Jim McCarter inducted as Rural Media Icon (April 2018)

Highly respected legend of South Australian rural journalism, Jim McCarter was formally inducted to the honoured status of ‘Rural Media Icon’ at RMSA’s Luncheon on 27^th April.

Jim McCarter currently enjoying retired life in Tasmania

However due to his advanced years and ongoing ill health, Jim was unable to travel to Adelaide, his induction being conducted by live voice link to Jim’s current home in Tasmania.

Born at Kadina on South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula in 1937, Jim McCarter’s roots in rural journalism come from a period very few people today have experienced. Following completion of his education at Urrbrae Agricultural High School, he obtained a position as a cadet journalist with the Advertiser’s rural publication, ‘The Chronicle’ in 1954.

In the early 1960’s, Jim expanded his role as a rural journalist at ‘The Chronicle’ by broadcasting agricultural stories on the Advertiser Broadcasting Network’s statewide radio stations 5AD, 5PI, 5MU & 5SE in a program called ‘Life on the Land’.

Jim McCarter became Editor of ‘The Chronicle’ in 1969, a role he held until the Advertiser decided to close that publication in 1976. He then took up the position of Rural Editor at the Advertiser in an effort to maintain the communication of rural and agricultural content to that publication’s statewide readers. His weekly “On The Land” section epitomised quality rural journalism and was a much anticipated read for many regional and metropolitan people.

Jim McCarter in the 1980’s, at work as an iconic South Australian rural journalist

A highlight of Jim’s career at the Advertiser was convincing the management of that publication to become official sponsor of the Yorke Peninsula Field Days, something very close to his heart. In recognition of his long service to the YP Field Days Committee, that body awarded Jim with Life Membership.

After 38 years reporting rural issues to South Australians, Jim McCarter retired from the Advertiser in 1992.

Jim McCarter left a number of lasting legacies to the craft of rural journalism in this state. In addition to establishing the benchmark for quality agricultural journalism and well-mannered communication, he pioneered the formation of Rural Media South Australia in the 1970’s. Jim served as RMSA President and Secretary for many years, with Honorary Life Membership being bestowed upon him by RMSA some years ago as a genuine gesture of its appreciation.