PHOENIX – IndiJ Public Media, the parent company of ICT, announces a major transformation for its award-winning newscast this fall when it re-emerges as a weekly broadcast.

The new “ICT Newscast” is designed to bring richer and more engaging Indigenous content from across Turtle Island when it launches its weekly format on Sept. 6.

Until then, the program will take a brief hiatus to retool and prepare for the coming changes. The weekly format will result in more coverage of the topics that the newscast’s core audience expect from ICT.

“We created our ground-breaking newscast four years ago out of a strong desire to keep Indigenous communities informed at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, and we will continue to keep our audience engaged through this exciting transformation to a weekly format,” said Karen Michel, President and CEO of IndiJ Public Media. “This new format will feature new segments that will be entertaining as well as informative, while providing quality journalism that our viewers expect from us.”

Embracing Community and In-Depth Coverage

The decision to transition to a weekly format came after extensive deliberation, said Ebonye Delaney, executive producer of the newscast, adding that it will result in connecting more deeply with the communities served by the newscast. She said it will also enable the staff to cover a broader range of topics more thoroughly, from education and climate change to sports, arts, and local enterprise news.

The new “ICT Newscast” will feature segments like “Indigenous Insights,” offering focused deep dives into significant political or cultural issues, and “Traditions Alive,” celebrating Indigenous traditions, crafts, and cultural practices monthly. “Youth Voices” will highlight the perspectives and achievements of young Indigenous people, and “Stories of Resilience” will focus on resilience and innovation within Indigenous communities. Additionally, “Elders’ Wisdom” will share interviews with Indigenous elders, emphasizing intergenerational learning and respect.

YouTube for Enhanced Engagement

To complement the new weekly format, there will also be a robust YouTube presence with live streams, extended interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and regular updates to enhance viewer engagement and accessibility.

Benefits to Viewers

The new format will allow for deeper engagement with underrepresented voices and broader coverage of issues impacting Indigenous peoples, ensuring a more comprehensive understanding of these topics.

Stay Connected

“IndiJ Public Media and ICT deeply appreciate the ongoing support from our viewers,” said Michel. “This transformation gives us more opportunities to stay connected with our viewers, and we invite our audience to engage with us more and be part of this exciting journey.”

Find ICT on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and check the website ictnews.org for updates, live streams, and exclusive content. 

For media inquiries, please contact: ictstudio@ictnews.org