About

South Dakota News Watch is an independent nonprofit that reports free, fact-based news and information important to all South Dakotans.

We publish fewer, more in-depth statewide stories, cover issues you won't see elsewhere and complement the local coverage provided by more than 100 great news partners:

News, investigations and features that use data, documents and interviews with experts and those impacted to reveal wrongdoing, share things going on that all South Dakotans should know about and report stories of everyday people who make this state a great place to live
Explainers that simplify the complex and provide context beyond the headline to show why people should care
Solutions stories that spread grassroots ideas that help solve some of the state’s biggest challenges.
Fact briefs that confirm or refute claims and check the accuracy of statements by politicians
Guides on how to navigate South Dakota's core institutions

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.

The flame on the right side of the South Dakota News Watch logo signifies its Fourth Estate role, with the larger flame watching over the three smaller flames, which represent the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government.

How you can trust our stories are accurate and fair

We are nonpartisan and operate with independence. We aren’t beholden to special interests, public officials, political parties or corporate entities. We don’t produce commentary, editorials or express opinions.

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.

AllSides, which produces a media bias chart, ranks us as Center:

AllSides rates South Dakota News Watch as being in the center of its bias rating.

How we're funded

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (tax ID 81-4674814), our revenue comes from individuals, foundations and news partners that support our mission, want to have an impact, and trust our fact-based news and information. We don't sell ads or sponsorships or accept contributions from anonymous donors or elected officials.

History

Retired newspaper executives 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 nonprofits around the country, working with news leaders in South Dakota and raising sufficient funds.

Key dates related to the founding and startup of South Dakota News Watch:

September 2016: Founding board of directors adopts organization bylaws
Nov. 15, 2016: Registered/certified as a South Dakota domestic nonprofit corporation by the South Dakota Secretary of State
April 13, 2017: Designated as a 501(c)(3) public charity by the federal government
February 2018: Began producing and sharing content

Our reporting has since won awards and led to changes in public policy and passage of legislation.

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