What we are (and aren't)
South Dakota News Watch is a nonprofit that tells investigative stories, verifies claims and engages with communities to identify solutions.
Our goal is to be a must-read for everyone who calls the 605 area code home because our stories are relevant to all South Dakotans.
- We publish about one story most weekdays, so we won't clog your inbox.
- We strive to do stories on statewide issues that you won't see elsewhere or new angles on issues.
- We try to complement and not compete with the 100 great local media partners across the state that also publish our stories: broadcasters, newspapers and online sites.
That means we aren't a full-service news organization that does breaking news or shorter stories on the day's developments.
Our focus is the entire state. Here's what makes us distinct:
- Investigations that provide context beyond the headline to show why people should care, based on data, documents and interviews with experts and people impacted.
- Solutions-focused stories that identify and share grassroots ideas that are helping to solve some of the state’s biggest challenges.
- Civics, politics and government stories that explain why what happens in Pierre impacts all South Dakotans.
- In-depth coverage of rural and Native American communities, issues and people, with a focus not on the problems but on what's working. About half the state's residents live outside the Sioux Falls and Rapid City areas, and only South Dakota News Watch has a full-time reporter dedicated to covering them.
- Fact briefs that confirm or refute claims and check the accuracy of statements by politicians.
All of our stories are free, and the easiest way to get them is through an email summary that links to the full version. For local coverage, check out this statewide map of all media organizations to see who covers your area. Here are all the places to find our stories.
Besides great storytelling, South Dakota News Watch is the regional partner for the Scripps National Spelling Bee and co-sponsor of the state bee.
Mission statement
South Dakota News Watch is an independent, nonprofit organization reporting untold stories that help South Dakotans be informed and engaged citizens. South Dakota News Watch produces investigative and public service journalism that sheds light on the issues, concerns and welfare of South Dakotans.
History
Retired journalists Jack Marsh and Randell Beck recognized that fewer newsroom resources made it harder to produce statewide coverage of important issues.
They spent 2½ years researching similar nonprofits around the country, working with media leaders in South Dakota and raising sufficient funds to launch in February 2018. South Dakota News Watch's reporting has since won awards and led to changes in public policy and passage of legislation.
The goal: Inform, enlighten and illuminate.
How our stories are different
Unlike traditional and some new media organizations that cover the top news of the day, South Dakota News Watch instead goes deep on important issues.
We do research and reporting that explains complex topics relevant to people and policymakers. And we use scientific polling, public forums and other tools to explore what’s on the minds of South Dakotans.
While local media serve their communities by reporting daily news events, South Dakota News Watch focuses on the big picture. That means informing and engaging South Dakotans so we can identify ways to make our great state even better and stronger. We also publish shorter fact briefs that refute or confirm a claim with supporting information and additional evidence and context.
Among the topics we cover, which are listed on the home page: agriculture, business, education, environment, family, health, Indigenous people, justice, lifestyle, politics, rural South Dakota.
How you can trust our stories are accurate and fair
We clearly state who we talked to in each story, only cite credible sources and seek comment from all sides. Our graphics often include the raw material on which stories are based, so readers can decide for themselves if we got the story right. We abide by best practices policies that ensure integrity in every part of the operation, including journalism and donor ethics.
We are nonpartisan and operate with independence. We explore multiple sides of issues. We aren’t beholden to special interests, public officials, political parties or corporate entities. We don’t produce commentary, editorials or express opinions. We don’t accept contributions from anonymous donors or elected officials.
How we're funded
Individuals: South Dakota News Watch’s success depends largely on contributions from people who share the organization’s passion for truth, democracy and civic engagement.
Grants/foundations: We have secured grants from South Dakota community foundations and from regional and national media foundations that have helped many other nonprofit news organizations.
Media partners: Traditional and new media companies are also key partners in this new kind of newsroom.
How to contribute
South Dakota News Watch values contributions of all amounts. It is an IRS designated 501(c)(3) organization, so donations are tax deductible. Our tax ID is 81-4674814.
To support our journalism, donate online or send a check:
South Dakota News Watch
1125 32nd Ave.
Brookings, SD 57006
Have questions or need help changing a recurring contribution? Contact us at info@sdnewswatch.org or (605) 215-6225 (call or text). Or reach out to donor relations specialist Nicole Herrig at nicole.herrig@sdnewswatch.org or CEO Carson Walker at carson.walker@sdnewswatch.org / (605) 610-9366.
Memberships and affiliations
Organizations to which South Dakota News Watch belongs or is affiliated:
