PIERRE, S.D. (SDBA) -- South Dakota Public Broadcasting officials told state lawmakers that proposed budget cuts could significantly impact local programming and federal funding.
During a budget hearing today before the legislature’s Joint Appropriations Committee, South Dakota Bureau of Information and Telecommunications Commissioner Madhu Gottumukkala presented the organization's $10 million operating budget request for fiscal year 2026.
2025 South Dakota Legislative Session provided by the South Dakota Association of Broadcasters.
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Currently, 54% of SDPB’s budget comes from state funds, with the remainder from federal grants and private donations.
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Republican Gov. Kristi Noem proposed slashing SDPB’s budget by 65% in her Budget Address last December.
The proposed changes would reduce state funding, requiring SDPB to rely more heavily on alternative sources. This could result in a potential loss of $1.2 million in annual federal grants from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).
SDPB operates 44 broadcast towers across South Dakota and provides essential services, including emergency alerts and legislative coverage. In 2024, their legislative broadcasts attracted over 51,000 online views.
The organization also serves as an educational resource, reaching approximately 8,000 children and 660 educators through community events and professional development programs last year.
State legislators are taking the budget review seriously, scheduling additional committee working group meetings to examine SDPB's funding. A follow-up hearing to discuss the organization's financial future is set for February 7th.

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