RFD-TV founder Patrick Gottsch (right) and National FFA Organization’s Bill Stagg stand on stage during Wednesday night’s FFA concert.
By Lauren Schwab, National FFA Convention & Expo Newsroom Intern
Rural Radio is the first 24/7 international radio channel devoted to serving rural interests. Patrick Gottsch, founder and president of RFD TV, announced Wednesday at the 86th National FFA Convention & Expo that Rural Radio will soon be launching a new show, FFA Today.
“The folks have been terrific launching Rural Radio since July of this year. We’re finding about 25 percent of all FFA members listen to SiriusXM and we want to come back to convention next year with over 50 percent,” Gottsch said.
Kenny Curtis, senior director at SiriusXM Satellite Radio echoed Gottsch’s excitement for Rural Radio.
“Satellite radio started with the idea to bring the best audio entertainment from east coast to west coast and to everyone whether you were driving a combine or down a country road…Were excited to bring all of America to America,” said Curtis, “Patrick has been diligent about reminding America there is so much of life, entertainment, character and culture in between the coasts that we want to celebrate.”
Rural Radio (SiriusXM Satellite Radio channel 80) said FFA Today will provide a huge lift to their efforts to connect with a younger demographic. The FFA Today show will update listeners on news of the organization, including a state-by-state report and National FFA updates such as information about the Agricultural Career Network (AgCN). Each week will feature a different chapter and state association and the show will spotlight an agricultural teacher, a former member and alumni.
Joshua Bledsoe, chief operating officer of the National FFA Organization, said the partnership with Rural Radio will share local news from FFA chapters across the nation.
“The heart of the organization is at the local level and that’s what this radio show will do. It will allow local chapters to share what they’re doing to fulfill the mission statement of premier leadership, personal growth and career success,” says Bledsoe, “In addition, the state associations will be able to share updates, news and information.”
Prior to launching FFA Today, SiriusXM will be broadcasting all nine sessions of the 86th National FFA Convention & Expo. This offers yet another way for the many students and their families at home to join in on what’s happening. “It’s a neat partnership as you think about Rural Radio being driven to everywhere across the world. It’s a great way we can share that message and highlight the success and wonderful opportunities FFA brings,” said Bledsoe,
“We’re able to do this because of a great partnership with RFD TV, having folks who believe in what we do and what our local chapters do help us to share the news.”
Be sure to tune into FFA Today on Rural Radio (SiriusXM Satellite Radio channel 80) Saturdays at 12:30 p.m. and Sundays at 6:30 p.m. Eastern beginning Sunday, November 2nd. For more information on Sirius XM Radio visit http://www.siriusxmradio.com/ruralradio. To learn more about Rural Radio and view the show schedule visit http://www.ruralradio80.com.
Lauren Schwab is a former FFA member from Somerville, Ohio. She is a graduate of Miami University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism and Master of Science in family studies. She currently works full-time on her family farm. Contact her at schwablm@miamioh.edu.
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