(From Todd Epp, Northern Plains News)
South Dakota Public Broadcasting is facing a new funding challenge.
The Trump administration plans to ask Congress to cut all funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. This move could mean the loss of PBS and NPR programs across the nation, including South Dakota.
SDPB says it depends on this federal funding to support its local shows. Without it, many programs that South Dakotans rely on could disappear. This is especially important in rural areas, where SDPB is often the only source for public media and emergency information.
The decision now rests with Congress. The administration’s rescission memo is expected to arrive before April 28. Lawmakers will have 45 days to vote on the funding. The U.S. House could take up the issue as early as the week of May 5.
South Dakota’s congressional delegation will play a key role. Senate Majority Leader John Thune sets the Senate’s agenda. Senator Mike Rounds has supported SDPB since his time as governor. Representative Dusty Johnson is part of the Problem Solvers Caucus, which works on bipartisan solutions for issues like public broadcasting.
Earlier this year, Governor Kristi Noem tried to cut SDPB’s state budget. She argued that public broadcasting should not rely on taxpayers’ dollars. The Dakota Scout and South Dakota Broadcasters Association reported that this proposal led to strong public opposition. Many viewers, teachers, and rural residents spoke out. Lawmakers restored the funding after hearing from people across the state.
Ryan Howlett, CEO of Friends of SDPB, said that grassroots support made a difference. “After the recent South Dakota Legislative Session wrapped up, a Representative told me that he received over 1,000 calls and emails supporting SDPB. That was one Representative in one district. What can we do if the entire state focuses on our Congressional delegation?” Howlett said.
Advocates now want South Dakotans to contact Thune, Rounds, and Johnson. Their goal is to reach 10,000 calls in the next two weeks to show support for SDPB and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
The outcome will affect whether SDPB can keep serving its audience. For many in South Dakota, especially in rural areas, the stakes are high.
