RFD-TV, tailor made for Bandera County

Contributed

If you haven’t already tuned in RFD-TV, run, don’t walk, to your television set and punch it up. Programming on the rural-centric cable network is tailor made for homesteads and homesteaders in Bandera County.

RFD-TV is the nation’s first 24-hour cable television network dedicated to serving the needs and interests of rural America and agriculture. It’s available locally on Channel 379 for DirectTV subscribers and Channel 231 on Dish Network.

Launched in December 2000, RFD-TV is produced and uplinked via satellite to all 50 states from Northstar Studios, in Nashville, Tennessee. The channel’s nationwide distribution also includes Mediacom, Charter, NRTC, Bresnan and NCTC cable systems, with new cable systems adding the channel nearly everyday.

The corporate and national sales office is based in Omaha, Nebraska. Due to popular demand, the company started publishing its bi-monthly RFD-TV The Magazine in July 2003 to support its program schedule.

Network programming is highlighted by viewing blocks that include:

• Horses RFD-TV - This daily two-hour program block offers a wide-variety of training and event coverage. The nation’s most popular clinicians are featured in their own original productions, offering tips and expertise to inform, educate and entertain the horse owner and lover. The broadcasts also cover major breed associations, as well as different equine interests such as western, cutting, dressage, trail riding, barrel racing and drafts, among others. The blocks also offer programs on campfire cooking, cowboy poetry and other features that enhance western lifestyles.

• rural and agricultural news - RFD-TV covers issues and stories that impact rural America and agriculture with quality news productions and shows from the United States, Canada and the world. In addition, the channel airs video news releases from major rural and commodity organizations and USDA press conferences. RFD-TV “LIVE” provides prime time interview opportunities for rural news makers, company leaders and new product announcements. Additionally, the broadcasts give viewers opportunities to telephone questions to special guests appearing on the programs.

• rural lifestyle - Small acreage owners make up the largest share of the RFD-TV audience. RFD-TV covers this growing market with a variety of programs and features designed for rural American living. Hobby interests are also covered, including popular antique tractor programs, steam and model train features, small animal and crop tips and travels down the country’s back roads visiting people and events usually not covered by urban-based broadcast networks and stations.

• traditional and ethnic music - American musical favorites featured daily include bluegrass, gospel, polka and traditional country music from the Willie Nelson library and the Bluehighways Collection. In addition, original music specials from venues around the country, including Branson, Missouri, are offered.

• rural youth - In support of quality youth organizations, RFD-TV provides extensive coverage and programming time to FFA, 4-H, Farm Safety 4 Just Kids, Young Farmers & Ranchers, the National High School Rodeo Association and major Land Grant Colleges and Universities across the country.

• video livestock auctions - RFD-TV carries all Superior Livestock Auction broadcasts featuring “live” coverage of the nation’s premier video auctions. Feeder cattle, bred stock and special breed auctions from top ranches are featured frequently. In addition, the network now carries video horse auctions from leading operations from around the country.

Details on individual programming may be viewed by clicking any of the shows listed on the Home Page of www.rfdtv.com.