Patrick Gottsch, 70, Passes Away Unexpectedly

The rodeo world was completely changed with the development of television coverage from what started at RFD-TV and then moved on to The Cowboy Channel and eventually The Cowgirl Channel.  

The innovator behind the idea and the man that fought for the western way of life was Mr. Patrick Gottsch.

According to a report from The Cowboy Channel, the Founder and President, Patrick Gottsch has passed away.

Here is the announcement.

Patrick Gottsch, Founder of Rural Media Group, Inc., parent company to RFD-TV, The Cowboy Channel, The Cowgirl Channel and Rural Radio 147, passed away today, May 18, 2024.

Patrick grew up on his family’s farm in Elkhorn, Nebraska where he learned first-hand the importance that Rural America plays in the lives of everyday Americans.

Patrick began his journey into the broadcasting world starting with Superior Livestock Auction in 1991 and has spent the last 35+ years shining a spotlight on Rural America, farmers, ranchers and western sports.

He always thought outside the box and wasn’t afraid to introduce new ideas that would grow the rural and western way of life. 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.

This week in Fort Worth, Patrick enthusiastically cheered on Women’s Rodeo World Championships, The Kid Rock Rock ‘N Rodeo, and the Professional Bull Riders World Finals. The Gottsch family respectfully requests their privacy at this time.

Everyone at Men's Journal Cowboy Culture wish to express our sincerest sympathies to his family and friends.