Picking up one of South Dakota’s local newspapers, you quickly get the pulse of the community. The front page often captures a day in the life of that town, reporting on local government, high school sports, and other stories that affect the area. The local paper is an important institution that South Dakotans, myself included, continue to rely on to stay informed.
Thumbing through the pages, it’s clear how much work goes into putting out each edition. During National Newspaper Week we recognize the hardworking people, from editors to reporters to couriers and everyone in between, who keep the local paper running. Newspapers often consist of small but dedicated teams that cover everything going on in the area. There isn’t a more trustworthy source for local news than folks who live in your community. It’s why South Dakota’s newspapers have earned the trust of generations of South Dakotans, and it’s why I depend on them to help me do my job in Washington.
It goes without saying that local papers cover local news. They are often among the few reliable sources for reporting on the local stories that can have a big impact on South Dakotans’ lives. Reporters cover local government, upcoming community events, and they write about people doing good in our communities. Local newspapers, many of which are family- and locally owned themselves, also support small businesses in their areas. A write-up or an ad in the newspaper can make a big difference for a small business owner, helping him or her drum up business for a new location on Main Street.
As I’m traveling throughout South Dakota, I know I can pick up the local paper at the gas station and get up to speed on what’s going on in the community. I almost always flip to the sports page to see how the local teams are doing, who’s setting records, and who’s heading to the playoffs or state championship. I know from experience that young athletes don’t forget the feeling of celebrity you get from seeing your picture in the local paper recognizing the hard work you’ve put in to excel in your sport.
Growing up, local papers were the sources of record for my hometown. They were the primary means we had of keeping up with what was going on in and around Murdo. My parents would clip stories if my siblings or I made the paper and put it up on the fridge. And the newspaper often started conversations among neighbors about life in town.
I’m proud that South Dakota continues to have a robust network of local newspapers that South Dakotans can trust to deliver reliable, community-based news. I appreciate the hard work of the South Dakotans who put these newspapers together. It’s truly a public service, and we all benefit from their diligent reporting and commitment to their work.