Imagine a radio show that has been the heartbeat of rural Australia for eight decades, sharing stories of resilience, innovation, and community through the highs and lows of farming life. That’s The Country Hour, Australia’s longest-running radio program, now celebrating 80 years on air. But here’s where it gets fascinating: while farming technology and broadcasting methods have transformed dramatically since its debut in 1945, the show’s mission remains unchanged—to connect, inform, and amplify the voices of rural Australians.
On December 3, 1945, just as the world was emerging from the shadows of World War II, former Hunter Valley auctioneer Dick Sneddon launched the program with a simple yet powerful greeting: “Hello everyone, this is Dick Sneddon of The Country Hour, with a program for the farm families of Australia.” At a time when Australian agriculture was poised to become a $100 billion industry (a milestone expected by 2025-26, according to ABARES), the show served as a lifeline for returning soldiers transitioning to farming under the government’s soldier settlement scheme. These veterans were not just learning to farm—they were tasked with feeding a post-war nation and exporting produce globally. The Country Hour became their classroom, delivering vital agricultural knowledge in an accessible, relatable way.
John Douglass, the ABC’s rural department head at the time, summed up the show’s purpose: “To present the countryman’s problems in such a way as to create a more sympathetic understanding between the city and the country.” And this is the part most people miss—The Country Hour wasn’t just about farming tips; it was about bridging divides and fostering empathy between urban and rural communities. Over time, it evolved into a lunchtime tradition, with listeners like Nobby McMahon from Bairnsdale, Victoria, tuning in daily: “I just love it because it tells all the country people what’s happening around in the farming fraternity… it’s a great hour!”
As the show expanded into localized editions across states and territories, it laid the groundwork for what ABC Rural is today. But despite its growth, the core topics remain the same: food security, weather, markets, and the ever-present challenges of rural life. Former ABC reporter Mike Pritchard, who spent over 30 years with the rural team, reflects on its impact: “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, like many rural reporters, grew up on the land, a background that helped him earn the trust of farmers and share their stories authentically.
But here’s the controversial part: While The Country Hour celebrates rural life, it also confronts its harsh realities. Reporting on droughts, floods, and natural disasters is emotionally taxing. Pritchard recalls the difficulty of leaving farmers in devastation after capturing their stories: “You had your story, and they were still left with the hurt. And that was hard to bear.”* Is it ethical to amplify these struggles without offering solutions? Or does simply giving them a voice make a difference? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Today, The Country Hour’s reach extends beyond radio to television and online platforms, but its essence remains rooted in human connection. Agronomist Greg Rummery from Walgett, NSW, highlights the importance of this personal touch: “I often dial in at 12:30 pm to catch the weather… it’s really important to get the human interpretation rather than just looking at a forecast on a computer screen.” Farming, he notes, is a variable and often unforgiving environment, but programs like The Country Hour foster collaboration and innovation. “If you’ve got something going good, share that,” he urges. “It can only make places like Walgett better.”
ABC Director of News Justin Stevens praises the show’s “deep and enduring connection with rural and regional Australia,” emphasizing its role in amplifying regional voices. With 600 employees across 56 locations and 800 hours of unique regional radio weekly, the ABC continues to expand its rural presence. But as The Country Hour marks its 80th anniversary with special broadcasts on December 3, one question lingers: In an age of digital media, can traditional radio still be the most effective way to unite and inform rural communities? Let us know what you think—and tune in to the ABC Listen app to join the conversation.
