NITV and R U OK? join forces in media partnership to encourage more life changing conversations

NITV and R U OK? join forces in media partnership to encourage more life changing conversations

R U OK? and NITV have joined forces as media partners by signing an MOU to encourage more life changing conversations in communities across Australia.

NITV will join a small group of media partners who are dedicated to using their platform to make meaningful change through storytelling and news content.

NITV and R U OK? have taken the next step in formalising a commitment to working more closely together to better inform Indigenous Australians around ways to support each other through tough times.

R U OK? CEO Brendan Maher said, “With suicide rates up to five times higher in Indigenous populations across the country we have to get better at building people’s confidence and sharing a conversation roadmap so everyone knows where to start if they’re worried about a mate or a family member.

“Story telling is a big part of how R U OK? gets the message out and NITV reaches more Indigenous Australians than any other media outlet, so it seems like a natural fit”, Maher said.

NITV ’s Channel Manager, Tanya Orman said, “As a trusted source of information, NITV is proud to provide further opportunity for the important messaging and engagement of R U OK? with Indigenous Australians.

“We want to ensure our community is equipped with the knowledge of who they can call when the going gets tough for themselves or someone they know.”

R U OK? has engaged a number of Indigenous ambassadors and role models like Steven Oliver, Jake Gablonski and Riverbank Frank Doolan to help further spread the message that asking “are you okay?” and checking in with someone who might be struggling, can change lives and sometimes save them.

On R U OK? Day, Thursday 14 September, NITV will shine a light on the work and messages of R U OK?, with the Marngrook Footy Show at 7.30pm featuring special guest Courtney Dempsey – the Essendon Bombers player who has opened up about the depression he has suffered since being delisted by the AFL club at the end of last season. At 9pm, R U OK? ambassador Jake Gablonski will be a guest on NITV ’s news and current affairs discussion program The Point .

NITV looks forward to working closely with R U OK? to help empower and reach Australians through exemplary storytelling and content.

R U OK? media partners assist the suicide prevention charity in providing and promoting content to encourage regular and meaningful conversations.

For more information on the Conversation Convoy’s route and event locations please contact:

Media manager Lisa Minner

Ph: 0421623387 or 0456475033

Nicole Warwick: [email protected] or 0412 934 643

Lizzy Thomas: [email protected] or 0400 922 919

For information on NITV:

Viktoria Balanzategui | +61 429 625 967 | [email protected]

Notes to Editors:

R U OK?

• R U OK? is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with people around them and support anyone struggling with life

• R U OK? Day is a national day of action, held on the Thursday 14 September, 2017

• Every day is the day to start a conversation. Conversation tips and crisis numbers can be found at ruok.org.au

NITV

Home of Indigenous storytelling, with TV programs that inspire, instill pride and lead to a greater respect of Indigenous Australians and Aboriginal culture.