Patrick Gottsch, a name synonymous with rural media and the western lifestyle, has left an indelible mark on the media landscape. Born in June 1953, Gottsch’s journey from a humble farm boy to a media mogul is a testament to his vision, perseverance, and deep-rooted love for rural America.
This article delves into the life and legacy of Patrick, exploring his early life, career beginnings, personal life, and the enduring impact of his work.
Early Life and Education
Childhood in Elkhorn, Nebraska
Patrick was born in June 1953 and spent his formative years on his family’s farm in Elkhorn, Nebraska. The rural upbringing instilled in him a deep appreciation for the role that rural America plays in the lives of everyday Americans. His childhood was filled with the sights and sounds of the countryside, shaping his perspective and laying the foundation for his future endeavors. He was 70 years old at the time of his death.
College Education at Sam Houston State University
After completing his high school education, Patrick moved to Texas to attend Sam Houston State University. It was here that he pursued a degree in communications, a field that would later play a significant role in his career. His college years were not just about academics; they were also a time of exploration and self-discovery, providing him with the tools and experiences that would shape his future.
Career Beginnings
Commodity Broker at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange
In 1977, armed with a degree in communications and a desire to make a mark, Patrick moved to Chicago. He began working as a commodity broker with the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, a role that introduced him to the fast-paced world of finance. This experience, though different from his rural roots, added a new dimension to his skill set.
Return to Nebraska and E.T Installations
However, the call of his home state was too strong to ignore. In 1982, Patrick decided to return to Nebraska. He started working for E.T Installations, a company specializing in selling and installing C-band home satellites. Under Patrick’s leadership, the company introduced over 2,000 satellites into the Midwest, earning the title of the nation’s largest home satellite retailer in 1987.
Patrick Gottsch Wiki | BIO
| Name | Patrick Gottsch |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 1953 |
| Age | 70 years old |
| Place of Birth | Elkhorn, Nebraska |
| Education | Sam Houston State University |
| Career | Founder of Rural Media Group, including RFD-TV and The Cowboy Channel |
| Net Worth | Approx. 10 million USD |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches |
| Weight | 75 kg |
| Hair Color | Grey |
| Eye Color | Hazel |
| Spouse | Angie |
| Children | Raquel, Gatsby, and Rose |
| Date of Death | May 18, 2024 |
| @OfficialRFDTV |
A Vision for Rural Media
Director of Sales and Supervision of Livestock Auction
In the early 1990s, Patrick served as the Director of Sales and supervision of Livestock Auction in Fort Worth, Texas. This role brought him closer to the rural community, sparking a dream in Patrick to create a full-time rural television network that would operate 24 hours a day.
Launch of Rural Free Delivery Television (RFD-TV)
In December 2000, this dream became a reality when he launched Rural Free Delivery Television (RFD-TV) on DISH Network. The channel’s distribution expanded to DIRECTV in March 2002 and subsequently to major cable networks including Mediacom, Charter, Optimum, Suddenlink, Comcast, AT&T/U-verse, Time Warner Cable, Bright House, and Cox.
Expanding the Rural Media Group
Growth and Expansion of RFD-TV
Today, RFD-TV is available to more than 50 million homes nationwide. But Patrick didn’t stop there. He continued to expand the Rural Media Group, ensuring that the stories and experiences of rural America continue to be shared with the world.
Launch of the Cowboy Channel
In 2009, the Cowboy Channel joined the group, becoming the first 24-hour network dedicated to western sports and western lifestyles. The channel, now headquartered in the Fort Worth Stockyards, provides live coverage of major American events all across the country.
Legacy
Contributions to the Farming, Ranching, and Rodeo Community
Patrick Gottsch passed away on May 18, 2024, at the age of 70. He left behind a legacy of innovation and dedication to rural America. His enduring contributions to the farming, ranching, and rodeo community will not be forgotten. His vision and tireless work ethic have left an indelible mark on the media landscape.
Impact on the Media Landscape
Patrick’s work ensured that the stories and experiences of rural America continue to be shared with the world. His channels, RFD-TV and the Cowboy Channel, continue to serve as platforms for these stories, keeping his vision alive.
Personal Life
Marriage to Angie and their Children
Patrick was not just a media mogul; he was also a family man. He married Angie in October of 2017, and together, they brought a beautiful daughter, Rose, into the world. Patrick’s family was his pride and joy, and he often spoke about the happiness they brought into his life.
Current Residence in Elkhorn
Despite his success, Patrick never forgot his roots. He chose to live in his hometown of Elkhorn, where his brother continues to raise corn and soybeans. His love for his hometown was evident in his decision to stay close to his family and the community he grew up in.
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The Cowboy Channel
Concept and Launch
In 2017, Patrick launched The Cowboy Channel, the first 24-hour network totally dedicated to western sports and the western lifestyle. Headquartered in the Fort Worth Stockyards, The Cowboy Channel features a wide variety of “live” coverage from major western events and rodeos all across the country, showcasing the world’s toughest and most talented cowboys and cowgirls.
Coverage and Distribution
The Cowboy Channel has distribution in 42 million homes through its cable and satellite partners. In May of 2020, The Cowboy Channel launched its OTT streaming platform, Cowboy Channel+, giving fans the ability to watch rodeos anywhere and at any time of the day.
Death News
It is with profound sadness that we report the passing of Patrick Gottsch, the visionary founder of Rural Media Group, Inc. He passed away on May 18, 2024, at the age of 70.
Gottsch, who grew up on his family’s farm in Elkhorn, Nebraska, dedicated his life to shining a spotlight on Rural America, farmers, ranchers, and western sports. His journey into the broadcasting world began with Superior Livestock Auction in 1991. Over the last 35+ years, he introduced new ideas that grew the rural and western way of life.
Career Highlights
Achievements with E.T Installations
After attending college at Sam Houston State University in Texas, he moved to Chicago in 1977 and worked as a commodity broker on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange until 1982. Patrick then returned to his home state of Nebraska, where he started E.T. Installations, a company that sold and installed C-band home satellites.
Working with Birdview Satellite Broadcast and Communication Association (SBCA), E.T. Installations introduced over 2,000 satellites into the Midwest and was recognized as the nation’s largest privately-owned home satellite retailer in 1987.
Recognition as the Nation’s Largest Privately-Owned Home Satellite Retailer
Born and raised in Elkhorn, Nebraska, Patrick Gottsch grew up on his family’s farm and cattle-feeding operation, where he learned first-hand the importance that rural America plays in the everyday lives of Americans.
Net Worth & Income
Patrick, with his innovative vision and relentless dedication, amassed a net worth of approximately 10 million USD. His wealth is a testament to his hard work and the significant impact he made in the field of rural media.
Patrick’s lifestyle was a reflection of his deep-rooted love for rural America. Despite his success, he chose to live in his hometown of Elkhorn, Nebraska, close to his family and the community he grew up in. He was known for his down-to-earth personality and his strong connection to his roots.
Patrick’s home was a hub of activity and warmth, filled with the laughter and joy of his family. He was a dedicated family man, deeply in love with his wife Angie, and a doting father to their daughter Rose. His family was his pride and joy, and he often spoke about the happiness they brought into his life.
Physical Attributes
Height and Weight
Patrick was a man of average build, standing at a height of 5 feet 8 inches and weighing approximately 75 kg. His physical stature was a reflection of his strong and resilient character.
Patrick had grey hair, which added a touch of distinction to his appearance. His hazel eyes were often described as expressive, mirroring the depth of his experiences and the wisdom he had gathered over the years.
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