https://www.ruralradio143.com/remembering-patrick-gottsch Remembering Patrick Gottsch - Rural Media Group's Founder & President en-US Fri, 05 Sep 2025 15:10:25 GMT https://www.rfdtv.com/cheyenne-frontier-days-ceo-on-hall-of-fame-induction-patrick-gottsch-holds-a-special-place-in-our-hearts Today in Wyoming, Rural Media Group's late founder, Patrick Gottsch, will be inducted into the Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame! The rodeo's CEO, Tom Hirsing, joined us to share why Patrick is so deserving of this honor. The Cheyenne Frontier Days™ rodeo is more than just the “Daddy of ’em All” to those of us at RFD-TV. It was our late founder, Patrick Gottsch’s, favorite event each year. It was also one of the first rodeos he ever broadcast on our former sister network, The Cowboy Channel. Today in Wyoming, Gottsch will be inducted into the Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame! Cheyenne Frontier Days CEO Tom Hirsing joined us on Friday morning's Market Day Report to discuss this special honor and the connection between this landmark Western lifestyle event and our network. In his interview with RFD-TV's own Tammi Arrender, Hirsing explained why Gottsch was chosen for the honor, due to his contributions throughout the event's history, and how Cheyenne Frontier Days embodied everything Patrick loved about the Western way of life. Hirsing also shared what attendees can expect at this year's event. "Cheyenne Frontier Days held a very special place in Patrick's heart," Hirsing said. "Certainly, he holds a very great place in our hearts, too, because of the things he did for us." In addition to Patrick, Hirsing also highlighted some of this year's other Hall of Fame class, including late country music superstar Toby Keith. Gottsch was a huge fan of Keith's music, so it's incredibly fitting that they would share this honor. ——— Fri, 05 Sep 2025 15:10:25 GMT https://www.rfdtv.com/cheyenne-frontier-days-ceo-on-hall-of-fame-induction-patrick-gottsch-holds-a-special-place-in-our-hearts https://www.rfdtv.com/about-us/press/patrick-gottsch-to-be-inducted-into-the-cheyenne-frontier-days-hall-of-fame Nashville, TN - Rural Media Group is proud to share that The Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Hall of Fame will honor the late Patrick Gottsch, visionary media entrepreneur and founder of Rural Media Group, during its 2025 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Gottsch transformed the landscape of rural and western media through RFD-TV, and Rural Radio on SiriusXM Channel 147, providing farmers, ranchers, and western sports enthusiasts with the national platform they had long deserved. This year’s other distinguished inductees include Fred Emerich, Dan & Linda Hubbell, Scott Walton, Toby Keith, Jim Ward Family, Dan Hough, Walt Linderman & Scottie, and Billy B. Weeks. Established to recognize individuals, families, livestock, and organizations that have made a lasting impact on the “Daddy of ’Em All,” the Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Hall of Fame celebrates those who embody the spirit, history, and culture of the world’s largest outdoor rodeo and western celebration. Patrick’s daughters, Raquel Gottsch Koehler and Gatsby Gottsch Solheim, shared, "Our dad believed deeply that rural America deserved a national stage, and he devoted his life to making that vision a reality. Cheyenne Frontier Days™ was especially close to his heart. From the excitement of the rodeo to the tradition of the parade and the Indian Village, CFD represented everything he wanted to share with the world about the Western way of life. To see him honored here is incredibly meaningful, and we are proud to carry forward his legacy and continue the mission he began." Patrick Gottsch’s induction into the Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Hall of Fame cements his role as a pioneer in preserving and sharing the stories, values, and traditions of rural America. His work not only elevated professional rodeo and western culture to a national stage but also created a legacy that will inspire generations to come. WHEN: Friday, September 5, 2025 WHERE: Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Old West Museum 4610 Carey Ave Cheyenne, Wyoming WHO: Patrick Gottsch (1953–2024) Founder of Rural Media Group, the parent company that launched RFD-TV, Rural Radio on SiriusXM, The Cowboy Channel, and The Cowgirl Channel (with The Cowboy Channel and The Cowgirl Channel later sold in 2024) Lifelong advocate for rural America, western sports, and agricultural communities Built a legacy of storytelling that preserved and promoted the Western way of life for millions nationwide MEDIA CONTACTS: Jennifer St. Clair Hello St. Clair Communications p: 323.481.6841 e: jennifer@hellostclair.com Fri, 05 Sep 2025 14:22:19 GMT https://www.rfdtv.com/about-us/press/patrick-gottsch-to-be-inducted-into-the-cheyenne-frontier-days-hall-of-fame https://www.rfdtv.com/watch-the-gottsch-family-and-the-national-ffa-have-a-deep-relationship We are helping the National FFA reach their Give FFA Day goal of $1.5 million dollars with a very special 2-hour telethon! We are helping the National FFA reach their Give FFA Day goal of $1.5 million dollars with a very special 2-hour telethon! To kick it all off, host Kirbe Schnoor spoke with Gatsby Gottsch Solheim and Raquel Gottsch Koehler about the relationship between their family and the organization. Donate Here Fri, 21 Feb 2025 01:18:18 GMT https://www.rfdtv.com/watch-the-gottsch-family-and-the-national-ffa-have-a-deep-relationship https://www.rfdtv.com/rural-media-groups-patrick-gottsch-receives-place-on-the-historic-texas-trail-of-fame-memorial Located in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards is the Texas Trail of Fame. It honors those who have large contributions to the Western way of life. This past weekend, Rural Media Group Founder Patrick Gottsch received his place on the historic Memorial. Mon, 28 Oct 2024 15:23:48 GMT https://www.rfdtv.com/rural-media-groups-patrick-gottsch-receives-place-on-the-historic-texas-trail-of-fame-memorial https://www.ruralradio143.com/patrick-gottsch-to-receive-star-on-texas-trail-of-fame The founder of RFD-TV and The Cowboy Channel will join a distinguished group of individuals who have made significant contributions to the Western way of life Fort Worth, Texas – October 24, 2024 - The Texas Trail of Fame recently announced that Patrick Gottsch, founder of RFD-TV and The Cowboy Channel, will be honored with a star on the Texas Trail of Fame in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards. This esteemed recognition will take place during the 2024 induction ceremonies, where Gottsch will join a distinguished group of individuals who have made significant contributions to the Western way of life. "We are immensely proud to celebrate our father, Patrick Gottsch, with this prestigious honor," said Raquel Gottsch Koehler and Gatsby Gottsch Solheim, daughters and owners of Rural Media Group. "His unwavering commitment to uplifting rural America and championing the values of the Western lifestyle has always inspired us. This recognition from the Texas Trail of Fame not only honors his remarkable legacy but also underscores the importance of preserving the rich traditions that define our culture. We are truly grateful for the opportunity to share in this significant moment." Patrick’s creation of RFD-TV, the nation's first 24-hour television network dedicated to rural America, and The Cowboy Channel, focusing on the rich traditions of Western sports, has forever changed the landscape of rural television. Even more recently the company launched The Cowgirl Channel and has been actively highlighting women in agriculture and ranching with FarmHER and RanchHER episodes airing on RFD-TV. Through his visionary leadership, Gottsch has brought vital attention to rural lifestyles, agriculture, and rodeo sports, establishing himself as a pioneer in media for rural communities. The Texas Trail of Fame honors individuals, organizations, and groups that have made significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of Western heritage. Gottsch's unwavering commitment to broadcasting the Western lifestyle, values, and culture is perfectly aligned with the mission of the Texas Trail of Fame. Other 2024 Texas Trail of Fame Inductees Include: Jerry Baird - Rancher/Educator/Chuckwagon Cook Arvol & Paula Looking Horse - Lakota spiritual leaders Paul W. McCallum - Destination Development/Preservationist Reba McEntire - Entertainer/Singer Kit & Charlie Moncrief - Ranchers/Philanthropists Chuck Norris - Actor/Rancher Dale Robertson - Rancher/Actor Prof. Richard F. Selcer - Historian/Author/Educator Leta Smothermon - Stockyards Legend Saturday, October 26, 2024 10:00 AM | Texas Trail of Fame Induction Unveiling Ceremony Location: Steps of the Stockyards Exchange Building 11:45 AM | Patrick Gottsch Star Unveiling Location: In Front of The Cowboy Channel / RFD-TV Building About the Texas Trail of Fame The Texas Trail of Fame, located in the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District, was established to honor those who have significantly contributed to preserving and perpetuating the heritage and traditions of the Western way of life. Inductees are recognized with a bronze star embedded in the walkways of the historic district, ensuring their legacy continues to inspire future generations. For