Media

The logo of the South Dakota NewsMedia Association.

Statewide group representing news organizations rebrands

BY: - October 11, 2023

The association representing the state’s newspapers and other news media outlets has changed its name to the South Dakota NewsMedia Association (SDNA), according to a news release. For the past 35 years, the association was known as the South Dakota Newspaper Association. “The change in the name of our association reflects the changes occurring in […]

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(Carol Yepes/Getty Images)

Despite challenges, newspapers still the best source for local news

BY: - October 2, 2023

National Newspaper Week, Oct. 1-7, is a good time to consider the state of newspaper journalism in South Dakota. As a former newspaper editor, I come at this task with a certain nostalgia for the way things were “back in the day.”  Like other businesses, newspapers have gone through some changes as a result of […]

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Marion County Record reporter Phyllis Zorn and Sheriff Jeff Soyez stand outside the evidence room where an undersheriff signs over newspaper property to a forensic expert. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Kansas newspaper saga illustrates the balancing act of community news

BY: - August 26, 2023

One of my favorite newspaper mottos is “the only newspaper in the world that cares about (insert community name).” Over the years, I have seen various newspapers print it on their front-page nameplate. In many respects, the motto captures what a good newspaper is all about — publishing news and information about the community that […]

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(Getty Images)

Gannett policies change the face of journalism in South Dakota

BY: - July 5, 2023

On June 5, journalists at two dozen newspapers across seven states went on strike for the day to show their disapproval of Gannett board chairman and chief executive officer Mike Reed. Journalists were protesting the state of their trade at the Gannett newspapers where they work. Their ability to do that work has gone downhill […]

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(Getty Images)

Independent press at stake in debate over journalism legislation

BY: - June 29, 2023

Freedom and independence took center stage in the American colonies this summer 247 years ago when 56 brave men signed a document that would have all but meant their execution if arrested by King George’s army. Today, Americans share in the luxury of celebrating those ideals that help define our great nation. Speaking of independence, […]

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Gov. Kristi Noem testifies in support of a bill that would have eliminated the state sales tax on groceries in front of the House Committee on Appropriations on Feb. 21, 2023, at the Capitol in Pierre. (Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight)

Journalism changing and thriving while Noem avoids press conferences

BY: - March 5, 2023

One of the features of the 2023 legislative session has been something of a head scratcher: Gov. Kristi Noem has quit making herself available to South Dakota media for weekly press conferences. She has chosen to give Capitol reporters the silent treatment at a time when journalism in this state has more outlets than ever […]

The South Dakota Capitol building in Pierre. (Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight)

Attempt to change legal newspaper status fails in committee

BY: - February 1, 2023

PIERRE — An attempt to change the rules governing the definition of a legal newspaper was defeated Wednesday morning by the Senate Local Government Committee.  SB 80 would allow free distribution newspapers to publish public notices like local government minutes and bid notices if they had a minimum of 200 paid online subscribers and distributed […]

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(Illustration by Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight)

Shining a new light on South Dakota

BY: - October 25, 2022

When I was in journalism school more than 20 years ago, a professor arranged a conference call for a group of students with a national magazine editor. I asked for career advice. The editor replied, “I’ll tell you one thing: I wouldn’t get a job at a newspaper.” That was probably not the answer my […]