Former ABC journalist Dan Bourchier will lead the nation's Aboriginal and Torres Strait broadcaster as NITV General Manager, the channel announced on Wednesday.
Widely respected for his work across multiple outlets over a 25-year career, Bourchier fills the role vacated by Tanya Denning-Orman earlier this year.
It also marks a return, with the journalist making his debut with the broadcaster 15 years ago.
"This feels like coming home," he said.
"NITV gave me my start in television back in 2010 as a political reporter, and returning now as General Manager is a privilege."
The appointment was welcomed by Denning-Orman, SBS Director First Nations.
"Dan brings a wealth of media experience, strong cultural knowledge and a passion for championing First Nations voices - all deeply valuable as NITV enters this exciting new era," she said.
From window washing to national correspondent
Bourchier, an Aboriginal man with family connections in Victoria, already boasts a storied career in media, reporting on Indigenous Affairs for the country's best-known broadcasters.
Born in Tennant Creek, a 13-year-old Bourchier had a gig washing windows for the local newspaper Tennant and District Times when he was sent to cover a local netball game.
"I think the byline might have actually been bigger than the text of the story," he told the ABC in 2017.
"But I remember feeling so in awe and shock of seeing that — and from there I was off and racing."
After stints with NT News and NITV, a job with Sky News brought a placement in Darwin, and Bourchier's eventual appointment as NT Bureau Chief and later national Indigenous Affairs correspondent.
In 2017, a move to the ABC saw Bourchier present as a senior news anchor and on flagship current affairs program The Drum.
Bourchier became a source of comfort and inspiration for many viewers in his role leading the ABC's coverage of the Voice to Parliament referendum, in a campaign otherwise marked by racism and fear-mongering.
In recent years, the ABC has been rocked by allegations of systemic racism experienced by Indigenous employees, most notably Stan Grant.
As Chair of the ABC's Bonner Committee, the national broadcaster's primary First Nations body, Bourchier has pursued a passion for "creating culturally safe spaces" for Indigenous people.
The skills are sure to be welcomed at NITV.
"I'm excited to work alongside such incredible people," said Bourchier, "a team that continues to blaze a trail in truth-telling the stories that reflect the depth, diversity and strength of our communities.
"Together we'll build on NITV's proud legacy."
