During the past five years serving on the South Dakota NewsMedia Association (SDNA) Board of Directors, I have had the opportunity to help advocate for local news and the public’s right to know at the state level every year during News Media Day at the South Dakota State Capitol.
A highlight of News Media Day 2025 was a meeting the SDNA Board had with Gov. Rhoden. His team extended the invitation to our board to meet with him and we were happy to take them up on it.
Since taking office, Gov. Rhoden has publicly said he wants to be open, accessible and to “reset” the governor’s office working relationship with the state’s press. Along with my fellow board members, we had the privilege to meet with Gov. Rhoden for about 30 minutes at the Capitol. Joining in the meeting were Ian Fury, director of communications for the governor, and new press secretary Josie Harms.
During our meeting with Gov. Rhoden, we shared the frustrations and problems SDNA members have experienced the last several years in trying to interview state government officials at both the local and state levels (GF&P, DOT, Education, Health, etc.). We told the governor that regardless of how routine the information reporters are seeking may be, there has been a firm reluctance to comment locally, resulting in delayed responses or no responses at all.
Gov. Rhoden indicated that this should not be the standard operating procedure for the state, while also acknowledging there are times when requests for information do need to be passed up the command chain in various state agencies.
Collectively as a board, we were pleased with the conversation, hopeful that this is a true sign of a solid line of communication opening.
Advocating locally
In the January 22, 2025 print and e-edition of the True Dakotan, I shared information about a proposed change in the way the Wessington Springs School District minutes are published. In the editorial titled “Weighing Cost Savings and the Public’s Right to Know,” I pointed to the January minutes and the new condensed layout, intended to save the school district money. I also shared my concern about how this new layout may affect the public’s right to know.
Publishing notices in the local newspaper informs South Dakotans in a trusted, transparent manner and creates a permanent public record.
I found it more difficult to read when compared to the previous format and asked readers to weigh in with their thoughts.
I received four letters opposing the new format and one in favor of the condensed version. With that feedback, I asked to be on the school board agenda to present that and other information to the board.
On Monday, February 10, 2025, I provided the school board with a side-by-side example of the minutes published in the new, condensed format and in the previous, expanded version with separate lines and tabs. I also read the letters I received from readers.
The letter submitted in favor of the condensed format shared: “While you stated in your column that the public deserves the right to know, in fact, they still do have full access to the minutes and I read the new format with ease.” Other letters, however, stated, “It is difficult to read, follow, and interpret. I have deep concerns for the average citizen to be able to follow the new format.” Another reader opposing the new format said, “It was very difficult to read. In fact, I did not even read it all. I want to be informed of where my tax dollars are going so I always read it word for word.”
The board graciously listened to me read each letter aloud and entered into thoughtful discussion.
In the end, as you can see on PAGE EIGHT, the board opted to go back to the previous, extended layout. I am thankful to the board members for their time and attention to this matter.
I am also grateful for the readers who shared their opinions about the public’s right to know. It was their voice that made all the difference.