With the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum looming on 14 October, Australian broadcasters SBS and NITV are ramping up their content slate, aiming to provide Australians with comprehensive coverage, analysis, and insight into the pivotal event.
Kicking off tonight, The Point: Referendum Road Trip airs a special episode titled Your Referendum Questions Answered. A live studio audience will engage with a panel featuring Rachel Perkins (Co-Chair, Yes23), Tarneen Onus-Williams (Warriors of Aboriginal Resistance), Amar Singh (President, Turbans 4 Australia) and Shirleen Campbell (Tangentyere Women’s Family Safety Group). The episode airs at 7.30pm on both channels.
In tandem, a compelling documentary, Our Voice, Our Heart, takes centre stage at 8.30pm on NITV and SBS On Demand. The documentary captures the journey of two First Nations men from Darwin as they engage with various communities and Elders, seeking deeper understanding about the forthcoming referendum.
On the day of the referendum, viewers can tune into The Point: Australia Decides at 7.30pm for real-time updates. The special will offer a bird’s-eye view of the referendum’s 36,000km road trip, as well as on-the-spot analysis of the vote count. SBS World News is set to bolster the coverage, simulcasting at 6.30pm and 9.30pm, with Anton Enus and Natalie Ahmat at the helm. On the digital front, rolling coverage will be available throughout the day on SBS News.
For music enthusiasts, Sounds of Solidarity debuts at 12.30pm on 14 October on NITV. This six-hour music bonanza, in collaboration with Triple A Murri Country, will feature iconic tracks from the likes of Yothu Yindi, Warumpi Band, Christine Anu and emerging artists like BAARKA and King Stingray, interspersed with the day’s news.
“October 14 represents a critical moment in Australia’s history, and across the SBS network we’re focused on ensuring all Australians have the information they need before they vote – whatever you decide, be sure you’re making an informed decision,” remarked Tanya Denning-Orman, Director of Indigenous Content at SBS.
The pre-referendum programming line-up also includes Insight, hosted by award-winning journalist Karla Grant, set to air on Tuesday 10 October at 8.30pm, which will probe personal opinions of a variety of Australians regarding the vote. SBS News in Arabic will host a special program, while SBS Audio will explore perspectives from multicultural communities, aiming to broadcast in over 60 languages.
Post-referendum, Living Black will delve into the history and significance of the referendum on Monday 16 October. The Point will subsequently air episodes on 17 and 24 October, discussing the aftermath of the vote and its broader implications for the First Nations communities.
For more information and comprehensive coverage, audiences are encouraged to visit the dedicated SBS Voice Referendum portal at sbs.com.au/VoiceReferendum.
STUFF THE VOICE.
Errol Sullivan agree what has he done for Australia from day one when he cheated his gov into parliament absolutely nothing claims he is working on the cost of living oh yes he is it increases every day.
Where have all the millions gone that were paid to the indigenous peoples.we don’t want a cash less society,and now he wants to take everything you have so he can control the country his way
VOTE NO. NO
Brian Tomlinson My sentiments exactly.
Vote NO to the voice
Vote no
no no no