Our RFD-TV family continues to remember Joey Feek. “I, just like thousands of others, have been reading Joey’s story shared by her devoted husband, Rory, often crying. The words he wrote about his precious bride exemplify what true love really is. Joey was one of the most God-fearing, loving, courageous individuals…she makes people – even those who didn’t truly know her – want to be better in this life. Our prayers are with the Feek family forever and always.” –Raquel Gottsch, Executive Vice President, RFD-TV
The hearts of many are going out today for the loss of Joey Feek—one half of perhaps the most beloved country duo of recent memory, Joey+Rory. Both vocalists, their music was heard and loved by countless adoring fans, which led to the release of five albums and won them Top New Vocal Duo at the Academy of Country Music Awards. Most recently, the couple also received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for their rendition of “If I Needed You.” But perhaps even more than their music, Joey and Rory’s story left a legacy that touched lives across the world.
The pair were engaged only a few months after formally meeting, and were wed in 2002. They were lovers first—business partners second. While both Joey and Rory pursued their own individual careers as artists, they found the spotlight in 2008, when the two finished third on the CMT competition series,Can You Duet. However, their rise to fame and superstardom never inhibited their devotion to each other and to their humble lives on the farm, which was captured in the RFD-TV series, The Joey+Rory Show beginning in 2012.
Tragically, Joey’s battle with cancer began in 2014, just after the birth of the couple’s daughter, Indiana. Although she initially beat the cancer, it returned a year later with a vengeance. Joey’s decline this fall was heartbreaking not only for us, but for thousands of fans around the world who wanted to do more than stand by helplessly watching her struggle. At the request of RFD-TV, fans began sending handwritten letters to the Feeks to show love and support.
“I hope Joey knows how much we love her. Prayers go out to Joey and her family. Thanks to Rory for sharing so much,” one fan, Teri Reeves, said.
RFD-TV also broadcast a five-hour marathon special called To Joey+Rory with Love, which included a marathon of ten favorite episodes of The Joey+Rory Show. At the end of the broadcast, stars such as Dolly Parton, Connie Smith, and Marty Stuart gave personal messages to the Feeks. Other country stars, like Reba McEntire, Kix Brooks, and Ronnie Dunn sent their love.
In fact, the outpouring of letters from fans and stars alike were so overwhelming that we could barely keep track of them all. This woman—and this family—truly moved lives, not just in country music, but in America and around the world.
“J+R symbolize the America that millions of us hope is still alive somewhere in this country,” another fan, Mike Joyce, said in his letter.
Although God didn’t grant Joey the miracle that everyone had been praying and hoping for, he did grant her the miracle that was her life —a life that was cut short, but nonetheless a blessing for those she touched during the years she was given. Joey and Rory showed us how to love, how to step out of our comfort zones, how to succeed, how to live humbly, and how to find comfort in music and God. Although Joey may be gone, the echo of her voice will resonate from the stereos and hearts of thousands of fans—and from the family that she leaves behind. She will truly be missed.
(NASHVILLE, TENN. — Feb. 2, 2016) Effective immediately, Rural Radio Channel 147 is reactivated on SiriusXM Canada and broadcasting across the country. The move came after Sirius was inundated with calls, letters, and social posts from listeners dismayed at the sudden removal of the rural-lifestyle channel in October from the Sirius side of the SiriusXM Canada lineup.
The re-launch currently covers about 90 percent of Sirius radio devices in Canada. Older receivers may take up to 90 days to begin receiving the signal.
“We are pleased that Canadians will once again have the opportunity to hear all of the great programming on Rural Radio,” said Patrick Gottsch, the network’s founder and president. “From our live coverage of the Calgary Stampede and the Canadian Finals Rodeo to our other lifestyle and agribusiness programs, we’ll continue to expand coverage and have content that Canadians enjoy for years to come.”
As the only national and rural focused North American radio network Rural Radio is devoted to live agribusiness news, real-time market info, weather, commodity markets, stock quotes, western sports, equine, and rural lifestyle programming. Rural Radio reaches most of Canada’s farmers and ranchers, who collectively make up the $51 billion Canadian agriculture industry, according to the 2011 census report. In addition, Rural Radio devotes evening and weekend programming to Western sports including professional rodeo, bull-riding and Chuckwagon racing.
