Government backs Aboriginal Health Television network

Tonic Health Media is partnering with a government-backed health media network that targets Indigenous Australians.

The Aboriginal Health Television Network (AHTV) will be delivered to hundreds of Aboriginal community health services and Tonic will extend the service to its existing network of digital platforms, which reaches more than 4,500 GP practices, hospitals, pharmacies and health centres across the country.

Indigenous health minister Ken Wyatt has committed $3.4 million over the next three years to develop the AHTV network, which is expected to reach up to 1.2 million people each month.

“The scope of this network is exciting, with important health and wellbeing stories, plus local production input to ensure the broadcasts are relevant and engaging for their audiences,” Wyatt said.

“Through an engaging and compelling format, health messages will be delivered on issues such as smoking, eye and ear checks, skin conditions, diet, immunisation, sexual health, diabetes and drug and alcohol treatment services.”

AHTV will work closely with Aboriginal health bodies and service providers to provide culturally relevant health messaging and lifestyle content.

“This is a unique opportunity to communicate with Indigenous audiences at the point of care when patients, their families, carers and health service providers are strongly focussed on health and wellbeing,” Tonic CEO Matthew Cullen added.

Tonic Health Media, Australia’s largest health and wellbeing media network, aims to engage ‘captive audiences’ in areas like GPs and clinics – allowing advertisers to promote products and services to set areas and demographics.