Title: Reporter
Contact: 605-736-4396 / emily.decock@sdnewswatch.org
Language spoken: English
Demographic expertise: South Dakota and rural areas
Topic expertise: Higher education, civic programs and local government
Biography: Emily DeCock grew up in southwest Minnesota and graduated in 2026 from South Dakota State University in Brookings, where she lives. She interned for News Watch in 2025 after receiving the SDSU Foundation's Jeffrey B. Nelson Investigative Journalism Endowed Internship, and the Chuck Raasch and Sandy Johnson Scholarship. As an intern, DeCock wrote investigative and data-centered news stories. Many focused on how federal funding and policy changes affected South Dakota programs and residents. In 2025-2026, she was the editor-in-chief of Collegian Media at SDSU and heavily involved in expanding Collegian Media’s platforms, helping to establish a weekly newscast and newsletter. DeCock has reported on higher education, criminal investigations, local government and more. In her full-time position at News Watch, DeCock reports stories and leads social media efforts.
Professional memberships: Investigative Reporters and Editors
Archive of work: South Dakota News Watch; Collegian Media
Emily DeCock
Total 38 Posts
Heard in South Dakota / ZIP 577: People and issues from the west
The second installment of our Heard in South Dakota series brought us to the west and southwest region of the state.
Custer State Park concessions going to out-of-state operator
Colorado-based Xanterra Travel Collection to take over Feb. 1 after Game, Fish and Parks Commission approves the deal.
Fact Brief: Can political ads use images of journalists without permission?
An ad for U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds, paid for by a political action committee, featured long-time anchor Tom Hanson, prompting the station to respond.
Fact brief roundup: Governor debate
A check of statements made during the Sept. 28 debate between Democrat Dan Ahlers and Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden.
Brandon student to represent SD in National Civics Bee
The annual competition will be held Wednesday, Oct. 14, in Washington. Viewers can watch Chloe Dabney and other middle schoolers from across the nation compete live.
Fact brief: Did a campaign tell SD broadcasters to stop running an ad?
The request was over Amendment L, which would require that any proposed amendment to the South Dakota Constitution receive at least 60% of the vote to pass.
SD Humanities Council to host Festival of Books in October
Federal budget cuts reduce annual gathering from a weekend to one day in Sioux Falls. One featured author wrote about the history of Mount Rushmore.