more information visit, https://www.texastrailoffame.org and to request interviews or a media invite to the Patrick Gottsch documentary screening, contact: Media Contact: Heather Krug PR heather@heatherkrug.com 310-463-1415 Fri, 25 Oct 2024 19:21:35 GMT https://www.ruralradio143.com/patrick-gottsch-to-receive-star-on-texas-trail-of-fame https://www.rfdtv.com/national-ffa-honors-the-late-patrick-gottsch-with-the-blue-and-gold-award RFD-TV has been a supporter of FFA since our beginning, and that is thanks to Founder Patrick Gottsch who passed away earlier this year. Patrick was honored by the organization this week, and Kirbe Schnoor caught up with his daughter, Raquel Gottsch Koehler, who accepted the award on her father's behalf. Also this week, Patrick will receive a star on the Texas Trail of Fame in the Fort Worth Stockyards. Fri, 25 Oct 2024 14:30:00 GMT https://www.rfdtv.com/national-ffa-honors-the-late-patrick-gottsch-with-the-blue-and-gold-award https://www.ruralradio143.com/raquel-gottsch-koehler-talks-about-her-fathers-legacy-and-his-love-for-the-cheyenne-frontier-days Five years ago, Patrick Gottsch televised the Cheyenne Frontier Days on the Cowboy Channel for the first time. Five years ago, the Cowboy Channel televised its first rodeo, the Cheyenne Frontier Days. From then on, that rodeo became near and dear to Patrick Gottsch and now it lives on through his daughter, Raquel Gottsch Koehler. In 2019, Patrick called Tom Hirsig, the CEO of the Cheyenne Frontier Days, and expressed his desire to showcase rodeo through a western sports network. Hirsig believed in Patrick and decided to take a chance and be the first rodeo to be televised. "I remember Tom Hersig, CEO at the time as well, he really embraced that idea. He was like 'Oh, let it be us. We want to be the first ones' and here we are, building on that relationship these five ears later and it just gets stronger and better. And then, we get to see the rodeo grow, I think because of it," Justin McKee said. While Gottsch was a fan of any and every rodeo, McKee says that there was always a twinkle in Patrick's eye when he was sitting on the deck looking over the arena of the Cheyenne Frontier Days. Patrick truly loved everything about the Cheyenne Frontier Days, from serving as the Grand Marshall of the Grand Parade, to the pancakes, to the Indian Village and everything in between. "You know, it is a beautiful thing to see. It is everything that he thought would happen, that dad believed in, it did, it came true. So, he did, he loved being here, loved being the Grand Marshall of the parade," Koehler said. "He wore that ribbon so proudly. It always hung very prominently in his closet and he would even put it on from time to time." Patrick not only left his mark on the Cheyenne Frontier Days, but also on countless other rodeos that have grown since the televising of the sport. "The impact is unbelievable, the legacy he has left. And I want to say this, in the sport of rodeo there are legends, and he is a legend," McKee said. "Most legends it takes a lifetime to get that label, that title. It took him just a few months," Sun, 28 Jul 2024 14:56:26 GMT https://www.ruralradio143.com/raquel-gottsch-koehler-talks-about-her-fathers-legacy-and-his-love-for-the-cheyenne-frontier-days https://www.rfdtv.com/unmatched-dedication-rep-gt-thompson-paid-tribute-to-our-late-founder-patrick-gottsch-on-house-floor The House Committee on Agriculture paid tribute to our late founder, Patrick Gottsch on the floor of the House in Washington DC. Congressman GT Thompson remembered Patrick's dedication to rural America. Thu, 25 Jul 2024 18:54:40 GMT https://www.rfdtv.com/unmatched-dedication-rep-gt-thompson-paid-tribute-to-our-late-founder-patrick-gottsch-on-house-floor https://www.rfdtv.com/the-2024-ag-phd-field-day-pays-tribute-to-rural-media-group-founder-patrick-gottsch-in-their-memorial-garden Farmers from across the country are currently gathered in Baltic, South Dakota for the 2024 Ag PhD Field Day. RFD-TV's Mark Oppold is joined with Brian Hefty as they discuss the event's special Memorial Garden, which honors the late Rural Media Group Founder, Patrick Gottsch. Thu, 25 Jul 2024 15:42:56 GMT https://www.rfdtv.com/the-2024-ag-phd-field-day-pays-tribute-to-rural-media-group-founder-patrick-gottsch-in-their-memorial-garden https://www.rfdtv.com/senator-pete-ricketts-pays-tribute-to-rmg-founder-patrick-gottsch-on-the-senate-floor The country was reconnected with the city in fantastic fashion on the floor of the Senate in Washington DC. