Jump to content

RFD-TV: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
m v2.02b - Special:LintError/missing-end-tag - WP:WCW project (Missing end bold/italic)
source TV stations, history §, Rural Media Group
Line 9: Line 9:
| closed date =
| closed date =
| picture format = [[1080i]] [[HDTV]]<br />{{small|(downscaled to [[letterbox]]ed [[480i]] for the [[SDTV]] feed)}}
| picture format = [[1080i]] [[HDTV]]<br />{{small|(downscaled to [[letterbox]]ed [[480i]] for the [[SDTV]] feed)}}
| owner = Patrick Gottsch
| owner = Rural Media Group, Inc.
| slogan = ''Rural America's most important network''
| slogan = ''Rural America's most important network''
| country = United States
| country = United States
| language = English
| language = English
| broadcast area = United States
| broadcast area = United States
| hq_location = 49 Music Square West, [[Music Row]]
| headquarters = Omaha, Nebraska
| hq_location_city = [[Nashville, Tennessee]]
| hq_location_country = US
| former names =
| former names =
| replaced names =
| replaced names =
Line 20: Line 22:
| sister names = [[The Cowboy Channel]]
| sister names = [[The Cowboy Channel]]
| timeshift names =
| timeshift names =
| web = {{url|http://www.rfdtv.com}}
| web = {{url|www.rfdtv.com}}
| terr serv 1 = [[Digital terrestrial television]]
| terr serv 1 = [[Digital terrestrial television]]
| terr chan 1 = Channel 34.1 (Alexandria, Minnesota)<br />Channel 22.3 (Córtez, Colorado) <br />Channel 9.1 (Trinidad, Colorado)
| terr chan 1 = 36.1 (Redwood Falls, Minnesota)<br />22.1 (Córtez, Colorado)<ref>{{cite web |title=Stations for Network - RFD-TV |url=https://www.rabbitears.info/search.php?request=network_search&network=RFD-TV |website=RabbitEars.Info |accessdate=July 28, 2020}}</ref>
| sat serv 1 = [[DirecTV]]
| sat serv 1 = [[DirecTV]]
| sat chan 1 = {{directv|345}} (HD)
| sat chan 1 = {{directv|345}} (HD)
Line 36: Line 38:
| cable chan 2 =
| cable chan 2 =
| adsl serv 1 = [[AT&T U-verse]]
| adsl serv 1 = [[AT&T U-verse]]
| adsl chan 1 = Channel 568 (SD)<br>Channel 1568 (HD)
| adsl chan 1 = Channel 568 (SD)<br/>Channel 1568 (HD)
| online serv 1 = RFD-TV Now
| online serv 1 = RFD-TV Now
| online chan 1 = {{URL|https://www.watchrfdtv.com/}}
| online chan 1 = {{URL|www.watchrfdtv.com}}
| online serv 2 = [[Sling TV]]
| online serv 2 = [[Sling TV]]
| online chan 2 = [[IPTV|Internet Protocol television]]
| online chan 2 = [[IPTV|Internet Protocol television]]
Line 45: Line 47:
}}
}}


'''RFD-TV''' is an [[United States|American]] [[pay television]] channel that is owned by Patrick Gottsch, through the Rural Media Group. The channel features programming devoted to rural issues, concerns and interests. The channel's name is a reference to [[Rural Free Delivery]], the name for the [[United States Postal Service]]'s system of delivering mail directly to rural patrons. Production and uplinking facilities for RFD-TV are located at Northstar Studios in [[Nashville, Tennessee|Nashville]], [[Tennessee]], while the channel's corporate & national sales office is based in [[Omaha, Nebraska|Omaha]], [[Nebraska]]. RFD-TV's sister radio station is [[Sirius XM Holdings|Sirius XM]]'s Rural Radio.<ref>[http://www.rfdtv.com/story/22988432/announcing-rural-radio RURAL RADIO]</ref> RFD-TV also owns a theater in [[Branson, Missouri]] where some variety shows that air on RFD-TV are filmed, as well as the [[Imus Ranch]] in [[Ribera, New Mexico]].<ref name=NYPost>{{cite news|
'''RFD-TV''' is an [[United States|American]] [[pay television]] channel that is owned by Rural Media Group, Inc. The channel features programming devoted to rural issues, concerns and interests. The channel's name is a reference to [[Rural Free Delivery]], the name for the [[United States Postal Service]]'s system of delivering mail directly to rural patrons. Production and uplinking facilities for RFD-TV are located at 49 Music Square West, [[Music Row]] in [[Nashville, Tennessee|Nashville]], [[Tennessee]]. RFD-TV's sister radio channel is Rural Radio on [[Sirius XM Holdings|Sirius XM]].<ref>[http://www.rfdtv.com/story/22988432/announcing-rural-radio RURAL RADIO]</ref> RFD-TV also owns a theater in [[Branson, Missouri]] where some variety shows that air on RFD-TV are filmed, as well as the [[Imus Ranch]] in [[Ribera, New Mexico]].<ref name=NYPost>{{cite news|
author=Morgan, Richard|title=Don Imus finally sells New Mexico ranch|work=New York Post|date=April 13, 2018|url=https://nypost.com/2018/04/13/don-imus-finally-sells-new-mexico-ranch/|access-date=June 9, 2019}}</ref>
author=Morgan, Richard|title=Don Imus finally sells New Mexico ranch|work=New York Post|date=April 13, 2018|url=https://nypost.com/2018/04/13/don-imus-finally-sells-new-mexico-ranch/|access-date=June 9, 2019}}</ref>


