Bush Telegraph
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Bush Telegraph is a radio program on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's Radio National network, broadcast weekdays (Monday-Friday) at 11-12am, reporting Australian rural news.
The name of the show is derived from the eponymous Australian country concept of a very quick means of stories getting to everyone in all parts of a particular region.
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[edit] Format
The show brings original reports, and pieces from rural reporters from the ABC's local radio network, plus occasional listener feedback pieces (Country Viewpoint) with 5 minutes of a listener's opinions recorded in regional ABC studios.
An ongoing debate involves stories related to genetically modified food.
[edit] Specialised Programming
Bush Telegraph has run several innovative listener participation series, where listeners have been able to vote on aspects of a project through the internet site and phone-in lines.
[edit] Grow Your Own
In 2002 and early 2003, Bush Telegraph listeners voted on production of a cotton crop. [1]
Stu Higgins, a cotton farmer from Jandowae (near Chinchilla) in Queensland, offered 5 acres of his crop. The show had weekly updates, and votes were taken on matters such as: how the crop should be fertilised, whether natural or artificial defoliant should be used.
The crop was successful, and achieved a premium price. Higgins received an award: Queensland Primary Industries Achievement Award for media and communication.
[edit] Wine on the Wireless [2]
For the 2006 harvest, commencing March 2006, a grape grower and winery owner, Ian Davison of Galens Tor winery near Orange, New South Wales, has offered Shiraz grapes for two vintages:
- a listener-decided vintage;
- a competing vintage made by students from the Orange TAFE's oenology course.
Each group will make a barrel of Shiraz wine with the help of professional winemakers, with professional judges deciding on the outcome. Listeners will be able to buy bottles of each wine and decide for themselves.
[edit] Presenters
The current presenter is Michael MacKenzie.