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, a close friend of our late founder Patrick Gottsch, introduced a resolution honoring his life. Here are some comments from Senator Pete Ricketts, from Pstrick's home state of Nebraska. Thu, 13 Jun 2024 16:06:20 GMT https://www.rfdtv.com/senator-pete-ricketts-pays-tribute-to-rmg-founder-patrick-gottsch-on-the-senate-floor https://www.rfdtv.com/sen-cindy-hyde-smith-honors-patrick-gottsch-on-the-senate-floor The country was reconnected with the city in fantastic fashion, on the floor of the Senate in Washington, D.C. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, a close friend of our late founder Patrick Gottsch, introduced a resolution honoring his life. The resolution will be entered into the Congressional record, and a copy will be sent to the Gottsch family. FULL PATRICK GOTTSCH MEMORIAM RESOLUTION: Thu, 13 Jun 2024 14:21:43 GMT https://www.rfdtv.com/sen-cindy-hyde-smith-honors-patrick-gottsch-on-the-senate-floor https://www.rfdtv.com/dr-jeffrey-gold-shares-relationship-with-founder-patrick-gottsch-and-the-importance-of-rural-health-matters We continue to hear from viewers, farmers, and industry leaders from across the country as we reflect on the legacy of RFD-TV founder, Patrick Gottsch, and the impact he has had on agriculture and rural America. UNMC Chancellor, Dr. Jeffrey Gold spoke with RFD-TV's own Suzanne Alexander on their friendship, Rural Health Matters, and Patrick's impact on rural residents. Fri, 31 May 2024 20:53:13 GMT https://www.rfdtv.com/dr-jeffrey-gold-shares-relationship-with-founder-patrick-gottsch-and-the-importance-of-rural-health-matters https://tcc.rfdtv.brightspotgocms.com/patrick-gottschs-vision-for-the-fort-worth-stockyards Patrick's passion for Fort Worth and his careful, strategic planning earned him immense respect in Fort Worth Fort Worth has witnessed a remarkable transformation in its historic Stockyards, thanks to the visionary efforts of Patrick Gottsch and Craig Cavileer, managing partner at Stockyards Heritage Development Company. Their partnership turned the Stockyards into a premier destination for cowboys and western enthusiasts. Cavileer’s relationship with Gottsch began over a decade ago when Gottsch expressed his desire to return to the Stockyards. His vision was to rejuvenate Fort Worth’s cowboy culture and let it resonate nationwide. Initially, Gottsch planned to move some corporate operations to Fort Worth. However, his methodical approach soon led to more ambitious plans, including the relocation of the Cowboy Channel and Cowgirl Channel studios, creating a hub for western lifestyle broadcasting. Gottsch's passion for Fort Worth and his careful, strategic planning earned him immense respect. The Stockyards, once seen as a tourist trap, have been transformed into a genuine cultural and entertainment center, often compared to "Rodeo Drive." This transformation attracted major western lifestyle brands and significantly enhanced the area’s appeal. A pivotal moment in this journey was the 2020 National Finals Rodeo. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Gottsch and Cavileer managed to host the event at the Stockyards, drawing 450,000 visitors over ten days. This showcased the Stockyards on a national stage and demonstrated Fort Worth's resilience and enduring cowboy spirit. Under the guidance of Gottsch and Cavileer, the Fort Worth Stockyards have become a vibrant, authentic destination celebrating the cowboy way of life. Their visionary partnership has not only preserved a historic landmark but also created a thriving hub that embodies the spirit of the cowboy for future generations. The Gottsch family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Patrick’s honor be made to the National FFA Foundation. Tue, 28 May 2024 15:05:04 GMT https://tcc.rfdtv.brightspotgocms.com/patrick-gottschs-vision-for-the-fort-worth-stockyards https://tcc.rfdtv.brightspotgocms.com/fort-worth-mayor-mattie-parker-talks-about-patrick-gottschs-tenacious-spirit-and-love-for-the-west Mayor Mattie Parker and Patrick Gottsch had a refreshing relationship that put Fort Worth and the American West first Patrick Gottsch hailed from Nebraska but he was quick to make the historic Fort Worth Stockyards a second home when The Cowboy Channel landed in the cowboy capital of the world. Mayor Mattie Parker has had a front row seat to many of Patrick’s Fort Worth accomplishments and their relationship was a refreshing one for her. “Patrick was such a trailblazer in so many ways. To me, it’s kind of personal what he’s created to bring rural America and Western lifestyle to home across really the entire United States. When I think about Patrick and what he accomplished, it took a lot of guts and bravery and then also a lot of money to something that may or may not have panned out,” Mayor Parker said. With Fort Worth being the fastest growing city in