Code 7 – First Nations Engagement and Programming

This Code is from the Community Radio Broadcasting Codes of Practice (2025) and goes into effect on 1 July 2025. For information about the current Codes of Practice visit https://www.cbaa.org.au/community-broadcasting/codes-of-practice-current.

CODE

7.1 We will demonstrate respect and cultural sensitivity for First Nations cultures, languages, histories, knowledge, rights, and experiences in our work and in all programs broadcast.

7.2 We will strengthen relationships with local First Nations people and organisations.

7.3 We will include First Nations people or organisations in the planning and production of content about or affecting First Nations peoples, and seek advice on:

a) using appropriate language, preferred terminology, and correct pronunciation;

b) observing cultural protocols;

c) respecting bereavement practices in content about people who have recently died; and

d) ensuring the consideration of regional differences in protocols, practices, experiences, and perspectives of First Nations communities.

7.4 We will prioritise First Nations voices when reporting on or discussing First Nations issues.

7.5 We seize opportunities to celebrate First Nations peoples and stories recognising the important role community media plays in truth-telling and reconciliation.

GUIDANCE NOTE FOR CODE 7 - FOR FIRST NATIONS ENGAGEMENT AND PROGRAMMING

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia have different protocols, practices, experiences, and perspectives. Recognising the diversity of First Nations communities, this resource provides general advice on demonstrating respect and cultural sensitivity for First Nations cultures, histories, knowledge, rights, and experiences in our work.

A licensee can demonstrate compliance with the Code by making a record of their actions towards complying with this provision. This will assist a licensee to demonstrate their actions in the event a complaint is made against a provision in this code.

The kinds of actions stations should be taking to meet their obligations under Code 7 include:

Encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to be part of the station

Build relationships with local First Nations organisations, groups and businesses

Include an Acknowledgement of Country or Welcome to Country where appropriate

Talk to appropriate people from the First Nations community in the relevant area before broadcasting programs about or affecting local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in that area. An appropriate person may be a person with a particular attribute or education or knowledge or in good standing within the community or accreditation of some kind

Check how people would like to be referred to and the correct pronunciation of names and any words in language

Cover a range of First Nations opinions and perspectives

Make sure to observe cultural protocols around using the names or voices of people who have died

Consider how the representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in our programs might impact First Nations communities

Some ideas for building and strengthening ties with First Nations communities in your area include:

Attend First Nations events

Reach out to First Nations organisations

Partner with sports clubs, festivals and schools

Involve First Nations representatives in your programs, getting young people involved can encourage participation from their families

Support First Nations businesses (eg. via Supply Nation)

Check whether anyone at the stations has connections to First Nations people in the local community who they might be able to bring along

Make the station feel welcoming (e.g. by airing First Nation’s stories and music, think about what goes up on the walls of the station, on the website and social media).

Community radio reaches approximately 5 million people across Australia. It is important that we consider the way that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are represented by our stations. The representation of First Nations stories in the media shapes perspectives on First Nations issues by the wider Australian population. It affects the relationship between non-Indigenous people and First Nations people, and it can strongly impact the way that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people see themselves.

Community media can work against negative portrayals of First Nations people that have dominated mainstream media by:

Giving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people the opportunity to provide their perspectives on air

Making sure newsrooms balance negative First Nations stories with positive stories celebrating First Nations achievements and current affairs

Seeking out opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to participate in programs, not only about First Nations issues

For a better understanding of the impacts of representing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, communities and stories see: Closing the Gap and First Nations Peoples Representation in the Media

When station activities may impact First Nations communities it is important to consult with First Nations people at the station and in the community. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are made up of many different groups with different cultures and cultural protocol and different views and values. The practices of one community might be a bit different from another just thirty minutes down the road from each other. Therefore, when making a program with content about a First Nations community, it is important to consult with Aboriginal and Torres Strait people and Elders from the community concerned.

When referring to First Nations peoples, it is important to consider what language to use. Different people will have a different preference and some people may not like some terms. The most commonly used terms are “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander”, “First Nations”, “First Peoples” and “Indigenous”. Some people may prefer to be introduced by where they are from e.g ‘Leah is a Goa-Gunggari-Wakka Wakka Murri woman’. It is best to ask the individual, group or community you are talking about what their preference is. Make sure to check the pronunciation of any words you are not sure about.

First Nations communities have cultural protocols that it is important to observe. In many communities there are protocols around using the name and voice of a person for a period after that person has died. This can include the music of someone who has died. It may be appropriate to include a warning if a name or voice is going to be used. Where appropriate, your station should incorporate an Acknowledgement of Country and Welcome to Country into broadcasts, meetings and events. Protocols for welcoming visitors to Country are an important part of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

DOCUMENTS AND RESOURCES

Guidance Note for Code 7 – For First Nations engagement and programming

Need Help?

If you have any questions or want to continue the conversation, the CBAA can connect you with stations who can share from their experience. Get in touch via (02) 9310 2999 (9am - 5pm AEST Monday to Friday) or email us at [email protected]

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