⚫
As of February 2015, RFD-TV is available to approximately 52 million pay television households (44.8% of households with television) in the United States.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rfdtv.com/story/36646896/rfd-tv-rolls-out-on-hd-on-directv|title=RFD-TV Rolls Out on HD on DIRECTV|website=www.rfdtv.com|language=en|access-date=2019-07-16}}</ref> It is currently carried by satellite providers [[Dish Network]] and [[DirecTV]], as well as through cable providers such as [[Mediacom]], [[Charter Communications]], [[Cox Communications]] and [[Armstrong Telephone Company|Armstrong]].<ref>[http://www.rfdtv.com/~rfdtvco/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=392:rfd-tv-now-available-on-cox-oklahoma-citytulsa&catid=92:press-releases&Itemid=171 RFD-TV Now Available to Cox Communications customers] Retrieved March 21, 2010</ref><ref>[http://www.rfdtv.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=454&Itemid=37 RFD-TV website: Find RFD-TV] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101020190352/http://www.rfdtv.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=454&Itemid=37 |date=2010-10-20 }}</ref> It is not available in most [[Comcast]] markets; Comcast dropped the channel in many of its Western markets in 2013.<ref>Wiser, Daniel (May 8, 2014). [http://freebeacon.com/issues/comcast-dropped-popular-rural-tv-network-for-al-jazeera-america/ Comcast Dropped Popular Rural TV Network for Al Jazeera America]. ''Washington Free Beacon''. Retrieved May 11, 2014.</ref> In addition to its subscription coverage, RFD-TV is offered as an [[Internet television]] feed; the feed is currently [[paywall]]ed and requires a paying subscription. In March 2020, RFD-TV launched a streaming app RFD-TV Now, making RFD-TV programming available on tablets, phones, and connected TVs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rfdtv.com/story/41847271/rural-media-group-launches-rfdtv-now|title=Rural Media Group launches RFD-TV Now|website=www.rfdtv.com|language=en|access-date=2020-03-04}}</ref> It was added to [[Sling TV]] on April 4, 2017 as part of the "Heartland Extra" add-on service.<ref>[https://whatson.sling.com/announcements/heartland-extra/ Sling TV Blog: Gather the family for outdoor entertainment, timeless movies and more with new Heartland Extra] Retrieved April 5, 2017</ref> RFD TV is also available as part of the 'Live A Little' package offered by DirecTV Now. With an average of 136,000 viewers in 2016, RFD-TV has some of the highest viewership relative to availability compared to other "ultra-niche" networks with similar or wider distribution owned by major corporations.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://adage.com/article/media/small-change/308086/|title=Small Change: Why Niche Cable Nets Are on Their Last Legs &#124; Media - AdAge|last=Crupi|first=Anthony|date=27 February 2017|work=[[Advertising Age]]|accessdate=27 February 2017}}</ref>

⚫
==History==
RFD-TV is the flagship network for Rural Media Group. Launched in December 2000, RFD-TV is the nation’s first 24-hour television network featuring programming focused on the agribusiness, equine and the rural lifestyle, along with traditional country music and entertainment.
RFD-TV is the flagship network for Rural Media Group. Launched in December 2000, RFD-TV is the nation’s first 24-hour television network featuring programming focused on the agribusiness, equine and the rural lifestyle, along with traditional country music and entertainment.


Line 57: Line 56:
[[Infomercial|Infomercials]], which were previously publicly banned from the network, appear during the overnight hours. The network also features [[brokered programming]] in the form of its call-in program ''Rural America Live'', and brokered [[televangelism]] from [[Charles Stanley]], [[David Jeremiah]] and [[John Hagee]].
[[Infomercial|Infomercials]], which were previously publicly banned from the network, appear during the overnight hours. The network also features [[brokered programming]] in the form of its call-in program ''Rural America Live'', and brokered [[televangelism]] from [[Charles Stanley]], [[David Jeremiah]] and [[John Hagee]].