America, Patrick was sure to help us hold on to its heritage and make sure that the story of the American West is always remembered. His trailblazing on that path continued when he launched The Cowgirl Channel alongside his daughters in May of 2023. “Back to his influence around women in Western lifestyle, to tell those stories which took a lot of bold vision, which I’m incredibly thankful to have gotten to be a small part of that piece, but importantly, what it looked like to make sure Fort Worth continued to stay on the forefront of that story telling and for us to showcase our own wonderful cowgirls here in the city of Fort Worth and to have them here, broadcast from RFD was very special,” she said. If you ask Mayor Parker, what we owe to Patrick’s legacy is to keep the tenacity and spirit of the Western way of life alive. Tue, 28 May 2024 15:03:11 GMT https://tcc.rfdtv.brightspotgocms.com/fort-worth-mayor-mattie-parker-talks-about-patrick-gottschs-tenacious-spirit-and-love-for-the-west https://www.rfdtv.com/patrick-gottsch-remembered-rfd-tv-and-the-cowboy-channels-special-broadcasts-in-honor-of-our-founder Following the passing of RFD-TV, The Cowboy Channel, and Rural Radio's Founder and President, we aired four special tributes to honor his legacy and impact on rural America, agriculture, and western sports. Fort Worth, Texas – May 21, 2024 – RFD-TV, Rural America’s Most Important Network and The Cowboy Channel, the official network of ProRodeo, will broadcast a nightly 30-minute “Patrick Gottsch Remembered” specials beginning May 21 at 7:30 PM ET, culminating in a one-hour telecast on Friday evening, May 24, 2024. Sat, 25 May 2024 02:00:00 GMT https://www.rfdtv.com/patrick-gottsch-remembered-rfd-tv-and-the-cowboy-channels-special-broadcasts-in-honor-of-our-founder https://www.rfdtv.com/paul-laroche-of-brule-reflects-on-patrick-spotlighting-native-american-culture-and-their-relationship "I believe he has done more for our culture in the world of entertainment than the entire music industry combined" All week we have been reflecting on the legacy of RFD-TV founder, Patrick Gottsch who was not only known for his strides for agriculture and rural America, but also the bridges he built to bring diverse cultures into the mainstream spotlight, including Native American culture. Award-winning Native American music group Brulé, Paul LaRoche spoke with RFD-TV's own Suzanne Alexander on meeting Patrick, the show Hidden Heritage, and the legacy Patrick leaves behind. Fri, 24 May 2024 16:46:22 GMT https://www.rfdtv.com/paul-laroche-of-brule-reflects-on-patrick-spotlighting-native-american-culture-and-their-relationship https://www.rfdtv.com/patrick-gottsch-remembered-focus-on-family 1 hour special spotlights Patrick's focus on family, the history of RFD-TV, and his influence at Superior Livestock Auction. Honoring and remembering Rural Media Group's Founder, Patrick Gottsch. We pay tribute to the life and legacy this titan of Rural Media built and the lives he touched. In this installment, we spotlight Patrick's focus on family, the history of RFD-TV, and his influence at Superior Livestock Auction. Fri, 24 May 2024 16:00:00 GMT https://www.rfdtv.com/patrick-gottsch-remembered-focus-on-family https://www.rfdtv.com/richard-childress-racing-to-tribute-patrick-gottsch-during-the-coca-cola-600-race This weekend, the Coca-Cola 600 Race will take place at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. To tribute to the life and legacy of the passing of our founder, Patrick Gottsch, Richard Childress Racing will put a logo of his memorial on their cars this weekend. The cars include: #2 NXS #33 NXS #3 Cup #8 Cup The race will take place this Sunday, May 26, at 5:00 PM. In Case You Missed It: Patrick Gottsch, the Founder and President of Rural Media Group, passed away at the age of 70. He was a champion of rural America, and devoted more than half his life to empowering farmers and ranchers, giving them a voice at the table. At 70 years old, he continued to live life to the fullest and packed more experiences into a week than most people do in a lifetime. Fri, 24 May 2024 15:53:41 GMT https://www.rfdtv.com/richard-childress-racing-to-tribute-patrick-gottsch-during-the-coca-cola-600-race https://tcc.rfdtv.brightspotgocms.com/barrel-racing-icon-lisa-lockhart-reflects-on-being-a-part-of-rodeo-history-with-patrick-gottsch Lisa Lockhart has claimed three American Rodeo titles and the first came at the inaugural event at AT&T Stadium. In 2014, Patrick Gottsch and Randy Bernard’s dream came to life when the bucking chutes were loaded and horses were warming up at the first ever American Rodeo. It would be the richest one day rodeo in the World. The legend that is Lisa