Imagine a radio program that has been the heartbeat of rural Australia for eight decades, weaving stories of resilience, innovation, and community amidst changing landscapes—now that's something worth celebrating! As Australia's longest-running radio show hits its 80th anniversary, it's a testament to how The Country Hour has stood the test of time, evolving with farming and broadcasting while keeping its soul intact.
But here's where it gets intriguing: despite all the tech advancements, has this show truly bridged the urban-rural divide, or is there still a lingering disconnect? Launched on December 3, 1945, just after World War II ended, by former Hunter Valley auctioneer Dick Sneddon, the show kicked off with a warm greeting: 'Hello everyone, this is Dick Sneddon of The Country Hour, with a program for the farm families of Australia.' At a time when Australia's agricultural output was poised to reach a staggering $100 billion in the 2025-26 financial year (according to ABARES forecasts), post-war challenges demanded quick learning. Picture this: under the government's soldier settlement scheme, which helped returning veterans transition to farming by providing land and support, these new farmers were tasked with feeding a nation recovering from conflict and exporting goods globally. The Country Hour emerged as a vital tool, disseminating essential agricultural knowledge to this fresh wave of land stewards.
And this is the part most people miss—the show's original mission wasn't just about farming tips; it aimed to foster empathy between city dwellers and country folk. As John Douglass, the head of the ABC's rural department back then, put it: 'To present the countryman's problems in such a way as to create a more sympathetic understanding between the city and the country.' Over time, it morphed into a beloved midday tradition. Take Nobby McMahon from Bairnsdale, Victoria, who shared with ABC Rural: 'I listen religiously every day. I just love it because it tells all the country people what's happening around in the farming fraternity: where the rain is, all the market reports—it's a great hour!'
The more things change, the more they stay the same—a classic saying that fits perfectly here. What began as a national program soon spawned localized versions across every state and territory, paving the way for the expansive ABC Rural network we see today. Even now, at noon every weekday, listeners tune in for discussions on food security, weather patterns, market fluctuations, and beyond. For beginners diving into rural journalism, think of it as a window into the complexities of agriculture: from soil health to global trade, The Country Hour breaks down these topics accessibly, helping newcomers grasp how weather forecasts could mean the difference between a bountiful harvest and a lean year.
Mike Pritchard, a former ABC Upper Hunter rural reporter with over three decades in the field (retiring in 2021), reflected on the privilege of his role. 'It's still the case today, in the city a lot of people don't quite understand the rural aspect, but [The Country Hour] did play a big role in that.' Pritchard, raised on the land like many in his profession, emphasized how that background built trust with farmers. 'The ABC wanted you to get out into the field as much as you could so you were with the farmers, and I think that built a lot of respect for the rural team.' Yet, rural reporting isn't all sunshine—celebrating wins like record yields is joyful, but the shadow of disasters looms large. Pritchard recalled the heartache: 'You can see the hardship on their faces, and the devastation it's caused. They would give you their story and how it was impacting on them and their families… and you would share that story and give people an understanding of what they're going through, but you could drive away from that property, look in the rear-view mirror. You had your story, and they were still left with the devastation and hurt. And that was hard to bear.'
Today, the show's reach extends beyond radio, with reporters contributing to TV and online platforms. Pritchard noted, 'It's just as significant, or more so today, that we have rural reporters because we do specialize in those rural stories, and unless you're a farmer or involved in it, you sort of don't get the full understanding of the contribution that rural makes.' To illustrate, imagine a drought-stricken farmer sharing innovative water-saving techniques—stories like these educate and inspire, perhaps even sparking urban readers to support sustainable farming policies.
Here's a point that might stir debate: is the show truly unbiased, or does its focus on rural voices sometimes overshadow urban perspectives? Agronomist Greg Rummery from Walgett, NSW, called reaching 80 years 'a big effort,' laughing about his numerous appearances discussing varied topics. As both a contributor and listener, he voices his routine: checking weather sites early (a common farmer habit), but always tuning in at 12:30 pm for the human-touch Bureau of Meteorology update. 'I think it's really important to get the human interpretation rather than just looking at forecasts on a computer screen, particularly on the big changes, like when you're in dry years and you're sweating on a rain event.' Farming, he describes, is unpredictable and demanding, yet the industry excels at knowledge-sharing. 'Working in agriculture and trying to stay at the forefront of production and profitability, you should always be looking for the next thing and you should always be looking at what you might need to change,' he said. 'And so it's programs like The Country Hour that allow those issues to be aired and helps that collaboration of thoughts. If you've got something going good, share that. The more people that can do something better or improve it, can only make places like Walgett and other little regional communities better places to be.' For those new to agribusiness, consider this an example of collective wisdom—think of it as a farmer's version of open-source innovation, where sharing tips on crop rotation or pest control benefits everyone.
ABC director of news Justin Stevens praised the show's 'rich history,' highlighting expanded regional presence. 'The Country Hour exemplifies the ABC's deep and enduring connection with rural and regional Australia, which remains integral to our service and purpose,' he said. Now, with about 600 staff in 56 locations producing over 800 hours of unique regional radio weekly, the seven editions capture diverse voices, covering everything from local festivals to national policy impacts. As it broadcasts weekdays at noon, special anniversary programs on December 3 will reflect on this legacy.
What do you think? Has The Country Hour successfully fostered that 'sympathetic understanding' between city and country, or do you see room for more urban-focused content? Could modern digital tools ever replace the intimate storytelling of radio? Share your views in the comments—do you agree, disagree, or have a story from your own rural roots to add? We'd love to hear!
