Doubts over future of The National Indigenous Radio Service as funding dries up

The National Indigenous Radio Service may be forced off air after 25-plus years as funding dries up, with a call for help to the AFL left unanswered.

Former AFL footballer and broadcaster Andrew Krakouer. Picture: Supplied

An Indigenous footy radio broadcast station may be forced to hang up the microphone just days out from round one after a call for help to the AFL was left unanswered.

The National Indigenous Radio Service broadcasts AFL matches into remote Indigenous communities around the country, with the station made up of almost entirely Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander commentators.

The station, who have hosted talent such as Gilbert McAdam, Andrew Krakouer, Nathan Lovett-Murray and Peter Keenan may not go to air this season after over 25 years of broadcasting after a lack of sponsorship and funding made it almost impossible to operate this season.

Hawks head coach Alastair Clarkson meets First Nations broadcaster Gilbert McAdam. Picture: AAP Image

On Tuesday evening, the AFL said they were still expecting the station to be calling Thursday’s Richmond v Carlton clash, claiming to be finalising funding for the station at the 11th-hour.

The broadcaster had found it difficult attracting sponsors and funding, resorting to asking the AFL for financial support or advice for obtaining sponsors.

Triple-premiership Lion Chris Johnson, who made his commentary debut on the NIRS and will make special comments on Triple M this season, said it was a “shame” that the station’s future was extremely unlikely.

“For something that has given a platform for Aboriginal past players (to commentate) … it’s a shame to see it go,” he told the Herald Sun.

ABC sports presenter Tony Armstrong cut his teeth in broadcast radio with the Fisrt Nations station. Picture: Jason Edwards

“If you look at some of the guys who have come along on the team it’s been quite significant in terms of their development and their ability to get their voices on mainstream radio.

“You’ve got Gilbert McAdam, Tony Armstrong who followed on and has done wonderful things, without that platform we would never have heard from Tony Armstrong on the radio.”

The two-time All Australian said the station provides an excellent pathway for up-and-coming Indigenous commentators wanting to get into the media, and feared for the next generation of future callers.

“I think the bigger picture is that the National Indigenous Radio Service has been – for over 25 years – a platform for Aboriginal people, past players and present players, like myself to actually have an experience in the media and see what it’s like,” he added.

The AFL shut down pleas from the station for funding support. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“When I retired from football I didn’t think I was going to be part of the media but I got involved in the National Indigenous Radio Service and I enjoyed it, I enjoyed doing the special comments on the radio.

“I wouldn’t have got that opportunity to call at 3AW, at the ABC and now Triple M without that platform.”

However, the AFL said they expected the station to be calling the Richmond v Carlton clash this Thursday night, leaving the decision to commentate up in the air.