Bush Telegraph
| Company type | Radio program |
|---|---|
| Industry | Broadcasting |
| Founded | 23 April 2001 |
| Defunct | 19 December 2014 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
Area served | Australia |
| Products | Radio broadcast featuring rural and regional Australian stories, music, and news |
Bush Telegraph was a weekday radio broadcast on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's Radio National service, transmitted from 11am to noon. The program showcased narratives originating from rural and regional parts of Australia and was on air from 23 April 2001 until 19 December 2014.
The term "Bush telegraph" denotes the informal network through which news circulates in Australia's rural or outback communities.
History
The show commenced broadcasting on 23 April 2001 and ended its run on 19 December 2014.
Format
Bush Telegraph presented original feature stories, Australian music selections, rural news updates, and reports from ABC rural reporters across the country. The program addressed significant topics such as genetically modified foods, rural infrastructure, climate change, and water management policies.
Special series
Interactive series involving audience participation were a hallmark of the program, allowing listeners to cast votes online or by phone to influence project outcomes, including:
2002/3: Grow Your Own
During 2002–2003, the audience played a role in managing a cotton crop. Queensland cotton farmer Stu Higgins contributed five acres near Chinchilla for this initiative. Weekly progress reports included listener voting on fertiliser application and defoliant use. The crop achieved premium market prices, earning Higgins the Queensland Primary Industries Achievement Award for excellence in media and communication.
2006: Wine on the Wireless
In the March 2006 harvest season, Ian Davison of Galens Tor winery near Orange, New South Wales provided Shiraz grapes for two vintages:
Each group crafted a Shiraz barrel under guidance from professional winemakers, with expert judges assessing the final products. Consumers had the opportunity to purchase both wines to compare their quality and taste profiles.
Presenters
Cameron Wilson was the program's last host. Former presenters included Helen Brown, Michael Mackenzie (2004–2009), and Michael Cathcart (2009–2012).