Lockhart and Louie would claim the title that year in the barrel racing. “It was amazing. It did not disappoint and here we are today, the event just keeps growing and we’re still thankful for that vision that they had,” Lockhart said. Although Lockhart was not eligible for the groundbreaking $1 million, she says she was on the edge of her seat the entire time and watching bareback rider Richie Champion win that cash prize was unforgettable. It was a game changing rodeo that is one of Lockhart’s favorites to this day and she has gone on to be a three-time American Rodeo Champion. Patrick’s lack of fear in taking chances has resulted in a decade full of incredible rodeo action that is described as a David and Goliath event. Fri, 24 May 2024 15:18:55 GMT https://tcc.rfdtv.brightspotgocms.com/barrel-racing-icon-lisa-lockhart-reflects-on-being-a-part-of-rodeo-history-with-patrick-gottsch https://www.rfdtv.com/a-look-back-patrick-gottschs-focus-on-political-influence-and-push-for-rural-programming We continue paying tribute to our founder and leader, Patrick Gottsch, who will be buried today in his home state of Nebraska. Patrick was relentless in his pursuits to get content to an audience he felt was largely ignored. In recent years, he fought to get Congress to pass his Rural Content Resolution. Here's a look back at how his efforts took him from the Farm Belt to the Beltway. Fri, 24 May 2024 13:39:05 GMT https://www.rfdtv.com/a-look-back-patrick-gottschs-focus-on-political-influence-and-push-for-rural-programming https://www.rfdtv.com/yellowstone-star-jennifer-landon-shares-condolences-for-the-passing-of-rural-meida-groups-patrick-gottsch "Patrick, I want to thank you for being kind and for being such a leader in a world that I have come to have so much appreciation for— rural America feeds America" Patrick Gottsch, the Founder and President of Rural Media Group, passed away over the weekend at the age of 70. He was a champion of Rural America, devoting more than half his life to empowering farmers and ranchers, giving them a voice at the table. We are grateful for his leadership and innovation. There has been an outpour of love, support, and condolences from friends, industry partners, western sports figures, country music stars, and television stars. Jennifer Landon, known for her role as Teeter on the hit TV show Yellowstone recently shared this message with us. She stated, "I didn't realize the legend I was meeting, I just knew I met somebody who was so kind and humble. I felt like I'd known him a decade." You may have seen her earlier this year on our Rose Parade Float! Yellowstone creator, Taylor Sheridan also recently shared his condolences for Patrick's passing: "Patrick Gottsch was a pioneer and visionary in every sense of the word. He created a central entertainment and information outlet that became an essential tool in the lives of all who work in agriculture and live in rural America. He brought horsemanship into the living rooms of America through exposure to clinicians such as Clinton Anderson, Chris Cox, and Ken McNabb. He was a tireless and stalwart protector of the rancher and farmer— our business endeavors, our pastimes, our passions, and our beliefs. Through RFD and The Cowboy Channel, Patrick provided representation to a vastly underserved and essential demographic that is the very bedrock of this nation. While Yellowstone receives much praise for bringing rural America into the public zeitgeist, Yellowstone stands on the shoulders of Patrick's creation. Patrick had a vision, and more importantly he had the tenacity to make the vision a reality. We have all benefited from that realization, which lives on in his honor. Rest In Piece Cowboy." Thu, 23 May 2024 21:02:11 GMT https://www.rfdtv.com/yellowstone-star-jennifer-landon-shares-condolences-for-the-passing-of-rural-meida-groups-patrick-gottsch https://tcc.rfdtv.brightspotgocms.com/patrick-gottsch-remembered-for-his-love-and-passion-for-rose-parade Patrick called it his favorite week every year and poured all of his energy into Rural Media Group's floats Patrick Gottsch's involvement with the Tournament of Roses Parade began in 2009, when RFD-TV entered its first float. Over the years, RFD-TV proudly presented 11 floats, each greeted with Patrick’s beaming smile as they rolled down Colorado Boulevard. Patrick filled RFD-TV's airwaves with nostalgic shows and music performances and created floats to celebrate to them. The floats also honored the agriculture and the Western way of life to back up his mission of connecting city with country. David Eads, CEO of the Tournament of Roses Parade, noted Patrick’s unparalleled dedication. Unlike many networks, RFD-TV broadcast the parade in its