostering conversation via our metro, regional and remote broadcast and online services.  NIRS seeks to perform a lead role in this to genuinely encourage engagement between all peoples of this nation.

The National Indigenous Radio Service remains unique because: -

• it's the only national service operated by the Indigenous-broadcasting sector. There are a number of other networks within the Indigenous-broadcasting network but these are all operated on a regional basis and each in turn access the NIRS network;

• our owners are First Nations Broadcasters who operate across the nation to ensure all First Nations Peoples interests are represented in all areas from a grass roots level;

• it is the only service providing programs by and for First Nations Broadcasters no matter their location via satellite. This inlcudes stations in metropolitan, regional and remotes areas and via the Internet.

• doesn't discriminate when it comes to service provision. All Indigenous stations are offered service at no cost regardless of their membership status to NIRS. Our news service is also offered and is taken by many mainstream stations.

• offers a range of services beyond the usual provision of programs including marketing suypport, news, technical support and training.

NIRS seeks to facilitate these objectives and apply innovate strategies for the exchange of ideas that facilitate First Nations community capacity building as well as the sharing of dreams, aspirations, celebrations, respect for heritage and our cultures.