New TV Show features Agriculture, CareerTech, Economic Development

Story by Paula Bowles

A new television show that focuses on agriculture, economic development and the education and training of Oklahomans for successful careers ushered in the New Year. On Jan. 8, Oklahoma Horizon began airing weekly on Oklahoman’s educational television network, OETA.

The 30-minute weekly production is a partnership between the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry and the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education. It is being developed in cooperation with OETA, which will air the show at 7 a.m. Saturdays. The show also will air on RFD-TV on the Dish Network and Direct TV.

“Agriculture in Oklahoma is a $7 billion industry,” said Terry Peach, secretary of the State Department of Agriculture. “Oklahoma’s economy is thriving in large part due to the innovations and commitment of farmers and ranchers throughout the state. This show will highlight the achievements of those involved in Oklahoma agriculture and emphasize the important contribution agriculture makes to the state.”

Rob McClendon is executive producer of the show. McClendon has 14 years of experience covering Oklahoma agriculture as the host of the former Sun Up program. He also has experience as a television news anchor for CBS and ABC affiliates.

McClendon and a team of writers and producers at the CareerTech department will be responsible annually for some 50 shows. The team is traveling throughout the state to showcase individuals, companies and other organizations, which contribute to Oklahoma’s economic development and quality of life.

“We are pleased to house this operation at the CareerTech state agency and play a vital role in its development,” said Phil Berkenbile, state director of CareerTech. “This show fits very well with our mission, which is to ‘prepare Oklahomans to succeed in the workplace, in education and in life.’

We will focus on the collaboration between CareerTech and other entities, whether they be state agencies or private businesses, in helping people achieve success and in contributing to the growth of our state’s economy.”

Viewers can access the Oklahoma HORIZON Website at www.OkHorizon.com. Available on the Website will be the program lineup and resources for more information about the shows’ stories. For more information about the Oklahoma HORIZON show, please contact the CareerTech Communications and Marketing Division, 405-743-5104.