⚫
As of February 2015, RFD-TV is available to approximately 52 million pay television households (44.8% of households with television) in the United States.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rfdtv.com/story/36646896/rfd-tv-rolls-out-on-hd-on-directv|title=RFD-TV Rolls Out on HD on DIRECTV|website=www.rfdtv.com|language=en|access-date=2019-07-16}}</ref> It is currently carried by satellite providers [[Dish Network]] and [[DirecTV]], as well as through cable providers such as [[Mediacom]], [[Charter Communications]], [[Cox Communications]] and [[Armstrong Telephone Company|Armstrong]].<ref>[http://www.rfdtv.com/~rfdtvco/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=392:rfd-tv-now-available-on-cox-oklahoma-citytulsa&catid=92:press-releases&Itemid=171 RFD-TV Now Available to Cox Communications customers] Retrieved March 21, 2010</ref><ref>[http://www.rfdtv.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=454&Itemid=37 RFD-TV website: Find RFD-TV] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101020190352/http://www.rfdtv.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=454&Itemid=37 |date=2010-10-20 }}</ref> It is not available in most [[Comcast]] markets; Comcast dropped the channel in many of its Western markets in 2013.<ref>Wiser, Daniel (May 8, 2014). [http://freebeacon.com/issues/comcast-dropped-popular-rural-tv-network-for-al-jazeera-america/ Comcast Dropped Popular Rural TV Network for Al Jazeera America]. ''Washington Free Beacon''. Retrieved May 11, 2014.</ref> In addition to its subscription coverage, RFD-TV is offered as an [[Internet television]] feed; the feed is currently [[paywall]]ed and requires a paying subscription. In March 2020, RFD-TV launched a streaming app RFD-TV Now, making RFD-TV programming available on tablets, phones, and connected TVs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rfdtv.com/story/41847271/rural-media-group-launches-rfdtv-now|title=Rural Media Group launches RFD-TV Now|website=www.rfdtv.com|language=en|access-date=2020-03-04}}</ref> It was added to [[Sling TV]] on April 4, 2017 as part of the "Heartland Extra" add-on service.<ref>[https://whatson.sling.com/announcements/heartland-extra/ Sling TV Blog: Gather the family for outdoor entertainment, timeless movies and more with new Heartland Extra] Retrieved April 5, 2017</ref> RFD TV is also available as part of the 'Live A Little' package offered by DirecTV Now. With an average of 136,000 viewers in 2016, RFD-TV has some of the highest viewership relative to availability compared to other "ultra-niche" networks with similar or wider distribution owned by major corporations.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://adage.com/article/media/small-change/308086/|title=Small Change: Why Niche Cable Nets Are on Their Last Legs &#124; Media - AdAge|last=Crupi|first=Anthony|date=27 February 2017|work=[[Advertising Age]]|accessdate=27 February 2017}}</ref>
⚫
A Canadian version of the channel was launched on February 1, 2020 on Shaw Direct television systems through a partnership with Rural Media.
===RFD-HD===


⚫
==History==
⚫
RFD-HD is a [[High-definition television|high definition]] feed of RFD-TV that broadcasts in the [[1080i]] resolution format. For several years it featured its own schedule of all-HD programming before consolidating with the main RFD-TV as a simulcast, and eventually as the main feed with RFD-TV's standard definition feed being downscaled at a provider's headend. The channel first began broadcasting in high definition in the fall of 2007.<ref>[http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6463271.html Multichannel News 7/26/07 RFD-TV Goes HD] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071204124018/http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6463271.html |date=December 4, 2007 }}</ref>
RFD-TV (Rural Free Delivery Television) was launched in 1988 by Patrick Gottsch. However, the channel launch was off and was not picked up by any carriers.<ref name="trn">{{cite news |last1=Stevens |first1=Siri |title=Patrick Gottsch |url=https://rodeonews.com/patrick-gottsch/ |accessdate=July 28, 2020 |work=The Rodeo News |date=December 2, 2019}}</ref> This attempt ended in bankruptcy. another attempt was made in the 1990s but could not get funding.<ref name="fastco">{{cite news |last1=Blitstein |first1=Ryan |title=RFD-TV: How an Ex-Farmer Built a $25 Million Media Empire for Rural America |url=https://www.fastcompany.com/1400900/rfd-tv-how-ex-farmer-built-25-million-media-empire-rural-america |accessdate=July 28, 2020 |work=Fast Company |date=November 1, 2009}}</ref>

He continued to look for programming.<ref name="trn"/> For a while begin in 2000, the channel was a non-profit.<ref name="vty0">{{cite news |last1=Littleton |first1=Cynthia |last2=Littleton |first2=Cynthia |title=Cablers Mine Gold With Sticks Mix |url=https://variety.com/2013/tv/columns/cablers-mine-gold-with-sticks-mix-1200002781/ |accessdate=July 28, 2020 |work=Variety |date=March 5, 2013 |language=en}}</ref> RFD-TV was finally pick up by Dish Network in December 2000<ref name="vty">{{cite news |last1=Steinberg |first1=Brian |last2=Steinberg |first2=Brian |title=Sony Pictures TV To Handle Ad Sales For Rural Media Group |url=https://variety.com/2013/tv/news/sony-pictures-tv-to-handle-ad-sales-for-rural-media-group-1200604697/ |accessdate=July 28, 2020 |work=Variety |date=September 9, 2013 |language=en}}</ref> then DirecTV in 2002.<ref name="vty0"/>

