NGAARDA TV LAUNCHES TODAY: A NEW ERA FOR FIRST NATIONS MEDIA
BY ASAD KHAN
A Historic Milestone
Ngaarda Media is making history today with the official launch of Ngaarda TV at 4:00 p.m. AWST.
The new channel will be available to audiences via www.ngaardatv.com.au, as well as through the app store on Android and Apple devices.
Viewers with compatible smart TVs that support Google apps will also be able to access the service
“A Tool for Us Ngaarda to Showcase Who We Are”
Chairperson Lorraine Coppin described Ngaarda TV as a powerful platform for representation.
“It’s a tool for us Ngaarda to showcase who we are,” Ms Coppin said.
Chief Editorial Officer Tangiora Hinaki emphasised the cultural importance of the launch.
“It’s about closing the gap in regards to seeing First Nation WA stories being shared across the nation and the world,” she said.
“Ngaarda Media is helping to close that gap with a dedicated First Nations WA current affairs program.”
Building a Strong Current Affairs Presence
Ngaarda Media’s Head of Programming, Andrew Sharps, appeared on The Couch in Ellenbrook, alongside Neesha Seth and host Fred Mafrica.
The Couch is an entertainment show produced in WA and can be seen Mondays at 6.30pm with an extended version on Fridays at 9pm.
He highlighted the network’s commitment to in-depth Indigenous storytelling.
“We’re very strong with news and current affairs. In Roebourne we have a team producing a half-hour show fortnightly called First Nations Reports, focusing largely on Indigenous stories from across WA,” he said.
“The team has already been in Bunbury and Perth, and they’re planning a visit to Kalgoorlie soon.”
Collaboration for Solutions-Based Storytelling
Ngaarda TV is also partnering with Kuditj and Ken Jennings, General Manager of Kuditj at Noongar Radio 100.9FM discusssed with Ngaarda Media, Noongar Radio’s podcast series which focuses on solutions for Indigenous communities.
“The first episode is called What Is It Like to Be You? — about balancing culture with urban life,” Jennings said.
“We also can’t ignore the justice system, but rather than just highlighting negatives, our six-part series will focus on solutions.”
Weekly Programming Highlights (22–28 September 2025)
Ngaarda TV offers a mix of news, culture, and entertainment designed to amplify Indigenous voices while engaging a broad audience:
WAMN Evening News — Monday 5:15 pm (once a week)
It Starts With Community — Monday 4:00 pm (one-off this week)
Red Country Music Festival — Tuesday 7:30 pm and Friday 7:00 pm (one-off broadcasts this week)
Men from the Red Earth — Saturday 10:05 pm (one-off this week)
The Couch — Monday 6:30 pm; Director’s Cut Friday 9:00 pm
Democracy Now! — Weeknights 11:00 pm (same-day feed from the US)
A Platform for First Nations Voices
With the launch of Ngaarda TV, Ngaarda Media is expanding its long-standing commitment to broadcasting First Nations perspectives.
The service aims to provide not just news, but also a forum for dialogue, creativity, and solutions that reflect the realities and strengths of Indigenous communities in Western Australia and beyond.