Prominent rural broadcasters join forces

Well-known New Zealand rural broadcasters Andy Thompson and Sarah Perriam-Lampp will join forces to launch an innovative, multimedia rural radio show in 2026. 

Thompson and Perriam-Lampp have formed a new partnership under CountryWide Media, combining their experience and networks to shape the next generation of rural radio.

Combine expertise with reach

Thompson, known as the host of Sport Nation’s The Rural Roundup and The Local Game and previously NZME’s The Muster, says the move combines their agricultural expertise with CountryWide Media’s national print, video and digital reach.

“Sarah and I both believe rural New Zealand deserves uncompromised multi-media coverage, smart storytelling and journalism with a bit of backbone and fun. Joining forces lets us build something significant to match the scale of the sector to the economy.”

Thompson and Perriam-Lampp will expand CountryWide Media’s national presence with a live-streamed daily radio show broadcast from Christchurch.

This follows Perriam-Lampp’s purchase of CountryWide in 2023 with her business partner Lucinda Diack from Tony Leggett. The business was predominantly print-based.

Lift up rural radio

Perriam-Lampp is no stranger to rural radio, having co-hosted Mediaworks’ Rural Exchange from 2017 to 2019 alongside Richard Loe and Hamish McKay.

She is also a regular rural commentator to Radio NZ, Herald NOW and TVNZ Breakfast, and has previously appeared on the AM Show.

“Once you have the radio-itch, it’s hard to not scratch it again,” she says.

“I am excited about working with Andy who brings credibility and trust in spades. We share the same values and ambition which is to continue to lift the standard of rural broadcasting providing farmers a media they can rely on in all forms.”

The show will launch in the first quarter of 2026.

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