Farmers Weekly managing editor Bryan Gibson has been named the 2022 Ravensdown Agricultural Communicator of the Year.
Given each year by the New Zealand Guild of Agricultural Journalists and Communicators, the award honours individuals or groups that have contributed to the agricultural industry and community by communicating issues, events and information.
Gibson has edited Farmers Weekly since 2014, leading its editorial team through coverage of numerous contentious issues.
Ravensdown chief executive Garry Diack praised Gibson as a sought-after commentator on NZ agriculture.
“At such a tumultuous time for the rural sector, having a cool-headed, courageous and clear communicator at the helm of rural media is more important than ever,” Diack said.
Gibson, who is generally one of a quiet demeanour, said he was surprised by the recognition.
“As someone who doesn’t say a lot, this is quite a surprise,” he said during his acceptance speech.
He then went on to discuss his role as managing editor at Farmers Weekly and in true character heaped praises on the editorial team, who he has “learnt so much from”.
“To think that my job is generally to stay out of the way … I run a wonderful team of journalists, who have so much experience,” adding that everyone working together makes the publication happen “week in and week out”.
He also thanked AgriHQ founders and directors, Dean and Cushla Williamson, for creating a working environment that makes this possible, and Farmers Weekly’s readers and the wider industry, who all play key part in making the publication what it is today.
He also acknowledged the current challenges the industry faces.
“If we get the basics of journalism right, which is to hold the powerful to account, to open a window to the world and advocate for community, then I think we’re doing the right thing.”
Congratulating his award-winning editor, Dean said: “The art of communication is the language of leadership. Well done, Bryan. What you do is so important and as a team we’re grateful for your own style of intelligent, courageous and humble leadership.”
The award was announced at a function at the National Fieldays.
