NITV’s Flagship Current Affairs Programs LIVING BLACK & THE POINT return in 2026 To Lead The National Conversation – NITV’s two cornerstone Indigenous current affairs programs, Living Black and The Point, are set to return to screens in April and May, bringing bold, insightful, and essential storytelling that continues to shape the national conversation.
NITV’s Flagship Current Affairs Programs Return
Living Black will return to National Indigenous Television (NITV) on Monday April 20 at 8:30pm, while The Point returns on Tuesday May 26 at 7:30pm. All episodes will be available on SBS On Demand.
LIVING BLACK Returns – Celebrating 23 Years of Impact
Premiering on Monday April 20, Living Black returns with 14 brand new episodes, marking an extraordinary milestone as Australia’s longest-running Indigenous current affairs television program and celebrating 23 years on air. Hosted by Walkley Award-winning journalist, producer and presenter, proud Western Arrernte woman Karla Grant, the program continues its legacy of powerful, in-depth investigations and compelling conversations.
Karla Grant: A Legacy of Storytelling
Since its inception in 2002, Karla Grant has been the driving force behind Living Black, both in front of and behind the camera. A prolific journalist, she sits down with inspiring and influential figures from across Australia and around the world, exploring the issues that matter most to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Renowned for its integrity and impact, Living Black delivers timely, intelligent and comprehensive coverage—told through a distinct First Nations lens.
Living Black host, Karla Grant, said:
“Living Black remains dedicated to elevating the voices and experiences of our communities, with a continued focus on storytelling that resonates and empowers. This season highlights the strength, resilience and achievements within our communities while also reflecting on our history through milestone episodes and turning a critical eye toward the future with in-depth investigations.
I’m excited to bring audiences across the country another compelling season of incisive and culturally grounded storytelling.”
New Season Highlights
Season 33 will continue to shine a spotlight on critical national issues including investigations into how police access commercial DNA ancestry databases to find criminal suspects; how music therapy is being used to rehabilitate Western Australian youth in and out of WA detention centres; and in a series of in-depth interviews, Karla talks to inspiring First Nations leaders about how they’re working to change the nation one day at a time. Audiences can expect powerful investigations and deeply personal conversations with some of the most iconic and prominent First Nations voices.
Episode 1 synopsis:
Richard Frankland: Truth Teller – Monday April 20 at 8:30pm on NITV and SBS On Demand
When the 1991 Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody report was tabled, storyteller Richard Frankland hoped lasting change would come. 35 years later Richard discusses why it still hasn’t.
Episode 2 synopsis;
Rachael Maza: A Life in Theatre – Monday April 27 at 8:30pm on NITV and SBS On Demand
Rachael Maza is one of Australia’s most enduring and compelling First Nations storytellers. Having departed the Ilbijerri Theatre Company, she shares what’s next in her remarkable career.
Episode 3 synopsis:
Beats Beyond Bars – Monday May 4 at 8:30pm on NITV and SBS On Demand
Karla Grant travels to Western Australia to meet the rappers behind ‘Banksia Beats’ – the innovative program run by artists Flewnt MC, Optamus and Tehiiri,- a hip-hop therapy program that’s helping young detainees at Banksia Hill and Unit 18 find their voice through rap.
Episode 4 synopsis;
Katie Kiss: Human Rights Champion – Monday May 11 at 8:30pm on NITV and SBS On Demand
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, Katie Kiss, talks with Karla Grant about why the fight for Indigenous Human Rights matters now more than ever before.
THE POINT Returns with Agenda-Setting Conversations
Joining the lineup from Tuesday May 26, The Point is hosted by proud Wuthathi and Meriam man John Paul Janke. Now in its 11th year, The Point enters a new season of sharp, agenda-setting conversations focused on the biggest stories of the week, filmed on Country and in-studio.
John Paul Janke: Leading the National Conversation
As both the National Indigenous Affairs Editor at SBS and NITV, and host of The Point for the past eight seasons, JP brings authority, depth and a strong commitment to amplifying First Nations perspectives.
Each week, The Point invites direct conversations with decision-makers and community leaders, tackling the issues that matter most to Indigenous Australians, while advocating for greater awareness and celebration of the rich histories and diverse cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Host of The Point and National Indigenous Affairs Editor, John Paul Janke said:
“I’m proud to be part of another timely season of The Point, as we head out across the country to centre the voices of community. Creating space for local people to speak on a national stage remains vital, and this season takes us back into places we haven’t visited in some time — allowing us to connect with more mob than ever before.
At a time when inequity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians persists, The Point plays an important role in informing audiences and deepening understanding of First Nations perspectives across the country.”
New Season Highlights
This season sees The Point on the Road in Melbourne, Wagga Wagga and the NSW South Coast to talk racism, youth justice and the ongoing battles for land and sea rights.
Episode 1 synopsis:
The Ugly Side of Australia – Tuesday May 26, 7:30pm on NITV and SBS On Demand
With incidents of racism and negative stereotyping at record levels and First Nations protestors targeted in violent attacks the Point is on the road in Melbourne to meet those who are taking a stand.
Episode 2 synopsis;
Racism Is The New Black – Tuesday June 2, 7:30pm on NITV and SBS On Demand
As public debate becomes more polarised and tensions boil over online, in parliament and on our streets, this special National Reconciliation Week episode of The Point asks why racism is suddenly back in fashion and what it means for the country’s future.
Episode 3 synopsis:
No Time For Kids – Tuesday June 9, 7:30pm on NITV and SBS On Demand
With increasing numbers of Aboriginal youth behind bars, The Point is in Wagga Wagga to see how early intervention can create a brighter future.
Episode 4 synopsis;
Sisters Inside And Out – Tuesday June 16, 7:30pm on NITV and SBS On Demand
With First Nations women now the fastest growing prison population, The Point examines the impact of mothers, daughters and sisters behind bars.
Brand new Point Taken Podcast From April
Launching in April, the all-new Point Taken podcast will deliver weekly conversations with First Nations changemakers shaping the future. Get a weekly dose of The Point through your favourite platform as JP sits down for a yarn with the thought leaders and influencers who are shaping the future for Indigenous Australians.
A Continued Commitment to First Nations Voices
Together, Living Black and The Point reaffirm NITV’s commitment to First Nations storytelling—offering audiences across Australia unparalleled access to the stories, voices and perspectives that matter.
Proud Mudburra and Wagadagam woman, and NITV’s Head of Indigenous News and Current Affairs, Natalie Ahmat, said:
“Living Black and The Point continue to stand as trusted spaces for First Nations voices – a forum where Indigenous stories are told with integrity, depth and purpose. We take real pride in telling our communities’ stories, and in ensuring our mobs voices are not only seen and heard, but central to the national conversation.”
Watch It First on NITV
Living Black premieres on National Indigenous Television (NITV) on Monday April 20 at 8:30pm, while The Point returns on Tuesday May 26 at 7:30pm, and encores on SBS after SBS World News Late.
All episodes of both programs will be available to stream free on SBS On Demand.
Media Release – NITV
TV Central NITV content HERE
NITV’s Flagship Current Affairs Programs LIVING BLACK & THE POINT return in 2026 To Lead The National Conversation
