New rural radio show launches on Magic Talk

A new rural radio show has been launched in response to a growing demand from New Zealanders for information from the rural sector.

Rural Today is a a daily news show airing weekday mornings between 5:30-6am on Magic Talk. The new show will launch Monday, March 25.

Hosted by agricultural journalist Dominic George, Rural Today will deliver informative and rurally-relevant content in a daily half-hour show.

"I'm absolutely delighted to be joining the great lineup of hosts on Magic Talk to deliver daily rural news updates," said George.

"I have a real desire to share the important agri-news of the day and help rural New Zealanders tell their stories to the whole country. I can't wait to get started," he said.

Rural Today will focus both inside and outside the farm gate and will feature rural news, detailed weather reports and sport, while also covering hot on-farm topics as well as some of the more entertaining hobbies that farmers are involved with away from work such as hunting, equestrian, shearing and more.

This new daily rural news offering follows the huge success of Magic Talk's weekend farming show Rural Exchange (REX),  hosted by Richard Loe and Hamish McKay.

Leon Wratt said listeners are wanting a daily rural radio show.
Leon Wratt said listeners are wanting a daily rural radio show. Photo credit: Mediaworks

MediaWorks Radio Group Content Director Leon Wratt said there's a demand from listeners for more rural news content between Monday and Friday.

"Farmers need the latest information and Rural Today will fill this news gap alongside great informative interviews with leading industry experts," said Wratt.

MediaWorks Head of Rural Nick Fisher said the new show will boost Mediaworks' exisiting rural news products. 

"MediaWorks has always had a strong rural audience across television, radio and digital, reaching 96 percent of farm owners and managers who tune into our brands for rural-specific content as well as for entertainment."

"We are leaders in this class and it's great to now be able to deliver daily rural content to this audience."

Rural Today will air weekdays 5:30-6am on Magic Talk.

Newshub.