News Corp Australia has launched its new Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) to help further its commitment to tell the stories that can make a positive difference to the lives and communities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Today’s launch, occurring at all News Corp Australia’s work sites, features The Advertiser’s Indigenous reporter Douglas Smith talking with Kids News editor Di Jenkins about his life-story and role at The Advertiser. It includes a focus on the two-year investigation Smith led to produce the seven-episode True Crime Australia podcast Dying Rose.
Dying Rose investigates the deaths of six Indigenous women and girls across two states and one territory.
News Corp Australasia’s executive chairman Michael Miller said Dying Rose exemplified the best of the company’s journalism and impactful storytelling, underlining the importance of its new RAP - its fourth since 2011 - the same year that RAPs were established to embed the principles and purpose of reconciliation.
“Dying Rose exposes again that as a nation we still have a long row to hoe when it comes to reconciliation and equality,” Miller said.
“Our Reconciliation Action Plan is a small step in the right direction.”
News Corp Australia community ambassador Penny Fowler said the RAP outlined how the company would help break down barriers between the broader community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
“We aim to deepen engagement, promote understanding and build long term and sustainable relationships,” Fowler said.
“It is not a short term vision, It is not a token gesture, it is a sincere and genuine commitment.”
“Our suite of media brands report extensively, and often exclusively, on the challenges and opportunities facing Indigenous Australians. Our mastheads celebrate the unique diversity that comprises Indigenous cultures and communities like no other.”
Miller said that the long-term vision at News is to break down barriers, and through respect, understanding and telling stories that matter - such as Smith's podcast, we can contribute to recognition and reconciliation.
“While there have been gains such as land rights and native title legislation, targeted healthcare, and cultural preservation, there are still obvious disparities and social inequity that need to be addressed and solutions found," he said.
“In a just, equitable and reconciled Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders will have the same life chances and choices as non-Indigenous Australians.
“This is what we need to work towards.”
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