1st Ever Native American TV Channel Coming

NEW YORK -  Ray Halbritter, Nation Representative and CEO of the Oneida Nation, has announced the evolution of Indian Country Today Media Network, the first ever all-inclusive media network for Native Americans. The fully developed Indian Country Today Media Network (ICTMN) is the premier portal for Indian Country and the go-to destination for all things indigenous. The various platforms upon launch will include www.Indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com and a weekly magazine, This Week From Indian Country Today.

There are also plans in development to launch syndicated and online radio shows.

Indian Country Today Media Network has evolved from Indian Country Today, a regional newspaper that has served the community for three decades. Indian Country Today was purchased by Four Directions Media, an Oneida Nation Enterprise business in 1998. Under Halbritter, the newspaper developed into an award winning, nationally recognized publication.

Thanks to Halbritter's vision, guidance and his desire to keep pace with today's expanding media environment, Indian Country Today Media Network was created. "It has always been my desire to create a destination that can bring all the Nations together," said Halbritter. "With Indian Country Today Media Network we have created a full service media platform that is current, timely, sophisticated, inclusive and widely available. Our whole community now has a place to go to get news, exchange ideas, and communicate with one another."

The website and magazine will provide essential news and information from Indian Country, featuring new artists and cultural highlights, and give life to the most forceful voices in the national community. The network will also offer online services in the areas of education, business and events—everything from listings of Tribal Colleges to the latest pow wows.

An advisory board of leading and prominent members of the Nations—including tribal leaders, educators, entrepreneurs and government officials—will help guide the policy of Indian Country Today Media Network, as will Op Ed Editor Ray Cook and Washington D.C. Bureau Chief Rob Capriccioso. Those who have already accepted places on the board include Dr. Jose Barreiro, Mark Trahant, Duane Champagne, and expert in Native American affairs, Carole Goldberg. Further announcements in all areas will be forthcoming.