Found exclusively on SiriusXM channel 147, it’s the agribusiness and western lifestyle channel for the U.S. and Canada. RURAL RADIO’s program schedule revolves around original productions focused on agriculture, equine, hunting, fishing, Western sports, and living the country life in small towns and ranches. Broadcast operations for the station are located in Nashville, Tennessee. The channel airs multiple exclusive series including Market Day Report, Rural Evening News, Western Sports Round Up, Outside the Barrel, and reports from CME on Commodity Wrap. RURAL RADIO also carries live western sports including PBR bull-riding and PRCA rodeo events every weekend.
ABOUT RURAL MEDIA GROUP:
Rural Media Group, Inc. is the world’s leading provider of multimedia content dedicated to the rural and Western lifestyle. Reconnecting city with country, RMG is the parent company of RFD-TV, RURAL RADIO, FamilyNet, RFD-TV The Magazine, and RFD-TV The Theatre. RMG networks are distributed to more than 100-million homes worldwide by DBS, telco and cable systems including DISH Network, DIRECTV®, Comcast, Verizon FiOS TV, AT&T U-Verse, Mediacom, Charter, Optimum, Brighthouse, Suddenlink, Time Warner, Cox, and more than 600 independent rural cable systems. Corporate headquarters and broadcast operations are in Nashville, Tennessee.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Julie Mankin, VP of Public Relations, O: (615) 296-9384; m: (307) 760-7099, e: juliem@rfdtv.com
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Nov. 6, 2015 – Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147 is partnering with CFCW in Canada to offer exclusive live coverage of the 42nd Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) in Edmonton, Alberta. Performance times are at 9:30 (ET) each evening on Nov. 11-15, and at 3 p.m. (ET) Saturday, Nov. 14 and at 3 p.m. (ET) Sunday, Nov. 15.
“Rural Radio is keenly aware of the interests of Western sports fans across North America,” said Paul Aaron, President and General Manager of Rural Radio. “Because we’re on SiriusXM, we’re the only opportunity for many people in the U.S. and all of Canada to get live coverage not only of Western sports, but agribusiness news and weather. As part of our programming dedicated to Canadian listeners, we also started broadcasting the World Professional Chuckwagon Association races, along with major PBR events and rodeos such as the Calgary Stampede.”
The CFR showcases the 2015 season’s top 12 rodeo athletes in seven events in the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association. They’ll battle for almost $1.6 million in purse money and exemption invitations to the Semi-Finals of RFD-TV’s THE AMERICAN, presented by Polaris RANGER, Feb. 17-21 in Texas. Nearly 100,000 rodeo fans are expected to fill Edmonton’s Rexall Place, the home of the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers.
The broadcast, aired in partnership with 840 CFCW and cfcw.com, will include CFCW’s veteran broadcast team: sportscaster Tim Ellis; three-time Canadian All-Around Champion and 1991 Canadian Saddle Bronc Riding Champion Duane Daines; rodeo reporter Dianna Finstad and 2008 Miss Rodeo Canada Jenna Verhun.
“CFCW has been covering the CFR since it started back in 1973,” said Ellis. “We’re excited that Rural Radio has come on board this year to provide our live broadcast to rodeo fans throughout North America.”
Listeners can also catch news from the Canadian Finals before, during, and after the rodeo with Rural Radio’s Steve Kenyon on Western Sports Round-Up, a daily radio program highlighting the best in Western sports at 6 p.m. (ET) every weeknight.
“Rural Radio is in the middle of covering the three biggest Western-sports events in North America,” said Kenyon. “We just got back from the PBR World Finals, this week it will be the Canadian Finals Rodeo, and next month we’ll provide live coverage of every performance of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.”
SiriusXM Channel 147 offers live Western sports coverage most weekends, and will kick off its next event with Wrangler NFR preview shows on Nov. 20-22 and Nov. 27-29 Visit RuralRadio147.com for more.
Found exclusively on SiriusXM channel 147, it’s the agribusiness and Western lifestyle channel for the U.S. and Canada. RURAL RADIO’s program schedule revolves around original productions focused on agriculture, equine, hunting, fishing, Western sports, and living the country life in small towns and ranches. Broadcast operations for the station are located in Nashville, Tennessee. The channel airs multiple exclusive series including Market Day Report, Rural Evening News, Western Sports Round Up, and reports from CME on Commodity Wrap. RURAL RADIO also carries live Western sports including PBR bull-riding and PRCA rodeo events every weekend.
