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by John C. (Jack) Fisher

OFBF executive vice president

Every time I attend one of Farm Bureau's major meetings, I can't help but think: We need a bigger room. You know exactly what I mean if you've ever been to Ag Day at the Capitol, Leadership Conference, annual meeting or another of our statewide gatherings. I look at the lineup of speakers, panelists and presenters - impressive groups of influencers, experts and authorities - and wish that more people could have taken part in the thoughtful, informative dialog that occurs when Farm Bureau puts the spotlight on important issues.

Starting April 30, we have that bigger room. One big enough to hold millions of people. That's the day Town Hall Ohio goes on the air on Columbus radio powerhouse 610 WTVN.

Town Hall Ohio is Ohio Farm Bureau’s new weekly talk radio program. Each Sunday morning, from 7 to 8, OFBF will shape the discussion on the issues that are on the minds of farmers, and which should be on the mind of the public. Town Hall Ohio’s conversations will bring attention to politics and government, quality of life issues, health, safety and security, economics, private enterprise, public services, resource utilization, education, recreation, community character and more. Our goal each week will be widen the understanding of what is important to farmers and rural residents and show how these issues are relevant to all Ohioans, be they consumers, voters or policy makers.

Launching this project on WTVN is an exciting opportunity. It is the highest rated AM station and is consistently rated number one or two among all stations in the seven-county Columbus radio market. More significantly for Farm Bureau, WTVN’s 5,000 watt signal at 610 on the AM dial will deliver Town Hall Ohio to farms and homes in nearly all of the state.

While it initially will be heard only on WTVN, our plan is to syndicate the program to other radio stations. Besides extending the influence of the program, this will also afford some opportunities to county Farm Bureaus that wish to partner in this effort.

Town Hall Ohio takes advantage of the strength of news/talk radio, the fastest growing format in American radio. This type of program attracts listeners who are demographically the kinds of people Farm Bureau needs to talk to. They tune in from their homes, cars, offices (and their tractor cabs). Most importantly, Farm Bureau will be reaching this attractive audience in an environment where we control the agenda and have the time necessary to fully analyze and explore complex issues.

Adding talk radio to our toolbox brings us a step closer to your goal of Farm Bureau being the premier communicator to and about agriculture. Through Our Ohio’s magazine, television and Web-based communications, consumers are regaining a connection to farm life and the products you produce. Buckeye Farm News, the OFBF Web site and Ohio Farm and Country on RFD TV are enhancing our link to farm families and the whole of Ohio agriculture. Now, Town Hall Ohio adds issues-oriented radio to our powerful communications mix. We’ve made great strides in just a few short years, and you can take a lot of pride in your organization’s successes.

Mark 7 a.m. Sundays on your calendar starting April 30 for Town Hall Ohio. As you’re doing chores, having breakfast or readying for church, tune your radio to 610 on the AM dial and listen in as Farm Bureau gives voice to the issues that matter to you.