Patrick Gottsch, founder of RFD-TV and Rural Media Group, fierce advocate of rural folks, and longtime friend and supporter of Ag PhD, passed away at the age of 70 on May 19, 2024.
During the first couple years of doing our television show, Ag PhD, we had heard about the possibility of an ag channel that would air on DirecTV and Dish Network. Sure enough, we ended up talking to Patrick Gottsch, and I believe we were the first (or at least close to the first) show to sign on with RFD-TV, which launched in the year 2000. That was the beginning of our great relationship with Patrick Gottsch, who recently passed away at age 70.
What I appreciated most about Patrick over the years was his determination. If he had a great idea, he saw it through to the end. He created the Cowboy Channel and the Cowgirl Channel. He started Rural Radio, the first and only ag channel on SiriusXM. One of his networks would have a float in the Rose Parade almost every year. He launched “The American” rodeo. These are just a few of the things he worked on over the last 25 years.
From time to time, he would call me to ask if we would do an interview or one of his live events, or he would say, “What can we do to help you guys?” We produced one of his television shows for a couple years, and he was often at the Ag PhD Field Day. Patrick was always a big supporter of ours, and I often thanked him for the opportunities he provided us.
Patrick with the RFD-TV trailer at the Ag PhD Field Day.