RURAL MEDIA GROUP:
Rural Media Group, Inc. is the world’s leading provider of multimedia content dedicated to the rural and Western lifestyle. Reconnecting city with country, RMG is the parent company of RFD-TV, RURAL RADIO, FamilyNet, RFD-TV The Magazine, and RFD-TV The Theatre. RMG networks are distributed to more than 100-million homes worldwide by DBS, telco and cable systems including DISH Network, DIRECTV®, Comcast, Verizon FiOS TV, AT&T U-Verse, Mediacom, Charter, Optimum, Brighthouse, Suddenlink, Time Warner, Cox, and more than 600 independent rural cable systems. Corporate headquarters and broadcast operations are in Nashville, Tennessee.
The 2015 national FFA Convention and Expo will be held Wednesday, October 28 through Saturday, October 31 in Louisville, KY. During the four-day event, over 60,000 FFA members from all 50 states are expected to attend. Throughout the week, students will attend more than 70 leadership and personal growth workshops.
The convention will kick off with keynote speaker, Rick Rigsby. Friday morning, past state officer Amberley Snyder will share her inspiring message. Brad Montague, who developed the idea of Kid President, will share his story on Friday evening.
Without warning, SiriusXM Canada recently pulled RURAL RADIO channel 147 from the air. RURAL RADIO 147 is the destination for agri-business, western sports and rural programming that Canadian listeners enjoy. From daily market news to the Calgary Stampede, RURAL RADIO covers what matters to rural Canadians. At this time, only Sirius listeners in Canada are impacted, but we encourage everyone who enjoys rural programming on satellite to show their support for RURAL RADIO…and spread the word!
Together we can protect rural programming on XM and get RURAL RADIO back on Sirius. But we need your help!
Send an email to SiriusXM Canada’s senior vice president of programming, John Lewis, who has stated that he is open to hearing positive support for RURAL RADIO channel 147. ALL supporters and listeners should write to Mr. Lewis at john.lewis@siriusxm.ca AND call the SiriusXM customer service line at 1-888-539-7474. In addition, please voice your support for RURAL RADIO and value of rural programming on social media. Post a comment or tweet at SiriusXM Canada on thier Facebook page and Twitter pages. Thank you for your continued support!
Rural Radio’s Steve Kenyon hosts a roundtable discussion in Walla Walla, Washington, featuring America’s Best Communities finalists from Kennewick and Wenatchee, Washington, Valley County, Rathdrum, Post Falls, and Hayden, Idaho, and a very special guest, country music icon and America’s Best Communities spokesperson, Vince Gill.
Watch the Raw Footage from the Walla Walla, Washington Panel Discussion with Vince Gill:
The annual national convention and expo, which will take place in Louisville, Ky., in 2015, hosts more than 64,000 attendees from across the country. The event is estimated to have an economic impact of $36.2 million for Indianapolis during 2016.
The national convention and expo will utilize downtown venues, including Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Lucas Oil Stadium, the Indiana Convention Center, the Indiana State Fairgrounds and eight event hotels.
“The National FFA Convention & Expo, much like the National FFA headquarters, is right at home here in Indiana,” said Gov. Mike Pence. “Indiana is ready and committed to support this event and welcome with open arms the 64,000 FFA members who will come to our capital city each of the next nine years. Today’s news confirms that Indiana’s reputation is strong and growing stronger, and I appreciate FFA’s commitment to build on our already-robust agricultural heritage in the coming years.”
“Indianapolis is excited to welcome back the National FFA Convention & Expo,” said Mayor Greg Ballard. “Not only does this commitment create an estimated $36 million in annual economic activity for our residents, but FFA is a model conference dedicated to volunteerism and community service that Indianapolis is privileged to host.” The National FFA Convention took place in Kansas City, Mo., from 1928-1998. Louisville then hosted the event from 1999 to 2005, with Indianapolis being the host city from 2006-2012. In 2009, the organization announced the national convention and expo would rotate every three years between Indianapolis and Louisville, with Louisville hosting the event 2013-2015 and Indianapolis hosting the event 2016-2018.
As the membership of the organization has grown so has the attendance of the national convention and expo. Following the 87th National FFA Convention & Expo, the board of the National FFA Organization reviewed the two cities and made the decision to move the national convention and expo to Indianapolis for 2016-2024.
