AUCKLAND, TODAY: Andy Thompson and Sarah Perriam-Lampp are teaming up to launch a new era in rural media with a multimedia rural radio show set to go live in 2026.
The duo are well-known in New Zealand rural broadcasting and are forming a new partnership under CountryWide Media that combines their experience, networks, and ambition to evolve rural radio for the next generation.
Thompson, the host of Sport Nation’s The Rural Roundup and The Local Game, and previously NZME’s The Muster, says the move is about combining their strengths and passion while tapping into CountryWide Media’s 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.”
“I am excited about working with Andy who brings credibility and trust in spades.” – Sarah Perriam-Lampp
Together they’ll expand CountryWide Media’s national footprint into a live streaming digital daily radio show broadcast from Christchurch.
The move follows Perriam-Lampp’s purchase of CountryWide with her business partner, Lucinda Diack, from Tony Leggett in 2023, shifting the business from its print-first roots.
Perriam-Lampp is no newcomer to rural radio, having been part of the founding team behind MediaWorks’ Rural Exchange from 2017-2019, alongside Richard Loe and Hamish McKay, plus regular commentary on Radio NZ, Herald NOW and TVNZ Breakfast.
“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 new show is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2026.
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