Aboriginal TV station to promote alcohol

[Guest guest]

" A sad day for Aboriginal people "

ATSIC NT Central Zone Commissioner Alison has expressed extreme

disappointment at a move by the Indigenous owned commercial TV Network Imparja,

to promote and advertise alcohol.

The decision to promote alcohol was announced yesterday by the Alice Springs

based Television Station, which broadcasts to two thirds of Australia. The

Imparja satellite footprint covers significant regions of the nation, which

includes a large number of Indigenous communities.

Commissioner said alcohol advertising will erode progress and stunt

future awareness programs aimed at tackling grog abuse.

" I think it's a sad day for Aboriginal people. The primary function of Imparja

when it applied for the license was to advocate Aboriginal law and culture. We

know that our culture is being destroyed by the very product they're trying to

advertise which is alcohol, " Commissioner said.

" I'm really disappointed that ATSIC - the primary funder of Imparja

Television wasn't part of the decision making process, " Commissioner

said.

Media Contacts

Geia (08) 8959 4225 or 0418 246 284

Lindy Kerin (08) 89 445 558 or 0438 802 261

To contact Imparja directly:

http://www.imparja.com.au/

imparja@...