Rural radio show goes digital

Popular radio programme “The Farming Show” has gone digital through the launch of a new website www.farmingshow.com. The website extends and expands on the content of the magazine-style radio show which broadcasts nationwide weekdays 12-1pm on Radio Sport and Newstalk ZB.

“With the radio show we have only an hour to work within. By taking the show online, the website allows us to share those extra stories or features we don’t have time for on-air, or are better presented visually,” says Jamie MacKay, host of the Farming Show.

The new website www.farmingshow.com provides the technology for listeners to stream the Farming Show live or when they want it, as well as give a platform for richer content – extending the quality and quantity of news and topics of most interest to the audience.

With the development of a new App for iPhone and Android devices, the website’s content can be accessed anytime and anywhere. The App will be available to download from early June 2012 via the new website www.farmingshow.com.

“Not every farmer can be close to the radio at lunchtime. The smartphone App is a big leap for us and for our audience. The rural community are already using technology in their businesses, they have moved a long way in a short space of time. It won’t be long till everyone has a smartphone – the rural community is no different. And with the government’s promise of rolling out broadband around the country – this will make a huge difference to how our show is accessed and where and when our listeners tune in”, says Jamie MacKay.

The website www.farmingshow.com is updated daily, providing around–the–clock access to the latest news and comment on farming, the economy, politics, sport and weather, tailored specifically for an audience interested in all things agricultural. It features an expanded rural news section in addition to continuously updated news and sport, daily opinion from host Jamie Mackay, rural community notices and events and industry sections. The website and smartphone App gives the audience access to the Farming Show 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via a computer or smartphone.

“The website provides a central meeting point where rural life is celebrated, where news and content are relevant and specific to farmers, and those with an interest in agriculture and the farming business, their families, and wider rural community,” says David Brice, Group General Manager, Content, The Radio Network. “This audience is passionate about the industry, like to be well-informed and have strong opinions. We aim to give them an unbiased access to the news and views that matter to them,” says David Brice.

Social media channels Facebook and Twitter are also part of the new direction for the Farming Show, allowing the audience to participate and communicate directly with the Farming Show’s team, as well as gathering valuable feedback and views that are fed back into the production of the Farming Show, keeping it relevant and adapting to the changing needs of the audience. Host Jamie MacKay says he is getting up-to-speed with the new technology and how it will enhance the show and interaction with his audience.

As many media outlets scale back their coverage of rural issues, www.farmingshow.com is committed to enlightening, entertaining, educating and informing New Zealand farmers and those interested in agribusiness.

The Farming Show focuses on delivering news and views on all things rural and more, delivered with an emphasis on entertainment and variety. This is not a show of dry facts and figures, and dull monologues – host Jamie MacKay sets a relaxed and approachable tone to the show. The Farming Show features regular segments from the who’s who of New Zealand sport, politics and industry, including a regular slot with PM John Key, and the show’s “Farming Ambassadors” ex All Black greats Sir Colin Meads and Sir Brian Lochore, Commonwealth Games gold medalist Dick Tayler, and current All Black Andrew Hore, all whom have an interest in agriculture, sharing their individual perspectives on industry trends and topics.

Host Jamie MacKay

Jamie MacKay has been with the Farming Show since its inception in 1994. Indeed he set up a private radio station that formed the beginnings of this long-running show. A former farmer and graduate in agriculture, Jamie knows what matters to his audience, delivering agricultural news and views in an amusing and affable way, featuring interviews with key commentators in the industry.

As well as his radio show hosting duties, Jamie MacKay writes content for the website, including a blog. He is well respected in the agricultural industry and a popular host.

The Farming Show

With Jamie Mackay: Noon - 1pm weekdays, Radio Sport, Newstalk ZB and www.farmingshow.com

In 1994, the Farming Show began as a half-hour rural feature on an independently-owned Southland radio station, but is now an integral part of the New Zealand rural community running as a daily show, midday- 1pm Weekdays on Radio Sport Nationwide and rural Newstalk ZB frequencies.

The website www.farmingshow.com is an extension of the radio show, updated daily, the site offers the latest news and comment on farming, the economy, politics, sport and weather from New Zealand and around the world.

Visit www.farmingshow.com and check out the latest news and views from the agricultural sector.