In 2007, the channel was shifted to being a for profit as the Federal Communication Commission ruled that airing cattle auctions was not public interest programming. The company then rented a Nashville studio and hired experienced TV executives including Ed Frazier, former Liberty Sports CEO. A TV simulcast of [[Don Imus]]’s radio show was arranged which got RFD-TV picked up by Comcast and Time Warner.<ref name="fastco"/>

⚫
RFD-HD, a [[High-definition television|high definition]] feed of RFD-TV that broadcasts in the [[1080i]] resolution format, first began broadcasting in high definition in the fall of 2007.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Moss |first1=By Linda |title=RFD-TV Goes HD |url=https://www.multichannel.com/news/rfd-tv-goes-hd-331143 |accessdate=July 28, 2020 |work=Multichannel |date=July 26, 2007 |language=en-us}} {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071204124018/http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6463271.html |date=December 4, 2007 }}</ref>

In mid-2009, the channel gained carriage on Cox Cable. RFD began a rural news department in late 2009 with bureaus in London and Washington, DC.<ref name="fastco"/>

Rural Media contracted with Sony Pictures Television in September 2013 to handle RFD-TV's and other properties' national ad sale.<ref name="vty" /> By August 2014, Rural Media Group began moving its Northstar Studio/RFD-TV staff and some of its Omaha, Nebraska staff into subleased office space at 49 Music Square West, [[Music Row]] in [[Nashville, Tennessee]]. The rest of the Omaha staff would follow in 2015 except Gottsch.<ref name="mch">{{cite news |last1=Gibbons |first1=Kent |title=RFD-TV Leaving Omaha For Nashville |url=https://www.multichannel.com/news/rfd-tv-leaving-omaha-nashville-383280 |accessdate=July 28, 2020 |work=Multichannel |publisher=Future Publishing Limited |date=August 20, 2014 |language=en-us}}</ref>

In the 2016 presidential election, [[Donald Trump]] purchased all available advertising spots in the last two week before the election, while [[Hillary Clinton]] purchased none. By January 2017, the channel opened a bureau in [[Sao Paolo, Brazil]], which is in a high agricultural export country.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Littleton |first1=Cynthia |title=Network Aimed at Rural America Speaks for Population That Feels Underserved by the Media |url=https://variety.com/2017/tv/news/rfd-tv-rural-america-1201963217/ |accessdate=July 28, 2020 |work=Variety |date=January 19, 2017 |language=en}}</ref>

⚫
A Canadian version of the channel was launched on February 1, 2020 on Shaw Direct television systems through a partnership with Rural Media.


==Programming==
==Programming==
Line 77: Line 90:


===Current programming===
===Current programming===
*''This Week in AgriBusiness'' (agriculture)<ref name="fastco"/>
*''Training Mules and Donkeys'' (equine)<ref name="fastco"/>
''Big Joe Polka Show'' (entertainment)<ref name="fastco"/>
* ''Ms. Lucy’s Cajun Classroom'' (lifestyle)<ref name="fastco"/>
* ''Gentle Giants''<ref name="trn"/>
* ''Best of America by Horseback''<ref>https://www.rfdtv.com/story/22867625/best-of-america-by-horseback</ref>
* ''Best of America by Horseback''<ref>https://www.rfdtv.com/story/22867625/best-of-america-by-horseback</ref>
* ''Corn Warriors''<ref>http://www.rfdtv.com/story/37627590/corn-warriors</ref>
* ''Corn Warriors''<ref>http://www.rfdtv.com/story/37627590/corn-warriors</ref>
Line 101: Line 119:
* ''[[Little Britches Rodeo (TV series)|Little Britches Rodeo]]''
* ''[[Little Britches Rodeo (TV series)|Little Britches Rodeo]]''
* ''[[Little Britches on the Road]]''
* ''[[Little Britches on the Road]]''
* ''The American Rancher''
* ''The American Rancher''<ref name="trn" />
* ''I Love Toy Trains''
* ''I Love Toy Trains''
* ''Trains & Locomotives''
* ''Trains & Locomotives''
Line 117: Line 135:
* ''[[Turning Point (ministry)|Turning Point]]''
* ''[[Turning Point (ministry)|Turning Point]]''
*''[[National Tractor Pullers Association|NTPA Tractor Pull]]''
*''[[National Tractor Pullers Association|NTPA Tractor Pull]]''

====Reruns====
* ''[[The Carol Burnett Show]]''
* ''The [[Daniel O'Donnell]] Show''
* ''[[Marty Stuart|The Marty Stuart Show]]''
* ''[[That Nashville Music]]''
* ''[[The Jimmy Dean Show]]''
* ''The [[Joey + Rory]] Show''
* ''[[Grand Ole Opry|Opry]] Encore''
* ''[[The Porter Wagoner Show]]''
* ''[[Pop! Goes the Country]]''
* ''Nashville on the Road'' (1975-83 series hosted by [[Jim Ed Brown]] and later [[Jim Stafford]])


