One of Raglan Community Radio’s newest DJ Craig Mitchell is getting a little bit country in his show Over the Fence.
The boy who grew up on a farm in Onewhero, is hoping to inject a rural voice into community radio with his Wednesday show which airs live from 12.30-1.30pm.
The show shines a spotlight on the news, issues, experiences and chat from the rural landscape around Raglan and New Zealand.
“I started the show to give rural folk a voice and focus on their stories and what they want to hear.”
Each week, Craig interviews people involved in farming and the primary sector, both locally and drawing on experts across the country to discuss the highs and lows of rural life.
A farmer himself for 10-years, Craig knows how tough life can be – working in isolated locations, battling the elements and often on their own – he hopes to tell the stories that best reflect the rural community of Whaingaroa.
Currently studying for a psychology degree, Craig has battled depression himself and hopes to work in mental health for the rural sector in the future.
It’s his first foray into hosting a radio show and he admits to a few technical hiccups.
“I haven’t cut anyone off yet but I when I first did a phone interview, I didn’t realise that I needed to talk into the mic and not the phone. They couldn’t hear me but I could hear them,” he laughs.
There’s still a bit of nerves before each show, but Craig says the support from station manager Aaron Mooar and the rest of the crew has been invaluable.
Listen to Craig on Over the Fence every Wednesday from 12.30-1.30pm and get in touch with your feedback and suggestions for content at overthefenceradioshow@gmail.com.
Janine Jackson
