Key Takeaways:
- The Country Hour, Australia’s longest-running radio show, is celebrating its 80th anniversary on air.
- The show was first launched in 1945 to communicate agricultural information to a new generation of farmers, many of whom were returning soldiers learning to farm under the government’s soldier settlement scheme.
- The Country Hour has evolved over the years, breaking out into localized editions in each state and territory, and laying the foundation for what ABC Rural has grown to today.
- The show continues to provide a unique and valuable service, covering every aspect of country life, reporting on and breaking stories that have huge impacts for rural Australia and the nation.
- The ABC has expanded its regional presence in recent years, with around 600 employees working and living in rural and regional Australia across 56 locations.
Introduction to The Country Hour
The Country Hour, Australia’s longest-running radio show, is celebrating a significant milestone – 80 years on air. First launched on December 3, 1945, by former Hunter Valley auctioneer Dick Sneddon, the show was designed to communicate agricultural information to a new generation of farmers. Many of these farmers were returning soldiers who were learning to farm under the government’s soldier settlement scheme, with the goal of feeding and clothing a hungry, post-war Australia, as well as exporting produce around the world. The show’s brief was to present the countryman’s problems in a way that would create a more sympathetic understanding between the city and the country.
The Evolution of The Country Hour
Over the years, The Country Hour has evolved significantly. The national show broke out into more localized editions in each state and territory, laying the foundation for what ABC Rural has grown to today. Despite the many changes in farming and broadcasting, the core of The Country Hour remains the same. The show continues to provide a unique and valuable service, covering every aspect of country life, reporting on and breaking stories that have huge impacts for rural Australia and the nation. The show’s hosts and reporters have become an integral part of the rural community, with many listeners tuning in daily to stay informed about the latest news and developments.
The Importance of The Country Hour
The Country Hour has played a significant role in bridging the gap between the city and the country. Former ABC Upper Hunter rural reporter Mike Pritchard, who spent over 30 years with the rural team, said that the show helped to create a more sympathetic understanding between the two. Mr. Pritchard, who grew up on the land, said that his background understanding helped him gain the trust of his interviewees, allowing him to share their stories with a wider audience. The show’s ability to share rural stories and provide a platform for farmers to discuss their challenges and successes has been instrumental in promoting a greater understanding of the rural sector.
The Challenges of Rural Reporting
Rural reporting can be a challenging and emotionally demanding job, particularly when covering natural disasters such as droughts and floods. Mr. Pritchard said that reporting on these disasters was always difficult, as it involved seeing the hardship and devastation firsthand. However, he also acknowledged the importance of sharing these stories, as they helped to raise awareness and promote a greater understanding of the challenges faced by rural communities. The show’s hosts and reporters have a deep understanding of the rural sector and are committed to sharing the stories that matter most to rural Australians.
The Future of The Country Hour
As The Country Hour celebrates its 80th anniversary, it is clear that the show remains as relevant today as it was when it first launched. The ABC has expanded its regional presence in recent years, with around 600 employees working and living in rural and regional Australia across 56 locations. The show continues to broadcast weekdays from noon, with special programs across the country on December 3 to mark the 80th anniversary. The Country Hour’s commitment to sharing rural stories and providing a platform for farmers to discuss their challenges and successes remains unwavering, and it is likely that the show will continue to play an important role in promoting a greater understanding of the rural sector for many years to come.
A Collaboration of Thoughts
Agronomist Greg Rummery, a regular voice on the NSW Country Hour, said that the show was a big effort to reach the 80-year milestone. Mr. Rummery, who has been a regular listener to the show, said that it was essential to get the human interpretation of weather forecasts, particularly during times of drought or other natural disasters. He described farming as a variable and often tough environment, but said that the agricultural industry had always been good at sharing information. The Country Hour, he said, was an important platform for sharing ideas and collaborating on issues that affected rural communities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Country Hour is a testament to the enduring power of rural storytelling and the importance of promoting a greater understanding of the rural sector. As the show celebrates its 80th anniversary, it is clear that it remains as relevant today as it was when it first launched. The show’s commitment to sharing rural stories and providing a platform for farmers to discuss their challenges and successes has been instrumental in promoting a greater understanding of the rural sector, and it is likely that it will continue to play an important role in Australian broadcasting for many years to come.