===Former programming===
===Former programming===
Line 146: Line 152:
* ''Country Carnival''
* ''Country Carnival''
* ''Showcase Jubilee''
* ''Showcase Jubilee''
* ''[[Imus in the Morning]]'' (Entertainment)
* ''[[Imus in the Morning]]'' (2007-August 2009) Entertainment<ref name="fastco"/>
* ''[[Live from Daryl's House]]'' (Music and entertainment)
* ''[[Live from Daryl's House]]'' (Music and entertainment)
* ''RFD-TV The Theatre ([[Branson, Missouri]]'')
* ''RFD-TV The Theatre'' ([[Branson, Missouri]])
* ''Out There With [[Baxter Black]]''
* ''Out There With [[Baxter Black]]''
* ''[[Shotgun Red|The Shotgun Red Variety Show]]''
* ''[[Shotgun Red|The Shotgun Red Variety Show]]''
Line 156: Line 162:
* ''[[Campfire Cafe]]''
* ''[[Campfire Cafe]]''
* ''[[Hee Haw]]''
* ''[[Hee Haw]]''

==Rural Media Group==
{{Infobox company
| name = Rural Media Group
| logo =
| type =
| industry =
| fate =
| predecessor = <!-- or: | predecessors = -->
| successor = <!-- or: | successors = -->
| founded = <!-- if known: {{Start date and age|YYYY|MM|DD}} in [[city]], country -->
| founder = Patrick Gottsch
| defunct = <!-- {{End date|YYYY|MM|DD}} -->
| hq_location = 49 Music Square West, [[Music Row]]
| hq_location_city = [[Nashville, Tennessee]]
| hq_location_country = US
| area_served = <!-- or: | areas_served = -->
| key_people = Patrick Gottsch (President)
| products =
| owner = Patrick Gottsch
| num_employees =
| num_employees_year = <!-- Year of num_employees data (if known) -->
| divisions =
| subsid = {{ubl|RFD-TV|RFD-TV Magazine|Rural Radio|Cowboy Channel|RMG Events LLC}}
| module =
| website = <!-- {{URL|example.com}} -->
}}
Rural Media Group is a media holding company owned by Patrick Gottsch.

RFD-TV (Rural Free Delivery Television) was launched in 1988 by Patrick Gottsch, but was not pick up until 2000. The group expanded with the RFD-TV: The Magazine in 2003 then RFD HD in 2008.<ref name="trn"/>

Rural Media Group bought the Country Tonite/Ray Stevens Theater with 2000 seats in [[Branson]] and renamed the RFD-TV Theatre on March 24, 2007.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rutherford |first1=John |title=Here’s what happened this week in Ozarks history |url=https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/ozarks/2018/03/19/heres-what-happened-week-ozarks-history/423978002/ |accessdate=July 28, 2020 |work=Springfield News-Leader |date=March 19, 2018}}</ref>

A British version, Rural TV, was launched in 2008<ref name="fastco"/> followed by a US launch on February 15, 2012 on Dish. Rural focused on news and international programming.<ref>{{cite news |title=RFD TV spinoff Rural TV debuts |url=https://www.ocj.com/2012/03/rfd-tv-spinoff-rural-tv-debuts/ |accessdate=July 28, 2020 |work=Ohio Ag Net |date=March 1, 2012}}</ref> In October 2012, Rural Media purchased from Interactive Television and Gaming Networks (formerly Comstar Media) FamilyNet. The two channels would combine on January 1, 2013.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gibbons |first1=Kent |title=Rural TV Parent Buys FamilyNet |url=https://www.multichannel.com/news/rural-tv-parent-buys-familynet-359973 |accessdate=July 28, 2020 |work=Multichannel |date=October 22, 2012 |language=en-us}}</ref>

Rural Media contracted with Sony Pictures Television in September 2013 to handle national ad sales for RFD-TV, Rural TV and Rural Radio.<ref name="vty" /> By August 2014, Rural Media Group began moving its Northstar Studio staff and some of its Omaha, Nebraska staff into subleased office space at 49 Music Square West, [[Music Row]] in [[Nashville, Tennessee]]. The rest of the Omaha staff would follow in 2015 except Gottsch. At the same time, RMG Events LLC was formed and to headed by RMG CEO Randy Bernard to run RMG event like RFD-TV's The American rodeo.<ref name="mch"/>

FamilyNet was changed over to a western lifestyle channel on July 1, 2017 tapping RFD-TV programming to start. This was the original plan for FamilyNet, but seeming limited programming and interest, Gottsch held off. With RFD-TV drawing more viewere for its western programming and event like rodeos, the switch was made.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rural Media Is Changing FamilyNet to Cowboy Channel |url=https://www.multichannel.com/news/rural-media-changing-familynet-cowboy-channel-413640 |accessdate=July 29, 2020 |work=Multichannel |date=June 22, 2017 |language=en-us}}</ref>

