BEK TV's "Dakota Cowboy" Picked Up by Global Rodeo Group

"We are so excited to have established a great partnership with the PRCA,” says Bill Palanuk, Co-Host of Dakota Cowboy on BEK TV.  “Dakota Cowboy exemplifies the heart and determination of the modern-day cowboy, and we’re excited to share its thrilling episodes with the PRCA’s growing number of subscribers on YouTube.”

The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) is the oldest and largest rodeo-sanctioned body in the world.  Its YouTube channel is a premier destination for rodeo fans, featuring exciting event coverage, interviews, highlights, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.  “We feel our viewers will find much interest in the content produced by Dakota Cowboy,” said Amy Fast, PRCA Digital Assets Manager.  “We look forward to growing together with Dakota Cowboy while expanding our available content.”

Dakota Cowboy is an hour-long original BEK TV production, hosted by Palanuk, aka Wild Bill, and Tisa Peek, horse trainer, rodeo athlete, and author.  The weekly program celebrates the ways of Western living in North Dakota, highlighting the rich heritage and traditions of rodeo.  Dakota Cowboy provides exclusive content, interviews with renowned rodeo athletes, and shines a light on young student rodeo athletes. 

Dakota Cowboy airs on BEK TV each Sunday evening at 7pm CT.  The program also streams live on bek.news, and all episodes are archived on bek.news/dakotacowboy.

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The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) has a unique history dating back to 1936 when it was initially formed due to a protest by a group of cowboys at a rodeo at Boston Garden. The dispute was against rodeo promoter W.T. Johnson who refused to add the cowboys' entry fees to the rodeo's total purse. Eventually, Johnson acceded to the cowboys' demands, leading to the formation of the Cowboys' Turtle Association, a name reflecting the cowboys' cautious yet determined approach similar to turtles. One notable organizer of this association was a four-time national bronc champion, Alice Greenough Orr​.

The association underwent a name change in 1945, becoming the Rodeo Cowboys Association (RCA). In the mid seventies, it evolved into the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). The PRCA has grown to become the largest rodeo organization globally, sanctioning events in the United States, and it's renowned for its significant impact on rodeo regulations​.

The PRCA's headquarters was established in Colorado Springs in 1979, which also houses the ProRodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy. In 2006, the Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame inducted the PRCA into its hall of fame, demonstrating the significant influence and contributions of the association to the rodeo community.