AFTRS students launch at-home version of Show Radio

For the past 26 years, Show Radio has been the official pop-up station for the annual Sydney Royal Easter Show, only this year – due to COVID-19 – sadly there is no Royal Easter Show or access to facilities at AFTRS.

There are still hundreds of great stories to be told about life in rural and regional Australia. This year Show Radio – Special Edition will focus on bringing to life stories from the land, celebrating the importance of rural life and the essential role farmers and primary producers play in putting food on our tables and the rich heritage of the RAS (Royal Agricultural Society).

General manager, Sydney Royal Easter Show & Agriculture, Murray Wilton says the AFTRS Show Radio is a part of the Show tradition and he is delighted the team could still bring a great program to life.

“Attending and reporting at the Sydney Royal Easter Show has become a rite of passage for many within the media industry; the Show offering a unique place to hone your skills and interview an incredible variety of characters,” said Wilton

“While we cannot offer this experience to the AFTRS students this year, I have no doubt that they will gain a wealth of knowledge by adapting to the current circumstances and do the RAS proud as they tell the many great stories of regional and rural NSW.

“After so many years, Show Radio has become a beloved part of the Show and we are delighted AFTRS have gone out of their way to still bring the country to the city for 7 days.”

Country Music star Fanny Lumsden also delivered a special performance.

Like most radio stations around the world, AFTRS is working remotely.

Using ZETTA 2GO and RINGR, they’re broadcasting from lounge rooms and bedrooms, using laptops and mobiles across the country this week via iHeartRadio.

AFTRS head of radio, Fyona Smith, thanked the industry for their support, encouragement, and airchecking during this time.

“The generosity has been heartening, in a few short weeks we have converted all of our courses to online delivery and worked closely with industry to achieve this,” said Smith.

“A big thank you to our terrific crew, industry guests, our techs, the team at RCS and the RAS! Radio is known for its immediacy, resilience and adaptability, all very appropriate right now”.