Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August, 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.
“Tony’s gracious demeanor first stood out to me in our initial conversations,” said RFD-TV News Director Ashlee Pitzl. “His knowledge of agriculture commodities, ability to wear many hats, and solid work ethic will resonate with rural America, which is our bread and butter.”
“When I met Patrick Gottsch eight years ago, I saw his passion for serving agriculture and rural America,” said St. James. “I’ve shared this passion as well. I live in a small farming community, and as a business owner, I know the challenges that rural communities face firsthand. Serving rural America and agriculture through RFD-TV is the honor of a lifetime.”
Prior to arriving at RFD-TV, St. James served as President and CEO of Paramount Broadcasting Corp., a powerhouse in rural radio focusing on ag and farm programming. He was the driving force behind the content on the “All Ag, All Day” radio stations, which feature a 24/7 farm talk format. St. James also produced more than two hours of syndicated programming that aired on radio stations from California to New York. With 42 years of broadcasting experience, St. James has worked in various formats, including Top 40, Country, Oldies, Classic Hits, News/Talk, Urban, and Spanish Tejano. In addition to his new role, he will continue to host a daily afternoon shift on Paramount Broadcasting’s FM station.
Interestingly, St. James’s journey into agriculture was born out of necessity. Coming from a non-farming background, he began learning about farming and ranching 28 years ago when he needed to fill the farm director position at his stations. Through interviews, trips, and observations, he has become a knowledgeable and respected voice in the ag community.
St. James recently celebrated 35 years of marriage with his wife, Pamela, a high school guidance counselor and former Spanish teacher. They have two adult children, Remington, who works in radio and digital news, and Kylie, a high school teacher and coach, all residing in Texas.