Rural Media Group in early 2018 purchased the Imus Ranch, near Santa Fe, as a television production base for its two TV channels's programs. ''Best of America by Horseback'', ''Debbie Duning’s Dude Ranch Round-Up' and ''Gentle Giants'' were programs select to film there starting by March 2019.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rural Media Group to use New Mexico ranch as production base |url=https://apnews.com/7a1287b66652420b9fd8564c0fa031ca |accessdate=July 28, 2020 |work=AP News|date=November 24, 2018}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
Line 161: Line 207:


==External links==
==External links==
* {{Official website|http://www.rfdtv.com}}
* {{Official website|www.rfdtv.com}}
{{Broadcast Television}}
{{Broadcast Television}}


Revision as of 00:18, 29 July 2020

RFD-TV
CountryUnited States
Programming
Language(s)English
Ownership
OwnerRural Media Group, Inc.

RFD-TV is an American pay television channel that is owned by Rural Media Group, Inc. The channel features programming devoted to rural issues, concerns and interests. The channel's name is a reference to Rural Free Delivery, the name for the United States Postal Service's system of delivering mail directly to rural patrons. Production and uplinking facilities for RFD-TV are located at 49 Music Square West, Music Row in Nashville, Tennessee. RFD-TV's sister radio channel is Rural Radio on Sirius XM.[2] RFD-TV also owns a theater in Branson, Missouri where some variety shows that air on RFD-TV are filmed, as well as the Imus Ranch in Ribera, New Mexico.[3]

RFD-TV is the flagship network for Rural Media Group. Launched in December 2000, RFD-TV is the nation’s first 24-hour television network featuring programming focused on the agribusiness, equine and the rural lifestyle, along with traditional country music and entertainment.

As of 2017, RFD-TV operates on a full-service format. Mornings and the early part of daytime feature syndicated newsmagazines and a five-hour block of news, weather (forecasting services on the network are outsourced to The Weather Channel) and agricultural commodity market prices, in the basic format of an American cable news outlet. An additional newscast airs during the evening hours. The remainder of the daytime and evening schedule consists of horse-related magazines, coverage of rodeo and other Western sports, rural lifestyle programs, reruns of classic television programs with rural appeal, and music programs centered around country music, polka and Southern gospel.

Infomercials, which were previously publicly banned from the network, appear during the overnight hours. The network also features brokered programming in the form of its call-in program Rural America Live, and brokered televangelism from Charles Stanley, David Jeremiah and John Hagee.

As of February 2015, RFD-TV is available to approximately 52 million pay television households (44.8% of households with television) in the United States.[4] It is currently carried by satellite providers Dish Network and DirecTV, as well as through cable providers such as Mediacom, Charter Communications, Cox Communications and Armstrong.[5][6] It is not available in most Comcast markets; Comcast dropped the channel in many of its Western markets in 2013.[7] In addition to its subscription coverage, RFD-TV is offered as an Internet television feed; the feed is currently paywalled and requires a paying subscription. In March 2020, RFD-TV launched a streaming app RFD-TV Now, making RFD-TV programming available on tablets, phones, and connected TVs.[8] It was added to Sling TV on April 4, 2017 as part of the "Heartland Extra" add-on service.[9] RFD TV is also available as part of the 'Live A Little' package offered by DirecTV Now. With an average of 136,000 viewers in 2016, RFD-TV has some of the highest viewership relative to availability compared to other "ultra-niche" networks with similar or wider distribution owned by major corporations.[10]

History

RFD-TV (Rural Free Delivery Television) was launched in 1988 by Patrick Gottsch. However, the channel launch was off and was not picked up by any carriers.[11] This attempt ended in bankruptcy. another attempt was made in the 1990s but could not get funding.[12]

He continued to look for programming.[11] For a while begin in 2000, the channel was a non-profit.[13] RFD-TV was finally pick up by Dish Network in December 2000[14] then DirecTV in 2002.[13]

In 2007, the channel was shifted to being a for profit as the Federal Communication Commission ruled that airing cattle auctions was not public interest programming. The company then rented a Nashville studio and hired experienced TV executives including Ed Frazier, former Liberty Sports CEO. A TV simulcast of Don Imus’s radio show was arranged which got RFD-TV picked up by Comcast and Time Warner.[12]

RFD-HD, a high definition feed of RFD-TV that broadcasts in the 1080i resolution format, first began broadcasting in high definition in the fall of 2007.[15]

In mid-2009, the channel gained carriage on Cox Cable. RFD began a rural news department in late 2009 with bureaus in London and Washington, DC.[12]

Rural Media contracted with Sony Pictures Television in September 2013 to handle RFD-TV's and other properties' national ad sale.[14] By August 2014, Rural Media Group began moving its Northstar Studio/RFD-TV staff and some of its Omaha, Nebraska staff into subleased office space at 49 Music Square West, Music Row in Nashville, Tennessee. The rest of the Omaha staff would follow in 2015 except Gottsch.[16]

In the 2016 presidential election, Donald Trump purchased all available advertising spots in the last two week before the election, while Hillary Clinton purchased none. By January 2017, the channel opened a bureau in Sao Paolo, Brazil, which is in a high agricultural export country.[17]

A Canadian version of the channel was launched on February 1, 2020 on Shaw Direct television systems through a partnership with Rural Media.

