First Nations Media Awards

Eligibility

To be eligible for an award, either you or the person/organisation you are nominating must be a member of First Nations Media Australia. Check the membership status here. 

Award Categories

Nominations are invited across twelve categories, each designed to acknowledge excellence in various facets of First Nations media. While you're welcome to submit entries in multiple categories, please note that you can only make a maximum of two submissions per category.

Major Awards

First Nations Outstanding Contributor Award – Organisation

The Outstanding Contributor Award is presented annually to an active media organisation who, through their work, has made a significant contribution to First Nations Media and Indigenous storytelling. Their contribution can be in one or more fields - broadcasting, production, leadership, management, training, technical innovation or other activities relating to the First Nations media industry.

Community Leadership Award – Individual

The Outstanding Contributor Award is presented annually to an active media practitioner who, through their work, has made a significant contribution to their organisation, community or to the development of the national First Nations media industry. Their contribution can be in one or more fields - broadcasting, production, leadership, management, training, technical innovation or other activities relating to the First Nations media industry. This Award aims to recognise the unsung heroes working in our industry. Nominees must be currently working in the First Nations media industry.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Presented annually, the Lifetime Achievement Award recognises a lifetime of dedication and commitment to the development of the national First Nations media industry. It honours individuals who have played, or continue to play, significant leadership and development roles in the industry.

Development Awards

Organisational Excellence Award

This Award recognises best practice in governance, leadership and organisational development. Organisations are invited to outline activities in the last year relating to governance development and training, leadership, strategic planning, community consultation and engagement, business development, fundraising or other activities that have improved organisational practices and outcomes. At least one reference from an external organisation/observer is required to validate the application and outcomes.

Best Training and Professional Development Award 

This award recognises the planning and delivery of engaging, timely, appropriate training and professional development for media workers and staff. It can include formal and informal training and partnerships, provided the role of the nominating organisation is clearly outlined. It can also include professional development of a trainee or cadet.

Young Leaders Award

This award recognises a nominee under 25 years old who is making a difference in our local communities and to acknowledge, encourage and promote the positive achievements of young Indigenous Australians. This award provides an opportunity to acknowledge their tireless efforts and the impacts that showcase the recipients as a role model within the community.

Best Digital Product Award

This Award recognises excellence in digital products, projects or tools, including website design, apps, virtual or augmented reality, games, overall digital and social content brand and offering, and interactive learning resources. Also eligible for nomination are innovative technical solutions in broadcasting, media and communications delivery. Organisations are invited to outline a digital product, content offering, or project and its effectiveness in addressing an identified need.

Content Awards

Best Feature Radio Documentary, Podcast, or Series

This Award acknowledges excellence in radio production for a piece, a podcast or a series.

Best Language/Culture Production

This Award recognises the use of media to convey language or cultural content for knowledge transfer, education, awareness raising and storytelling. It is for content produced across any genre or media type – radio, TV, print, online, multi-media.

Best News or Current Affairs Programme

This Award recognises excellence in news and/or current affair programming across any media format (radio, TV, print, online).

Best Promo or Campaign - TV, Print or Online

This Award recognises excellence in writing and production of short information campaigns, promotions, sponsorship messages or community service announcements on TV, print or online.

Best Commercial/Sponsorship Integration Award (NEW)

This award recognises excellence in the integration of commercial partnerships or sponsorships into First Nations media content. It celebrates collaborations that authentically align with Indigenous storytelling, values, and audiences while maintaining editorial integrity. Successful entries will demonstrate innovative and meaningful brand integration, measurable impact, and a strong commitment to supporting First Nations media and communities.