The increased diversity in American television programming over the past fifty years is evident when perusing programming guides. With the advent of cable and satellite TV services, niche programming has evolved with an eye toward audiences which are less and less homogenous. From interests such as home and garden, sports, racing, history, science, travel, health and so forth, there is a niche for almost every interest. There are stations that focus entirely on a specific demographic within the population such as Asian Americans and new parents to cite just two examples.



Satellite TV providers in particular are known for their diverse programming. One of the newest additions to the line-up for satellite TV provider, Dish Network, targets an important audience that has been somewhat under represented in programming schedules. RFD-TV has been added to the viewing schedule in the past year and is a welcomed addition by many of those who live in rural America; particularly horse lovers, farmers, and ranchers.

RFD-TV provides traditional, family-oriented programming which includes music and entertainment from country, blue grass, polka and gospel. With offerings that range from brief stories and poems by Baxter Black to old classics like the Porter Wagoner show and Reno's Old Time Music Festival which offers bluegrass as a re-emerging favorite, there is a wide selection of entertainment.

Horse lovers also have plenty of options with over 20 shows to choose from the schedule. Whether interested in competitions or instructional programming, equine interests should be satisfied. Offerings range from roping and racing to dressage and horsemanship touching on almost every topic area imaginable. Whether an experienced horseman or a spectator who wants to understand more, these shows should both instruct and entertain.

For those interested in rural heritage and history or general topics of interest such as quilting, trains, rodeo, and rural lifestyles in general, RFD-TV provides a wide range of programming. Shows such as Dakota Life, Heartland Highways, Living the Country Life, and Dutch Oven Cooking, to mention just a few, are available as part of the weekly schedule.

More practical information on agriculture is also offered. Shows such as Farm Week, This Week in AgriBusiness, Prairie Farm Report, and various auctions can provide needed information for staying current with the industry of farming. With easy access now available through satellite TV providers such as Dish Network, farmers and ranchers should have no difficulty accessing the programming that will provide the information which can assist in successfully managing their business.

Due the lack of access to cable in many rural areas, satellite TV has long been a preferred service in such locations. With the additional of RFD-TV, satellite TV can now provide the programming that meets the specific needs and interests of many of their rural viewers.