“Our members are tomorrow’s future leaders in agriculture,” Dr. Dwight Armstrong, the chief executive officer of the National FFA Organization, said. “We are excited to introduce these future leaders to the city that FFA calls home.”
“Visit Indy, the City of Indianapolis, and the State of Indiana have an outstanding partnership with the National FFA Organization,” said Leonard Hoops, president and CEO of Visit Indy. “We look forward to delivering a great experience for FFA student members, advisors and families for many years to come.” The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education to 610,240 student members who belong to one of 7,665 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
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About National FFA Organization The National FFA Organization is a national youth organization of 610,240 student members as part of 7,665 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a federal charter granted by the 81st United States Congress and it is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online atFFA.org, on Facebook, Twitter and the official National FFA Organization blog.
About National FFA Foundation
The National FFA Foundation builds partnerships with industry, education, government, other foundations and individuals to secure financial resources that recognize FFA member achievements, develop student leaders and support the future of agricultural education. Governed by a 19-member board of trustees comprised of educators, business leaders, individual donors and FFA alumni, the foundation is a separately-registered nonprofit organization. About 82 percent of every dollar received by the foundation supports FFA members and agricultural education opportunities. For more, visit FFA.org/Give. Click here to download National FFA Convention & Expo B-Roll
Thursday, September 3 and Monday, September 7, 2015
RFD-TV and RURAL RADIO SiriusXM Channel 147 present encore airings of our new series RURAL TOWN HALL, where presidential candidates discuss issues important for rural America. Watch during the RURAL AMERICA LIVE slot starting this Thursday. Then catch a the full marathon on Labor Day. Tune-in for the full lineup:
RURAL AMERICA LIVE
Thursday, September 3, 2015
10 PM ET Dr. Ben Carson
LABOR DAY MARATHON Monday, September 7, 2015 9 AM ET Dr. Ben Carson
10 AM ET Senator Lindsey Graham
11 AM ET Governor Bobby Jindal
12 PM ET Dr. Ben Carson
1 PM ET Senator Lindsey Graham
8 PM ETSenator Lindsey Graham
Enjoy Thanksgiving with a FREE listening event. Don’t forget to snag our special offer for RURAL RADIO listeners. For a limited time, you can get your first five months of SiriusXM all access for only $20. That’s a savings of 73%!
Bass Pro Shops® News Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fall Hunting Classic to begin Aug. 1 at Bass Pro Shops Stores throughout the U.S. and Canada July 24, 2014
Bass Pro Shops free event helps hunters prepare for upcoming seasons.
The Fall Hunting Classic, held at 63 Bass Pro Shops stores throughout the U.S. and Canada, is set for Aug. 1 to Aug. 17, 2014. This annual event offers free seminars led by nationally recognized professional hunters, special offers, and a chance to win the “Once in a Lifetime Hunting Trip.”
“August is the perfect time for Bass Pro Shops to host our Fall Hunting Classic because hunters are champing at the bit to get ready for fall,” said Tammy Sapp, Bass Pro Shops communications director. “We’ve been hosting this event for more than 20 years now so it’s as much a part of fall traditions as campfires and swapping hunting stories. The event is popular because hunters know they can expect to learn valuable hunting tips at our free seminars and shop a huge selection of the latest gear, clothes and boots.”
Many sportsmen and women look forward to the event all year long. This 17-day event is expected to draw more than 100,000 people to each store.*
In addition to free seminars and great deals on hunting gear, customers can also enter a sweepstakes to win the “Once in a Lifetime Helicopter Hunting Trip with Brian Pigman Quaca.” The winner will receive a two-hour helicopter hunt in Texas with the Pigman, a prize package with a retail value of approximately $9,000. Visithttp://www.basspro.com/classic for details.**
During the Fall Hunting Classic, nationally recognized professional hunters, local pros and outdoorsmen and women will conduct seminars at the stores and answer hunters’ questions. Seminar topics will include: hunting big game near home, camo patterns matter, how to cook venison, and new strategies for fall hunting success. ***(Check local store listings for pros, topics, dates and times).
Other special events are listed below:
• Aug. 1-3 – Bass Pro Shops Hunting University. Attend free classes taught by top pros.
