Does the media fail Aboriginal political aspirations? 45 years of news media reporting of key political moments

Aboriginal voices can positively influence the negativity that has characterised the mainstream media’s reporting of the most significant issues including recognition, human rights, wellbeing, housing, jobs, education and food on the table.

As the fourth pillar of our democracy, media play a central role in providing the public with information, creating awareness and reinforces deeper narratives, values and beliefs about Aboriginal peoples. 

Media provide the conditions that support or hinder open, respectful and well-informed discussions about agreement-making with Aboriginal communities. The individuals and institutions that government seeks advice from including ministers, public officials, industry bodies and researchers are not immune to discourses.

This research, undertaken in partnership with the University of Technology, Sydney examines key national and NSW media events over the last 45 years from the 1972 Larrakia petition, to the 2017 Uluru Statement from the Heart. 

The analysis exposes how the media frames stories, develops discourses, and supports deeper historical narratives that corrode and undermine the intent and urgency of Aboriginal aspirations, through approaches ranging from sympathetic stalling to patronising parodies. 

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Does the media fail Aboriginal political aspirations? 45 years of news media reporting of key political moments is also available for purchase via the AIATSIS online store .