Hearst Media Partners with NITV to Showcase Harlem Globetrotters in Australia
Hearst Media Partners with NITV to Showcase Harlem Globetrotters in Australia
In an exciting development for sports and cultural storytelling, Hearst Media Production Group (HMPG) has reached a licensing agreement with Australia's National Indigenous Television (NITV). This agreement permits the airing of the Emmy-nominated series, Harlem Globetrotters: Play It Forward, notably through NITV's platforms as well as the streaming service SBS On Demand.
The Harlem Globetrotters, an iconic entity in the sports world, are known not only for their athletic talent but for their role as ambassadors of goodwill since being recognized by the U.S. State Department in 1951. Their series focuses on uplifting community values by highlighting various local heroes, educational initiatives, and community empowerment efforts. This partnership will make these inspiring stories accessible to a wider Australian audience, enriching their cultural landscape.
NITV's Commitment to Indigenous Storytelling
NITV, a significant platform dedicated to First Nations storytelling, was established to amplify the voices and narratives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. By incorporating Harlem Globetrotters: Play It Forward into their programming, NITV expands its mission to include global stories that resonate with the themes of empowerment and resilience. This is particularly significant given NITV's reputation for showcasing high-quality content related to Indigenous culture.
Andrew Tew, senior vice president of global licensing and distribution at HMPG, expressed confidence in the fit of the Globetrotters' series with NITV's audience. “The Globetrotters boast a universally appealing brand that transcends demographics. It perfectly aligns with NITV's goal of uplifting stories while presenting relatable content that resonates with all Australians,” he remarked.
Enhancing Cross-Cultural Exchange
For NITV, this collaboration signifies a step toward fostering greater cross-cultural exchange. As part of their mission, NITV seeks to connect Australians with inspiring global stories that celebrate diversity. With the Harlem Globetrotters' extensive history in entertainment and their commitment to education through sports, this partnership will highlight the importance of community involvement. It also aims to educate viewers on health, wellness, and social responsibility, which aligns seamlessly with NITV's existing agenda.
In the United States, Harlem Globetrotters: Play It Forward recently premiered its third season on NBC, continuing to engage fans and deliver foundational life lessons. The series has proven to be an effective conduit for promoting positive values, evidenced by its growing viewer demographics, including a notable 17% increase among adults aged 25-54 this current season. With approximately 1.3 million viewers tuning in weekly, the audience's enthusiasm attests to the show's meaningful content.
The Future Looks Bright
As the Harlem Globetrotters continue their global outreach, they remain committed to their role as cultural ambassadors, further driving initiatives that emphasize Health, Education, and Community Empowerment. Collaborating with NITV represents a meaningful chapter in this ongoing journey.
HMPG, producing the series in partnership with Herschend Entertainment Studios, maintains a broad portfolio of diverse programming, showcasing numerous successful formats across various platforms globally. This partnership not only exemplifies their reach but underlines their commitment to producing content with collective impact.
This exciting venture between Hearst Media and NITV shines a light on the interconnectedness of cultures through shared stories, enhancing the cultural tapestry of Australia while also paving the way for greater awareness and appreciation of global narratives. “The synergy in this collaboration emphasizes our shared values and commitment to uplifting communities through storytelling,” Tew concluded.
This agreement promises to not only entertain but also ignite conversations about community, culture, and the shared human experience which resonates with audiences far and wide.
Conclusion
The arrival of Harlem Globetrotters: Play It Forward on NITV marks a significant development in the cultural exchange between the U.S. and Australia, creating a platform for conversation and connection among diverse audiences, and celebrating the spirit of sharing and giving through sports.