The Magazine

RFDTV.COMJULY | AUGUST 2015

The road to the White Housegoes through Rural America...

Presidential Candidates RURAL

VOTESto appear on RFD-TV

RFD-TV The Magazine is published bimonthly by RFD-TV for $30 initial fee. Printing: Omaha Print. Distribution: World Marketing. Copyright 2015 by RFD-TV The Magazine®, LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written consent of RFD-TV The Magazine®, LLC

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RFDTV.COM1 RFD-TV THE MAGAZINE

Patrick GottschFounder

FOUNDER’S LETTER

It has always been the goal of RFD-TV to cover national political elections from the “rural” perspective. In our opinion, the urban-based news organizations simply are not familiar and thus do not understand the issues

that are so important to rural Americans and those involved in agriculture. Questions are rarely asked and the candidates avoid having to develop and/or address their policies in any detail, despite the fact that Iowa and other rural states hold many of the first primaries.

In past years leading up to the elections, RFD-TV had neither the news organization, nor the budget, to properly support such a political effort. Fortunately, we now have both. It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I am proud to announce RFD-TV’s entry into providing political news and programming that is dedicated to serving the needs and interests of rural America.

This effort will begin with a series of RURAL TOWN HALL specials (see pages 5-8) where each and every presidential candidates will be invited to appear to present their policies on the major issues facing rural America, while taking questions from the audience and RFD-TV viewers. I firmly believe that such a format will be interesting to rural viewers in all 50 states because we share so many of the same challenges – rural development, rural education, rural health care – and, no matter what crops are grown or the livestock raised. Of equal importance, I believe that this program will go a long way to help educate our urban neighbors and urban media about rural issues, advancing an understanding of how we must all work together to take this country to its full potential while securing a safe, and plentiful, food supply for the future.

One thing that I want to stress about RFD-TV’s political coverage. There will be no bias allowed by anyone associated with our news division. We cannot be viewed as Republican or Democrat. Liberal or Conservative. Our one and only goal is to represent the interests of rural America. All of rural America. Every candidate will be extended an invitation, and all viewpoints are welcome. I believe that, if given all the facts in a constructive format, RFD-TV’s audience is smart enough to make up their own minds.

And, there will be no arguing, or people talking over each other. Candidates will be treated with respect. The RURAL TOWN HALL is intended to be a positive experience that actually lifts the level of discussion where real solutions can be found for the benefit of all.

Finally, and most importantly, you, the RFD-TV viewers, are invited to participate by submitting your questions or comments to townhall@rfdtv.com where they will be reviewed and organized to present to the candidates. It’s time that the issues and concerns that affect the lives of all those who choose to live and work in rural America be addressed. RFD-TV and RURAL RADIO on SiriusXM channel 80 are ready to accept this challenge. Together, we can, and will, make a difference in 2016.

RURAL

VOTES

JULY | AUGUST 2015 2

Mr. Yanney and RFD-TV founder, Patrick Gottsch.

BOARDMEMBER

SPOTLIGHTural Media Group would like to congratulate its board member, Michael B. Yanney, on his recent recognition as

King of AKSARBEN. Mr. Yanney has been a member of the RMG Board since 2011 and has brought a heightened level of business discipline to the Board and management team. His contacts both domestically and internationally have helped RMG create new relationships and opportunities. Mr. Yanney has also been influential in helping guide changes to our capital structure as well as our acquisition strategy. In addition to being a tremendous asset to the RMG Board of Directors, Mr. Yanney has also become a very personal family friend to the Gottsch family.

Michael B. Yanney grew up the youngest of nine children in Depression-era Kearney. His father died when he was 11, leaving Yanney’s mother to watch over the herd. They didn’t have much money, but Yanney’s family was rich in principles. She emphasized the importance of pursuing an education for one’s self and showing compassion for others.

“Being a giver was right on the top of the list,” the 80-year-old Yanney says. “She always used to say to me, you’re not going to have a problem making money. I want you to focus on what you’re going to do to make a difference.”

Yanney took that message and made it into a life motto, one shared by his equally charitable wife, Dr. Gail Walling Yanney. The latest illustration of his devotion to community service came this past fall when Mike was crowned 118th King of AKSARBEN during the Coronation Ball in Omaha, Nebraska.

The philanthropic purpose of the coronation ball, which raises scholarship money for students in need, is one near and dear to the Yanneys. Their philanthropy and community service has covered a variety of areas and sectors over the years – health care, the environment, education, the arts, business development – but Mike’s dedication to serving disadvantaged young people stands above them all.

Founded in the spring of 1895 by a group of prominent Omaha businessmen dedicated to keeping the Nebraska State Fair in

R

Mr. Yanney mentoring students.

ABOUT AKSARBEN FOUNDATION

FUN FACT: AKSARBAN IS NEBRASKA SPELLED BACKWARDS

RFDTV.COM13 RFD-TV THE MAGAZINE

Michael B. Yanney LIFE MOTTO: BE A GIVER

MR. YANNEY’S EXPERIENCE

Omaha in order to lift the confidence of a region suffering from severe economic depression and drought, The Knights of AKSARBEN became one of the first non-profit entities to be incorporated in the Heartland. Efforts have contributed over $55M in direct community grants and scholarships.

AKSARBENFOUNDATION

PresentsA SALUTE TO

KEARNEY

DATE August 16, 2015

TIME 8:00 PM CT

LOCATION Kearney, NE Yanney Heritage Park

Free Concert & Fireworks

FEATURING Marty Stuart & The Fabulous Superlatives

HonoringAKSARBAN’S 118TH

KING & QUEEN

Michael B. Yanney is Chairman Emeritus of the Board of The Burlington Capital Group LLC, formerly America First Companies, which has managed public investment funds. From 1977 until the organization of the first such fund in 1984, Mr. Yanney was principally engaged in the ownership and management of commercial banks. Mr. Yanney served as a director and member of the Executive Committee of FirsTier Financial, Inc., the largest bank holding company in NE, from 1985 until his resignation in 1991. He has done business in the former Soviet Union and 14 other countries since 1976. He also served on the East West Institute joint US & Russia delegation in 2007 whose specific objective was to keep the two countries from going into cold war.

He is a member of the board of directors for The Burlington Capital Group LLC, America First Tax Exempt Fund, Tetrad, Core Bank Holding Co., and was formerly a director of Level 3 Communications, Inc., Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation, Freddie Mac Advisory Board, Durham Resources, Inc., Freedom Communications, Inc., Forest Oil Corporation, MFS Communications, Inc., PKS Information Services, Inc., Omaha Steaks, MFA, Chairman; Streck Inc.

Mike Yanney & Morgan Kristensen

Mr. Yanney with his family.

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