Marlin Bohling, a familiar voice to the Rural Radio Network, reflected on the life of Patrick Gottsch, founder and president of Rural Media Group, who passed away over the weekend at age 70.
Bohling joined KRVN and the Rural Radio Network in 2012 and worked there for about two years before moving to Nashville to join RFD-TV.
Bohling described Gottsch as a visionary, albeit stubborn and full of creative ideas.
“He launched RFD-TV, the only rural lifestyle video channel of its kind, and was always coming up with new ideas,” Bohling said. “He covered a wide range of topics from production agriculture to equestrian interests.”
Reflecting on his own career, Bohling expressed gratitude for the opportunities Gottsch provided.
“Patrick opened doors I never thought I would experience, from network radio to national and international TV,” he said. “He was more interested in our knowledge about agriculture than our media experience.”
Bohling, who retired from RFD-TV recently, now works with Comstock Investments in digital media, enjoying a reduced commute with a home studio. “I haven’t really retired; I’m just as busy as ever, but now my commute is 40 feet,” he said.
In closing, Bohling remarked on Gottsch’s significant impact.
“Patrick’s life was cut too short, but his drive and vision were unparalleled. If I could accomplish a tenth of what he did, I’d consider myself successful,” he said.