Programming

Imus in the Morning

When Don Imus returned to radio in late 2007, following his firing by WFAN radio in New York City after being accused of making misogynistic and racially insensitive comments about African American players on the Rutgers University college basketball team, Imus had also struck a deal to simulcast Imus in the Morning on RFD-TV after moving to WABC for the rest of his career. The program was broadcast on the channel from 6 to 9 a.m. Eastern Time on weekdays, along with a primetime telecast of the program on its high definition simulcast channel RFD-HD. During much of the show's run, a news ticker was shown with the day's news, similar to that featuring when Imus in the Morning was simulcast on MSNBC. The video simulcast of the program ended its run on RFD-TV on August 28, 2009, and moved to Fox Business Network several weeks later.[18]

After Imus's retirement, RFD-TV owner Patrick Gottsch purchased Imus's 3,000-acre ranch.[3]

The Big Joe Polka Show

One of the very first programs to be aired on RFD-TV was The Big Joe Polka Show, a polka and dance variety program hosted by Omaha resident Joseph "Big Joe" Siedlik, which continued to be popular among the network's estimated (approximately) 40 million+ available households until it ended its run on January 1, 2011. In 2010, litigation commenced between RFD-TV and The Big Joe Polka Show's creators/producers of Polka Cassettes of Nebraska, involving several lawsuits and countersuits (mostly over a contractual dispute). RFD-TV contends that it had an option to air the program until December 31, 2010, while Polka Cassettes of Nebraska contends that the show was being aired against their wishes, and after cessation of the effectiveness of the previous contract, which expired on December 31, 2009. In August 2010, a multimillion-dollar "slander and defamation" suit was brought against Polka Cassettes of Nebraska by RFD-TV.[19] In 2011, the court granted the defendants' motion for summary judgment and dismissed RFD-TV's lawsuit as being without merit.[20] In January 2015, Joseph "Big Joe" Siedlik died.[21][22][23]

The show was replaced by The RFD-TV Polka Fest on January 5, 2011, and aired during the same timeslots. RFD-TV Polka Fest was later replaced by Mollie B Polka Party, hosted by Mollie Busta in July 2011. Wednesday afternoons, starting in September 2015 featured selected reruns of the Big Joe Polka Show under the name Big Joe Polka Classics.

Other programs added in Winter 2007-2008 included a revival of Crook & Chase (which returned to TNN (now Heartland) upon its relaunch in 2012) and Bluegrass & Backroads.[24]

Current programming

  • This Week in AgriBusiness (agriculture)[12]
  • Training Mules and Donkeys (equine)[12]

Big Joe Polka Show (entertainment)[12]

Former programming

The following programs were aired on RFD-TV at one point, but are no longer listed on the official website.

Rural Media Group

Rural Media Group
FounderPatrick Gottsch
Headquarters49 Music Square West, Music Row,
Nashville, Tennessee
,
US
Key people
Patrick Gottsch (President)
OwnerPatrick Gottsch
Subsidiaries
  • RFD-TV
  • RFD-TV Magazine
  • Rural Radio
  • Cowboy Channel
  • RMG Events LLC

Rural Media Group is a media holding company owned by Patrick Gottsch.

RFD-TV (Rural Free Delivery Television) was launched in 1988 by Patrick Gottsch, but was not pick up until 2000. The group expanded with the RFD-TV: The Magazine in 2003 then RFD HD in 2008.[11]

Rural Media Group bought the Country Tonite/Ray Stevens Theater with 2000 seats in Branson and renamed the RFD-TV Theatre on March 24, 2007.[27]

A British version, Rural TV, was launched in 2008[12] followed by a US launch on February 15, 2012 on Dish. Rural focused on news and international programming.[28] In October 2012, Rural Media purchased from Interactive Television and Gaming Networks (formerly Comstar Media) FamilyNet. The two channels would combine on January 1, 2013.[29]

Rural Media contracted with Sony Pictures Television in September 2013 to handle national ad sales for RFD-TV, Rural TV and Rural Radio.[14] By August 2014, Rural Media Group began moving its Northstar Studio staff and some of its Omaha, Nebraska staff into subleased office space at 49 Music Square West, Music Row in Nashville, Tennessee. The rest of the Omaha staff would follow in 2015 except Gottsch. At the same time, RMG Events LLC was formed and to headed by RMG CEO Randy Bernard to run RMG event like RFD-TV's The American rodeo.[16]