entirety, showcasing every moment, especially the historic equestrian units. Patrick believed in highlighting the parade’s every asepect, setting RFD-TV apart from other broadcasters. Patrick’s involvement extended beyond broadcasting. He built strong relationships within the parade community, attending the event with his family and often providing valuable feedback. Eads recalled Patrick’s passion and commitment to maintaining the parade’s heritage. As we remember Patrick, we celebrate a man who truly embodied the spirit of the parade, bringing joy to countless people every New Year’s Day. The Gottsch family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Patrick’s honor be made to the National FFA Foundation. Thu, 23 May 2024 20:13:20 GMT https://tcc.rfdtv.brightspotgocms.com/patrick-gottsch-remembered-for-his-love-and-passion-for-rose-parade https://www.rfdtv.com/patrick-gottsch-remembered-political-influence-and-rural-programming 30 minute special spotlights Patrick's political influence and the push for rural programming Honoring and remembering Rural Media Group's Founder, Patrick Gottsch. We pay tribute to the life and legacy this titan of Rural Media built and the lives he touched. In this installment, we spotlight Patrick's political influence and his relentless push to see rural program made more widely available. Thu, 23 May 2024 19:34:26 GMT https://www.rfdtv.com/patrick-gottsch-remembered-political-influence-and-rural-programming https://tcc.rfdtv.brightspotgocms.com/tom-glause-remembers-patrick-gottschs-passion-for-the-western-world-and-impact-on-televised-rodeo There wasn't much of a television footprint for the PRCA prior to The Cowboy Cahnnel PRCA CEO Tom Glause joined Jeff Medders to remember Patrick Gottsch, someone he says was a true pioneer in the Western World. "As we look back on Patrick's life, he was truly a visionary. That's a word I have heard used to describe him most often." What stuck out to Glause was Patrick's ability to stick with a dream and make it a reality. "Patrick pursued his vision with passion. When Patrick had something in his mind, he didn't just stop with dreaming of it, he pursued it. Nothing could get in his way or stop him from seeing that vision all the way through." The PRCA and The Cowboy Channel signed a partnership in 2019, but shortly after COVID hit and the world came to a stop. Patrick, however, did not stop. "Patrick said we are going to figure this out, and that's when we started putting smaller rodeos on. It is amazing what Patrick has done." Glause credits Patrick with rodeo's boom after COVID and says his ability to keep it going during the pandemic is a big reason the sport is where it is today. Patrick's passion for the sport was not limited to the athletes, he had a special bond with fans across America. "People love Patrick and Patrick loved hearing from the people. He was a hands-on founder and president. He loved the emails and making people happy." Glause spoke with Patrick last week, in what would be their last conversation. "Last week I was talking to Patrick about the future of the Cowboy Channel and as we visited I told Patrick that his legacy has been cemented, and I believe that there is a place for him in our Hall of Fame." The Gottsch family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Patrick’s honor be made to the National FFA Foundation. Thu, 23 May 2024 16:29:53 GMT https://tcc.rfdtv.brightspotgocms.com/tom-glause-remembers-patrick-gottschs-passion-for-the-western-world-and-impact-on-televised-rodeo https://www.rfdtv.com/patrick-gottsch-had-a-deep-love-for-the-tournament-of-roses-parade All week, we are celebrating the man who created RFD-TV, The Cowboy Channel, The Cowgirl Channel, and Rural Radio 147. Patrick Gottsch's love of the Tournament of Roses Parade was evident, he broadcast the entire parade from start to finish. Here's a look at RFD-TV's history at the event and why Patrick loved it so much. Thu, 23 May 2024 14:24:36 GMT https://www.rfdtv.com/patrick-gottsch-had-a-deep-love-for-the-tournament-of-roses-parade https://tcc.rfdtv.brightspotgocms.com/stetson-wright-reflects-on-patrick-gottschs-lasting-legacy-in-rodeo Stetson Wright honored Patrick Gottsch's impact on rodeo, highlighting his unwavering support and innovative vision Stetson Wright, eight-time World Champion, reflects on the profound influence of Patrick Gottsch, especially following his recent passing. From the beginning, Patrick supported Wright and his family and played a crucial role in promoting Wright's rodeo achievements. Patrick's enthusiasm was unmatched; he was Wright's biggest fan, frequently highlighting his accomplishments and ensuring the rodeo community knew of Wright's successes. "Patrick