• Aug. 1-6 – Bow/Crossbow Trade-In. Hunters with bows and crossbows that don’t get a lot of action anymore can trade them in at a participating Bass Pro Shops store during Bow/Crossbow Trade-In days. This trade-in event, which is held Aug. 1-6, allows hunters to trade in old bows and crossbows for a coupon worth up to $100 off the purchase price of a new bow or crossbow. The donated bows and crossbows will be given to local nonprofit groups whose mission is to teach children about archery and the outdoors. See a store associate for details on all trade-in offers.
• Aug. 7-12 –Binocular and Rangefinder Trade-In. Hunters can trade-in their old binoculars and rangefinders and receive money toward new models at a participating Bass Pro Shops store during Binocular and Rangefinder Trade-In days. This trade-in event, which is held Aug. 7-12, allows hunters to trade in old binoculars and rangefinders for a coupon worth up to $100 off the price of new binoculars or rangefinders. The donated binoculars and rangefinders will be given to local nonprofit groups whose mission is to teach children about the outdoors. See a store associate for details on all trade-in offers.
• Aug. 9 – Women’s Hunting Workshop. 3 p.m. Women interested in learning how to hunt or to improve their hunting skills will enjoy a special workshop just for them with tips, resource information and advice.
• Aug. 9-10 – Next Generation Weekend. Noon-5 p.m. On Target Challenge! In cooperation with Daisy®, youth can learn 10 safety tips and the basics for safe, fun and accurate BB shooting at the Bass Pro Shops/Daisy BB shooting range. Seminars will be held at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. each day.
Other activities for kids include an archery range from noon to 5 p.m.
• Fun craft coloring projects including a keepsake wooden cutout backpack clip, shaped like an animal such as a fox or a squirrel. Noon to 4 p.m. (while supplies last).
• Plus, the first 100 kids to complete a punch card of activities each day will receive a free fox drawstring backpack (while supplies).
• Aug. 9-10 – Free Photo Download. Kids can get a free photo download and an On Target certificate for completing the BB shooting range and archery activities. Noon-5 p.m.
• Aug. 13-17 – Scope Trade-In. Need a new scope? Trade in the old one and save on a new one at participating Bass Pro Shops stores during Scope Trade-In days. This trade-in event, which is held Aug. 13-17, allows hunters to trade in old scopes for a coupon worth up to $100 off the price of a new scope. The donated scopes will be given to local nonprofit groups whose mission is to teach children about the outdoors. See a store associate for details on all trade-in offers.
• Aug. 15-17* —Hunter Appreciation Weekend. Attend free seminars.
“Hunting is an activity that brings families together and allows them to spend quality time in the outdoors. We love knowing that Bass Pro Shops plays a role in passing this family tradition down from one generation to the next. That’s why we plan Fall Hunting Classic seminars and activities for everyone in the family, including women and youth.” said Sapp. “It’s really important that today’s young people get involved in the outdoors so they can gain the knowledge needed to become the future stewards of our natural resources and support conservation.”
Hunters have always been and continue to be the largest contributors to wildlife conservation through the hunting licenses, tags and stamps they buy. Another important source of funding for state wildlife conservation efforts are the excise taxes sportsmen and women pay on firearms, ammunition and archery equipment through the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Program. Through that program, sportsmen and women have contributed more than $7 billion to conservation. Those dollars combined with hunting license fees provide more than 75 percent of the funding for most state fish and wildlife agencies. Sportsmen and women contribute nearly $8 million to conservation every day through license fees, stamps, permits, excise taxes, and contributions to conservation groups.
The Fall Hunting Classic is just one of many free family events that Bass Pro Shops stores offer throughout the year. The Spring Fishing Classic, “Go Outdoors,” Halloween and Easter events along with special nostalgic events such as “Santa’s Wonderland” and “Family Summer Camp” offer families a way to reconnect with life’s simpler times and create new traditions and memories.
* Stores not participating in this event include locations in Miami, Florida; Islamorada, Florida; Branson, Missouri; and the outlet store in Springfield, Missouri. **Contest rules: Customers may also enter to win online at http://www.basspro.com. One Grand Prize winner will be drawn nationally. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR CLAIM PRIZE. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States or District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 years of age or older at time of entry. Void where prohibited. Sweepstakes begins 12:00 a.m. CT on 8/2/14 and 11:59 p.m. CT on 8/17/14.) ***Dates may vary. Check local store listings for specific time and dates. Appearances, times and topics are subject to change.