First Nations kid’s TV to screen in USA

A range of First Nations content from the Australian Children’s Television Foundation catalogue will air in 29 states across the US after being acquired by First Nations Experience, an American television channel exclusively devoted to Native American and World Indigenous content.

FNX, carried by 34 affiliate stations in 29 states with a potential viewing audience of more than 75.5 million households, has acquired several series and relicensed a number of others.

NITV series Barrumbi Kids and Series 2 and 3 of the preschool animation Little J & Big Cuz will air in the US for the first time, while Series 1 has been relicensed.

The broadcaster has also acquired Thalu, Red Dirt Riders and Ready for This – the first time that any of these programs have been broadcast in the US.

Double Trouble and Series 1 and 2 of Waabiny Time have also been relicensed.

Frank Blanquet (Yucatec Maya), Producer & Director of Television at FNX, said: “First Nations Experience, the first national Native American and World Indigenous TV Channel in the US, is extremely proud to partner with the Australian Children’s Television Foundation. FNX aims to be a showcase and a platform for all indigenous people to celebrate their vibrant cultures, stories, songs, music, and especially our children and elders. Celebrating the pillars in our societies, and empowering our future generations is crucial to help uplift our Native and Indigenous communities. The wonderful programming produced through ACTF is a perfect fit for both our children’s line up, and our general audience. We are thankful for the opportunity to bring these stories to our national US audience, and plan to continue to do so for years to come.”

ACTF CEO Jenny Buckland said: “Australia’s First Nations screen practitioners are among the most talented members of our screen sector, and we’re proud to have such a range of engaging, high-quality content that celebrates and elevates First Nations culture in our offering for children. We’re excited to see these programs showcased in the US through FNX, which champions the stories of indigenous creators and communities from all over the world.”