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RFD-TV and RFDHD are now proudly distributed by over 625 small, independent cable operators, along with these loyal distributors
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RURAL TV GOES GLOBAL
First International Channel Dedicated To “Rural” Interests Launched
LONDON/NASHVILLE—RURAL TV--the world’s first 24-hour international television network dedicated to crossing borders with farming, equine, rural lifestyle, and traditional country music entertainment programmes—launched into over 8 million United Kingdom television homes on SKY channel 279 at high noon on March 2, 2009. Originating from offices in London, England, RURAL TV is now available into over 20 countries throughout western Europe via broadcast satellite, and world-wide through its broadband operations on ruraltv.tv.
RURAL TV will gain additional television distribution into several million more UK homes with another launch on FreeSat channel 403 scheduled now for March 24.
“We are most excited about these opportunities as we firmly believe that ‘rural’ has no borders,” stated Patrick Gottsch, founder & president of RURAL TV, and a 20-year veteran of producing/distributing television for rural interests. “For the past several years we have been testing various programmes with our affiliates around the world with great success. The UK is a logical starting point to expand from our U.S. operations; however, we feel this concept will quickly spread into other English and non-English speaking countries through satellite and our interactive web site. Reconnecting with the land, rediscovering a simpler way of life and returning to one’s roots is a trend that is now sweeping the globe.”
Initial programming for RURAL TV has a strong “local” element with a large percentage of the daily schedule produced from within the UK countryside, which is then combined with proven favourites from other broadcast partners around the world, including the United States, Brazil, Canada, New Zealand and Australia to form the base of the programme guide. Country Channel TV (CCTV) is the primary resource for local UK programming for RURAL TV’s launch, providing two (2) hours of time in each six (6) hour programme block, with half-hour daily segments further devoted to the categories of farming, equestrian, country pursuits, and country kaleidoscope. CCTV programming is featured a total of 56 hours each week in the RURAL TV schedule, including the weekday primetime hours from 8pm to 10pm.
“We have found the perfect broadcast partners for the UK with the people at Country Channel TV,” continued Gottsch. “Paul and Alison Aitken share our passion for rural living and our understanding for the rural way-of-life. Paul has produced hundreds of hours of high-quality programmes on a wide variety of subjects that are sure to be well-received by RURAL TV viewers.”
The proven start-up format of RURAL TV’s sister network in the United States, RFD-TV, is being followed beginning with six (6) hours of new programmes each weekday, which then repeat during the 24-hour period, with at least one more airing for each show during that weekend.
RURAL TV chose Parelli Natural Horsemanship to be the first programme seen by viewers at launch. “Pat and Linda Parelli are loyal friends and are recognized around the world as leaders in the natural horsemanship movement, being already well established to the UK equine market,” commented Gottsch. “With offices located in both Warwickshire and the U.S., Parelli is a natural fit and exemplifies the quality of international programmes to be seen on RURAL TV from the start.” Parelli Natural Horsemanship is exclusive to RURAL TV, as is all international programming.
“Parelli Natural Horsemanship is proud to be associated with RURAL TV,” said Sue Shoemark, vice president of international operations for Parelli Natural Horsemanship. “At Parelli we teach people how to gain a horse’s confidence and trust, by way of first understanding the horse’s true nature. We believe that RURAL TV shares our values, helping people reconnect with the land and its cycles, the wonders of nature, and rediscovering life’s real values.”
Other popular, proven international favourite programmes airing on RURAL TV include Equestrian Nation, California Country, Classic Tractor Showcase, The Horse Show, Wide World of Horses, Trains and Locomotives, Downunder Horsemanship, Rural Heritage, America’s Heartland, Machinery of the Past, Country’s Family Reunion, Best of America By Horseback, Brazil Ag Report, Prairie Farm Report, Pop Goes The Country, Craig Cameron: Ride Smart, The Roping Show, National Tractor Pulling, and Cumberland Highlanders .
Chris Dickens, Founder of Chris Dickens Communications (CDC), represents RURAL TV in all communications throughout Europe, serving as Commercial Director. Established in 1995, CDC has built up an enviable reputation both locally and internationally for its ability to deliver a client-centric attitude and service. CDC is responsible for RURAL TV’s market and audience research development and execution of marketing and promotions, sponsorship and advertising, and developing strategic media partnerships with magazines and rural organizations.
“Interest in the countryside and rural matters generally in the UK are extremely high, not only from those who live there, but also from a large proportion of city dwellers,” stated Dickens. “However, currently broadcasters poorly serve this interest. The launch of RURAL TV remedies this, bringing a range of programming that focuses on the interest of, and appeal to, those who live and work in rural areas as well as those that work in our cities but have a passion for the countryside. I am delighted to be working with Rural Media Group, Inc. to bring about the successful introduction of RURAL TV first to the United Kingdom and then to the many other countries around the world that also have large rural communities that are equally poorly served right now.”
“The love of horses, the joy of collecting and restoring old tractors, the desire to produce better crops and animals, the love for traditional country music, the excitement of competition, the commitment to leave this earth in better shape than when you arrived are all international bonds,” summarized Gottsch. “Rural people have more in common than they are different. RURAL TV is the link to prove this concept, and hopefully be the conduit to establish real communications for the benefit of all, no matter where they live.”
For more information and a complete programme schedule, please visit www.ruraltv.tv
CONTACT:
PublicRelations@RFDTV.com
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