Australia’s NITV shakes up commissioning team to boost First Nations content

L-R: Dena Curtis, Cieron Cody and Joseph Meldrum

Australia’s indigenous channel NITV has revamped its commissioning team with three new appointments.

The channel, which is part of the SBS network, has named seasoned producer, writer and director Dena Curtis as the new head of indigenous commissioning and production, starting in November.

Curtis will lead NITV’s content production and development across its slate of original commissions, internal productions and digital content.

Joining the broadcaster from her indie production house Inkey Media, Curtis’s career has included a previous stint at NITV as well as time at the ABC and Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association.

Her credits include NITV children’s series Grace Beside Me and Thalu, documentary collection Rebel with a Cause, ABC series First Weapons and narrative comedy series 8MMM Aboriginal Radio, and AMC’s Firebite.

The new team also includes returning NITV executive Cieron Cody as senior commissioning editor. Cody rejoins the broadcaster after four years with Screen Australia’s documentary unit.

Additionally, writer, director, producer and production executive Joseph Meldrum has been appointed commissioning editor. Meldrum has been promoted from his current role of content assessor. Prior to NITV, Meldrum worked in Screen Australia’s First Nations Department, Screen Queensland and across the wider media industry internationally.

Jason Oakley, acting director of Indigenous Content at SBS and NITV, said: “As NITV continues its growth, we’re excited to continue our trajectory in investing more in distinctive, award-winning First Nations stories with wide appeal and meaningful impact.”