A heap of changes are in store for “Simply Southern TV” as the show enters its seventh season in January 2021.

Viewers will see a new set with an impressive video wall measuring over 12 feet. The new “Simply Southern TV” logo incorporates the state of Alabama, and each episode will include a greater variety of agricultural content. 

“Since 2015, our staff has strived to share the wonderful stories of our state’s farmers and rural life through ‘Simply Southern TV,’” said Alabama Farmers Federations Communications Department Director Jeff Helms. “With these improvements, I think the show moves up a notch in production value and becomes even more entertaining and educational.”

To reach a broader audience, the broadcast schedule is changing in three markets. Starting in January, the show will air at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays on WAKA-TV in Montgomery and WTVY-TV in Dothan. In Columbus, Georgia, the show will move to Saturdays at 5 p.m. CST on WLTZ-TV.

“The most frequent feedback we hear about the show is that people love it but don’t always get up early enough on Sundays to watch live,” Helms said. “We’re hopeful the changes will help us reach more viewers with the story of agriculture.”

A few familiar faces will take on new roles within the show. Kevin Worthington will step behind the anchor desk with co-host Mary Wilson. Worthington will also continue in his role as agriculture reporter and director. 

“I look forward to working alongside Mary as we continue taking the stories of Alabama’s farmers to the state’s urban citizens,” Worthington said. “Federation staff who work as the crew of ‘Simply Southern TV’ have always aimed to capture compelling stories. I’m confident the investment we’ve made in a new set and new technology will make the show even better.”

Stacey Little of SouthernBite.com, who Neighbors readers know for his monthly Farmhouse Kitchen articles, will host a weekly cooking segment, and freelance reporter Melissa Bowman will share a feature in every episode. 

While “Simply Southern TV” is a production of the Alabama Farmers Federation, it is funded through support of sponsoring organizations. The Alabama Farmers Cooperative (AFC) is the show’s major sponsor.

“We’re proud to continue our partnership with the Federation to bring ‘Simply Southern TV’ to people across the state of Alabama and even across the country,” said AFC President and CEO Rivers Myres. “It’s exciting to see how much the show has grown in the past six years, and we’re looking forward to even better things to come.”

Additional sponsors for season seven are supporting sponsor Alfa Insurance; sustaining sponsors Alabama Catfish Producers, Alabama Soybean Producers and Alabama Wheat & Feed Grain Producers; and contributing sponsors Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama Farm Credit, Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation and Sweet Grown Alabama. 

Visit SimplySouthernTV.net to learn more.