We are sad and disappointed to hear that the Governor has recommended what amounts to deep cuts to South Dakota Public Broadcasting’s budget, amounting to a 65% decrease in our state budget allocation.
SDPB provides South Dakotans with one-of-a-kind local programming, including high school sports and fine arts, Dakota Life, In the Moment with Lori Walsh, South Dakota Focus and live legislative coverage.
SDPB also plays critical roles in education, public safety, and helps ensure open government for all citizens of our state.
A cut of this size and scale will force significant reductions to all these important services. This cut is likely to disproportionately affect rural service, where SDPB’s programming is most valued.
SDPB has worked hard for over 50 years to earn the public's trust and support. We will be counting on our fellow South Dakotans and their collective voices to ensure our state continues to have a viable, free, public broadcasting service for the next generations to enjoy.
We look forward to working with legislators through the budget process during the 100th South Dakota Legislative Session.
For those with concerns, we encourage them to reach out to Friends of SDPB, the non-profit organization that advocates on behalf of SDPB. They can be reached at [email protected] or by calling 605-367-7266.
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Please direct PRESS INQUIRIES to: Fritz Miller, SDPB Director of Programming & Communications. [email protected]
About SDPB The mission of SDPB is to inspire, connect, and entertain South Dakotans with trusted journalism, quality education, and compelling storytelling. SDPB is a statewide, non-commercial, multi-platform network offering programming produced locally and from PBS, NPR, and other public broadcasting outlets. For information about SDPB and the Friends of SDPB, visit SDPB.org or call (605) 443-6960 during regular business hours.