During the early 1980s the Warlpiri at Yuendemu, a remote Aboriginal community in
Central Australia, began their own experiments in local television and radio production.
This was prior to the launch of the AUSSAT satellite in 1985 which brought broadcast
television and radio to remote Australia for the first time. There was concern amongst
remote Aboriginal communities, as well as policy makers, that the imposition of mass
media without consultation could result in permanent damage to Aboriginal culture and
language. As a result, a policy review 'Out of the Silent Land' was published in 1985 and
from that developed the Broadcasting in Remote Aboriginal Communities Scheme
(BRACS) which allowed communities to receive radio and television from the satellite.
BRACS also provided the option to turn off mainstream media and insert locally
produced material.
This study of the Warlpiri at Yuendemu has found that, since the original experiments,
they have enthusiastically used modern communication technology including radio, video
making, locally produced television, and, more recently, on-line services. The Warlpiri
have adapted rather than adopted the new technology. That is they have used modern
communications technology within existing cultural patterns to strengthen their language
and culture rather than to replace traditional practices and social structures. The Warlpiri
Media Association has inspired other remote broadcasters and is now one of eight remote
media networks that link to form a national network via the National Indigenous Media
Association of Australia.
The Warlpiri have actively adapted modern communication technology because it is to
their advantage. The new technology has been used to preserve culture and language, to
restore, and possibly improve, traditional communications and to provide employment
and other opportunities for earning income. It appeals to all age groups, especially the
elders who have retained control over broadcasts and it also provides entertainment.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/218804 |
| Date | January 2000 |
| Creators | Buchtmann, Lydia, n/a |
| Publisher | University of Canberra. Professional Communication |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | ), Copyright Lydia Buchtmann |
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