FamilyNet was changed over to a western lifestyle channel on July 1, 2017 tapping RFD-TV programming to start. This was the original plan for FamilyNet, but seeming limited programming and interest, Gottsch held off. With RFD-TV drawing more viewere for its western programming and event like rodeos, the switch was made.[30]

Rural Media Group in early 2018 purchased the Imus Ranch, near Santa Fe, as a television production base for its two TV channels's programs. Best of America by Horseback, Debbie Duning’s Dude Ranch Round-Up' and Gentle Giants were programs select to film there starting by March 2019.[31]

References

  1. ^ "Stations for Network - RFD-TV". RabbitEars.Info. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
  2. ^ RURAL RADIO
  3. ^ a b Morgan, Richard (April 13, 2018). "Don Imus finally sells New Mexico ranch". New York Post. Retrieved June 9, 2019.
  4. ^ "RFD-TV Rolls Out on HD on DIRECTV". www.rfdtv.com. Retrieved 2019-07-16.
  5. ^ RFD-TV Now Available to Cox Communications customers Retrieved March 21, 2010
  6. ^ RFD-TV website: Find RFD-TV Archived 2010-10-20 at the Wayback Machine
  7. ^ Wiser, Daniel (May 8, 2014). Comcast Dropped Popular Rural TV Network for Al Jazeera America. Washington Free Beacon. Retrieved May 11, 2014.
  8. ^ "Rural Media Group launches RFD-TV Now". www.rfdtv.com. Retrieved 2020-03-04.
  9. ^ Sling TV Blog: Gather the family for outdoor entertainment, timeless movies and more with new Heartland Extra Retrieved April 5, 2017
  10. ^ Crupi, Anthony (27 February 2017). "Small Change: Why Niche Cable Nets Are on Their Last Legs | Media - AdAge". Advertising Age. Retrieved 27 February 2017.
  11. ^ a b c d e Stevens, Siri (December 2, 2019). "Patrick Gottsch". The Rodeo News. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
  12. ^ a b c d e f g h i Blitstein, Ryan (November 1, 2009). "RFD-TV: How an Ex-Farmer Built a $25 Million Media Empire for Rural America". Fast Company. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
  13. ^ a b Littleton, Cynthia; Littleton, Cynthia (March 5, 2013). "Cablers Mine Gold With Sticks Mix". Variety. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
  14. ^ a b c Steinberg, Brian; Steinberg, Brian (September 9, 2013). "Sony Pictures TV To Handle Ad Sales For Rural Media Group". Variety. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
  15. ^ Moss, By Linda (July 26, 2007). "RFD-TV Goes HD". Multichannel. Retrieved July 28, 2020. Archived December 4, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
  16. ^ a b Gibbons, Kent (August 20, 2014). "RFD-TV Leaving Omaha For Nashville". Multichannel. Future Publishing Limited. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
  17. ^ Littleton, Cynthia (January 19, 2017). "Network Aimed at Rural America Speaks for Population That Feels Underserved by the Media". Variety. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
  18. ^ Don Imus, RFD Part Ways - Move Pays Could Pave Way For Disc Jockey To Join Fox Business Network
  19. ^ Source: Public Record: The Fourth Judicial District Court of Nebraska Clerk of Courts, date of inquiry Monday, August 30, 2010 Douglas County, Nebraska
  20. ^ http://www.fraserstryker.com/Resources/PDF-Files/Rural-Media-Group-v-Siedlik.pdf
  21. ^ http://columbustelegram.com/news/local/polka-show-host-big-joe-dies-at/article_921733ba-69c3-58a2-9e87-94c4263c74ea.html
  22. ^ http://www.omaha.com/go/big-joe-polka-show-host-dies-of-cancer-at-age/article_08cd5c5a-d7ea-52a7-8e52-5811a5aa7d92.html
  23. ^ http://www.rfdtv.com/story/27765895/polka-legend-big-joe-siedlik-passes#.VODqcvnF98E
  24. ^ Beverly Keel (2007-11-05). "Source: RFD-TV hopes Imus opens urban markets". The Tennessean.
  25. ^ https://www.rfdtv.com/story/22867625/best-of-america-by-horseback
  26. ^ http://www.rfdtv.com/story/37627590/corn-warriors
  27. ^ Rutherford, John (March 19, 2018). "Here's what happened this week in Ozarks history". Springfield News-Leader. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
  28. ^ "RFD TV spinoff Rural TV debuts". Ohio Ag Net. March 1, 2012. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
  29. ^ Gibbons, Kent (October 22, 2012). "Rural TV Parent Buys FamilyNet". Multichannel. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
  30. ^ "Rural Media Is Changing FamilyNet to Cowboy Channel". Multichannel. June 22, 2017. Retrieved July 29, 2020.
  31. ^ "Rural Media Group to use New Mexico ranch as production base". AP News. November 24, 2018. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=RFD-TV&oldid=970058518"