Professor Shane Hearn is the new CEO of First Nations Media Australia with his appointment taking effect as of Monday, January 16, 2023.

Professor Hearn is originally a Noongar man born in Esperance, Western Australia.

Before joining FNMA, he was head of First Nations Engagement and Communication at communications and public relations firm Think HQ, and has wide ranging experience in fields such as health, engagement, management and research.

Professor Hearn says the First Nations media environment is the perfect breeding ground for innovation and creativity and to deliver the not-yet imagined.  

He says, “I’m excited to get down in the weeds and work alongside grass roots initiatives across all media platforms.

“In particular as a peak body I want to work in partnership with community to create the conditions and environment to allow people to perform at their best.”

Professor Hearn says he’s looking forward to sharing stories “from the world’s greatest storytellers, exploring and celebrating the oldest living continuous culture on the planet.

“Our culture is our super power!

“The appetite is high across all platforms and channels! It’s what I have missed, working side by side to make the space for a genuine authentic expression of First Nation Voice! We are not invisible!”

FNMA Co-Chairperson Dre Ngatokorua says, “Shane brings a wealth of engagement experience to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander media and we look forward to his innovative ideas for the sector.

“We are pleased to welcome Shane into the First Nations media family.

“Professor Hearn has valuable experience in research, scholarship and management `and will be a huge asset for our First Nations media family.”