Remote Indigenous Broadcasting Services (formerly BRACS now referred to as RIBS)

The Broadcasting for Remote Aboriginal Communities Scheme (BRACS) was established in the mid-1980’s setting up broadcasting units in remote communities across Australia. The concept was to give Aboriginal and Islander people, access to and control of their own media at a community level. Due to limited funding, basic domestic audio and video equipment was used. Each installation comprised a cabinet to house a cassette recorder, radio tuner, microphone, speakers, switch panel, two VHS VCRs, television set, video camera, two UHF television transmitters, FM transmitter, satellite dish and two decoders. By the time the program finished in 1991, Telstra had installed 80 BRACS units across Australia.

The units provide ownership over what media is heard and seen in the communities, especially the ability to broadcast in the local language. Each RIBS community has a small transmitter making them able to cut into radio and television services and broadcast their own locally produced material, be it dramas, news, dream times stories, health information, children’s programming or community notices.

A transmitter can broadcast to an approximate 15-kilometre radius.

Until 2007 the RIBS program had a radio and video component. In 2007 the introduction of NITV resulted in the removal funding for the video service.

The RIBS radio services are still alive and well around the country. "There are now 96 stations (including 21 dedicated Indigenous community radio stations), producing 1,602 hours of Indigenous programming each week together with 80 Remote Indigenous Broadcasting Services (RIBS)". The Community Broadcasting Foundation. http://www.cbf.com.au

The radio services can be a powerful tool for language maintainence and revival. Many Language workers team up with their local RIBS unit to create radio programs in language or to share information about the Language projects they have on the go.

Steve McGregor, as video coordinator for the Top End Aboriginal Bush Broadcasting Association in 2003, explained that the service empowers people in remote communities with the tools of the media. This helps them retain their culture and language, by listening to their own voices and seeing themselves on the television, rather than being bombarded with outside influences.

Steve sees the media as a powerful tool which can promote pride within the community and respect for the culture and language. He reported that the ongoing program has also been responsible for the establishment of larger media organisations such as Warlpiri media and Goolarri media.

Comments from Steve McGregor have been adapted from Message Stick article 13/08/2003. By Matt Henger. http://www.abc.net.au/message/blackarts/film/s644839.htm