Karla Grant is a presenter, executive producer, journalist, and proud Western Arrernte woman with an extensive media career that spans over 30 years, working primarily in Indigenous news and current affairs for NITV and SBS.  

She joined SBS in 1995, working as a producer, reporter, director and presenter on the network’s Indigenous news and current affairs program ICAM, which won a Walkley Award during her time.  

In 2003, she commenced her most recognisable role as the iconic host and Executive Producer of Living Black, having successfully pitched the series concept to SBS executives.  

Karla has worked across the SBS Network, filing for SBS World News, as guest host for Insight and reported for Dateline.  She has presented NITV News and Nula as backup host, reported segments for The Point and hosted The Point in Review. Karla also co-hosted SBS’s coverage of the National Apology in 2008.  

Since 2019 she has hosted Karla Grant Presents and this year, she celebrates 23 years producing and hosting Living Black – the longest running Indigenous current affairs program on Australian television.    

She has worked tirelessly to improve Australian news and current affairs coverage of Indigenous stories. Karla has actively worked towards the growth of First Nations journalists and was instrumental in creating SBS’s Indigenous Cadetship which has provided valuable training opportunities for Indigenous journalists to hone their skills - many recipients have gone on to have successful careers in the industry.

She has won numerous awards and In 2021, the Living Black team won their first Walkley Award for Coverage of Indigenous Issues and an Amnesty International Australia Media Award for Indigenous Reporting.In 2023, Karla was awarded another Kennedy Award for Outstanding Reporting on the Environment for the Living Black investigation into “WA’s Cultural Genocide”, as well as awarded a Walkley Award for her Contribution to Journalism and a First Nations Media Award for Lifetime Achievement to the media industry. 

In 2025, Karla and her team was awarded the John Newfong Award for Outstanding Indigenous Affairs Reporting at the Kennedy Awards for their investigation “Just Kids”.

Her ability to tackle the most complex of issues with her interview subjects, all while gently exploring their personal stories (often from those who have faced a life of adversity, tragedy and endless hurdles) is without compare. This skillset is a testament to her passion, commitment and empathy.

In 2023, Karla celebrated 20 years on air with Living Black as Australia’s longest running Indigenous current affairs program on television.