Indigenous media researchers are conducting yarning sessions in various communities. Photo: Indigenous media research.
Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) residents are invited to take part in a nationwide study on Indigenous media usage and access.
Funded by the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA), a team of independent researchers are visiting 20 First Nations communities across the country to conduct yarning sessions.
Over the course of six months, researchers are asking questions about m
Participants are asked about how they access their media content. Photo: Indigenous media research.
edia type preferences and challenges surrounding access, which will then be presented to the NIAA.
“We want to know more about it so that we can go back to the NIAA with a substantial report and say this is what people want in these areas, this is what they have and this is what’s missing,” Griffith University researcher Susan de Groot Heupner said.
“The main aim of the research is to push for funding to be directed in the areas where people want it.”
Participants will engage in an unstructured but guided discussion on what they use to access media, whether they rely on traditional forms of media or are moving towards newer forms, and what issues they come across when accessing media.
“For example, if they’re relying on their phone for all of their media consumption, what is the state of internet in certain areas?” she said.
Ms de Groot Heupner said taking an Indigenous methodology approach is crucial in understanding what communities need.
A nationwide survey has also been rolled out, but findings from the yarning session will add much needed information that the survey can’t provide.
“It doesn’t really tell you, especially in remote and regional areas, what Indigenous media or any kind of media means to Indigenous people, hence why we are going out into the field and talking to people,” she said.
Ms de Groot Heupner encouraged any residents interested in participating to register by texting 0403 672 414.
“If people are not able to come at the set time, we can also have one-on-one conversations because for us, it’s more important that people get their say,” she said.
The session will be held on Tuesday, December 12 from 3pm to 5pm at the New Mapoon Hall. There will be a light dinner and participants will receive a $20 IBIS voucher for their time.