always made me feel like a superstar," he said. "Whenever I got into a bind, he would drop everything to help me out. I was just lucky enough to have that guy in my corner, that's for dang sure." Patrick's commitment extended to the Stetson Wright Invitational, where he transformed what began as a modest endeavor into a significant event with substantial prize money, drawing large crowds and top-tier competitors. Patrick's vision and dedication were crucial in raising the event's prominence and ensuring its success year after year. "He took a little open bull riding I had and turned it into a $30,000 added deal with sell-out crowds," Wright said. "It's all because of Patrick." The Gottsch family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Patrick’s honor be made to the National FFA Foundation. Wed, 22 May 2024 21:40:07 GMT https://tcc.rfdtv.brightspotgocms.com/stetson-wright-reflects-on-patrick-gottschs-lasting-legacy-in-rodeo https://www.ruralradio143.com/queen-of-country-music-dolly-parton-shares-her-condolences-for-the-passing-of-our-founder-patrick-gottsch "There are those people that will live on forever, and Patrick is definitely one of those," Ms. Dolly Parton said following RMG Founder and President Patrick Gottsch's passing. Patrick Gottsch, the Founder and President of Rural Media Group, passed away over the weekend at the age of 70. He was a champion of Rural America, devoting more than half his life to empowering farmers and ranchers, giving them a voice at the table. We are grateful for his leadership and innovation. There has been an outpour of love, support, and condolences from friends, industry partners, western sports figures, and country music stars. Recently, the Queen of Country Music and Tennessee, Dolly Parton, shared a message with us. She stated: Wed, 22 May 2024 21:29:46 GMT https://www.ruralradio143.com/queen-of-country-music-dolly-parton-shares-her-condolences-for-the-passing-of-our-founder-patrick-gottsch https://www.ruralradio143.com/patrick-gottsch-remembered-tournament-of-roses-parade 30 minute special spotlights Patrick's love of and support for the Tournament of Roses Parade Honoring and remembering Rural Media Group's Founder, Patrick Gottsch. We pay tribute to the life and legacy this titan of Rural Media built and the lives he touched. In this installment, we spotlight Patrick's love of and generosity toward the Tournament of Roses Parade. Wed, 22 May 2024 20:06:42 GMT https://www.ruralradio143.com/patrick-gottsch-remembered-tournament-of-roses-parade https://tcc.rfdtv.brightspotgocms.com/cheyenne-frontier-days-ceo-tom-hirsig-remembers-patrick-gottsch-for-loving-the-west-and-sticking-to-his-guns Tom Hirsig recalls a relationship and memories with Patrick Gottsch that date back to CFD being the first rodeo ever on The Cowboy Channel Patrick Gottsch had a passion for the Western way of life and one of the pinnacles of that way of life is the Daddy of ‘Em All, the Cheyenne Frontier Days. This iconic rodeo was to special to Patrick because it was the first rodeo to be broadcast on The Cowboy Channel in 2019. “We’ve been thinking a lot this week about that very first rodeo and having Patrick here and how things have really progressed. Gosh, he was just an incredible person. What he did for rodeo, kicking down those doors and putting rodeo on TV, I’m not sure anybody else would’ve ever done that,” Cheyenne Frontier Days CEO Tom Hirsig said. In true Patrick Gottsch fashion, he took a chance on rodeo and attempted to level it up to the likes of mainstream sports. He surpassed mainstream those sports in 2020, when rodeo was the only sport still going during the pandemic. When Hirsig looks back at that year, he remembers Patrick’s no quit mentality was a savior for rodeo and the western way of life. Cheyenne Frontier Days also held special significance for Patrick for his role as Grand Marshal of the parade. “I remember calling Patrick and asking him if he’d be the Grand Marshal of our parade and he was almost in tears over it, Hirsig said. "He was so proud of the fact that he got to be in the parade because the parade signifies and really symbolizes the Western way of life and history of the American West and he just felt so proud to be a part of that." Hirsig says what will stick with him most is Patrick’s never die attitude, and the way he would stick to his guns instead of packing it in when times got tough. As we near 100 Rodeos in 100 Days, we can look forward to a fantastic tribute to Patrick at the one and only Cheyenne Frontier Days. Wed, 22 May 2024 16:43:38 GMT https://tcc.rfdtv.brightspotgocms.com/cheyenne-frontier-days-ceo-tom-hirsig-remembers-patrick-gottsch-for-loving-the-west-and-sticking-to-his-guns