Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association facts for kids

The Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association (CAAMA) is an organisation that started in 1980. Its main goal was to share Aboriginal music and culture with everyone in Australia. CAAMA began with 8KIN-FM, which was the very first Aboriginal radio station in the country. Based in Alice Springs, CAAMA works closely with the local Indigenous community. They are involved in radio, television, and making music.

How CAAMA Started

Early Days and Imparja TV

CAAMA began in 1980 as a public radio station. It was started by two Aboriginal people, Freda Glynn and John Macumba, and one non-Aboriginal person, Phillip Batty. Their station, 8KIN-FM, was a big step. It was the first radio station run by Aboriginal people.

The station quickly became popular. It played different kinds of music, like country and Aboriginal rock. People could call in, and there were discussions and news. They broadcast in six different Aboriginal languages, plus English. The station was on air for about fifteen hours every day. Later, they expanded to AM and short-wave radio. They offered educational shows, live music from Aboriginal bands, and ads for local Aboriginal businesses. In 1984, CAAMA even started making video newsletters. These were for communities that couldn't easily get radio signals.

In 1986, CAAMA got a special licence for television. This happened because people were worried that a new satellite, AUSSAT, would bring commercial TV to remote areas. They feared it might harm Aboriginal languages and cultures. CAAMA wanted to make sure Aboriginal voices were heard. In January 1988, CAAMA launched its own TV station, Imparja. It reached over 100,000 viewers in Central Australia.

Imparja TV helped show more Aboriginal identity on Australian television. The station worked hard to keep Aboriginal culture strong. For example, they created Nganampa-Anwernekenbe [Ours]. This was the first TV show made entirely in an Indigenous language, with English subtitles. It shared Aboriginal culture through stories, performances, and visual arts. They also made helpful ads about health and avoiding alcohol. These ads were made in a way that respected Aboriginal culture. In 1991, they also started making independent films by or about Aboriginal people.

In its early years, Imparja faced some challenges. Some people worried that too much commercial programming would take over local content. Others felt there weren't enough Aboriginal people working at Imparja. Also, some thought the broadcast quality could be better. Despite these concerns, CAAMA's approach helped make Aboriginal media a key part of Australia's media. It also helped the social, cultural, and economic growth of Aboriginal people in remote areas.

CAAMA in the 2000s

In 2005, CAAMA shared a report about how they help Indigenous people find jobs. They showed how they had trained and employed many Aboriginal people in Central Australia. For 25 years, CAAMA had a policy to employ Aboriginal people. This meant 65% of their staff were Aboriginal. They also helped educate over 100 Indigenous people. CAAMA believed their success came from government support and understanding Aboriginal social and cultural needs.

In 2009, CAAMA made a plan to become more self-reliant. They wanted to rely less on government money. They also looked for new ways to use new media and offer more services.

In 2020, CAAMA faced some financial difficulties. However, by August 2021, the organisation was getting back on track. Its radio stations were running well and making a profit again. CAAMA continues to be an important voice for Aboriginal communities.

What CAAMA Does

CAAMA Radio

CAAMA Radio started as 8KIN-FM in 1980–81. It was the first Aboriginal radio station in Australia.

Today, CAAMA Radio broadcasts Indigenous programs 24 hours a day. It reaches over 600,000 people across Australia. It is the largest Aboriginal media organisation in the country. CAAMA broadcasts to 12 remote Aboriginal communities. They also use a mobile broadcasting truck. This helps them reach many remote communities in over 30 different languages. Some of these communities include Papunya, Ntaria (Hermannsburg), Ltyentye Apurte (Santa Teresa), and Areyonga.

Film and Television Production

CAAMA Productions Pty Ltd is a major Indigenous-owned production company in Australia. They create shows and films about Indigenous cultures, daily life, and important issues. Here are some of their award-winning productions:

• My Colour Your Kind (1998): A short film about a young Aboriginal albino girl's journey.
• Cold Turkey (2003): A film about two brothers, Shane and Robby, and how their relationship changes.
• Green Bush (2005): This film tells the story of Kenny, a local radio DJ, and his audience, who are prison inmates.
• Double Trouble (Australian TV series) (2007): This was the first children's television show produced by Aboriginal people. It was shown on the Nine Network and the Disney Channel.
• Samson and Delilah (2009): A drama feature film co-produced with Scarlett Pictures. It was directed by Warwick Thornton. The film won the Caméra d'Or (Gold Camera Award) at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival. It also won the Asia Pacific Screen Award for Best Film.

Music

CAAMA Music is a record label. They record many songs in Indigenous languages, about 90% of their music. CAAMA also organises popular music events. People travel from far away to attend these shows. For example, the Yeperenye Festival once attracted 30,000 people. Musicians like Gawurra and Alice Skye, who record with CAAMA, also appear on Imparja, SBS, and ABC television. CAAMA Music works with CAAMA Radio to broadcast live performances by Aboriginal musicians.

Talented People from CAAMA

Many talented Indigenous people have trained at CAAMA. Erica Glynn is one example. She later became a mentor for young filmmakers in the 1990s. This group included Beck Cole, Danielle MacLean, Warwick Thornton, Steven McGregor, David Jowsey, and sound recordist/director David Tranter.

Other notable people who spent time at CAAMA include Rachel Perkins, a filmmaker. Also, Alan Collins, an award-winning cinematographer. Priscilla Collins, an executive producer, and Peter Clarke, an online editor for Imparja Television. Angela Bates, a journalist for SBS Television, also worked there.

See also

• History of broadcasting in Australia
• Australian Aboriginal culture
• Indigenous Australian music
• Australian Indigenous Communications Association
• Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts