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Report: 4 closed SD newspapers find new owners

Report Highlights Closure of Four South Dakota Newspapers Amid Broader Journalism Crisis

In a stark illustration of the challenges facing local journalism across the United States, a recent report has detailed the shuttering of four newspapers in South Dakota, underscoring the growing "news deserts" in rural areas where access to reliable information is rapidly diminishing. The closures, which occurred over the past few years, affect communities that have long relied on these publications for local news, event coverage, obituaries, and civic discourse. The report, compiled by media analysts and journalism advocacy groups, paints a picture of economic pressures, shifting reader habits, and consolidation trends that are eroding the fabric of community-based reporting in the state.

The four newspapers in question include the Britton Journal, the Mobridge Tribune, the Potter County News, and the Faulk County Record. Each of these outlets served small, tight-knit communities in northern and central South Dakota, where populations range from a few hundred to a couple of thousand residents. The Britton Journal, for instance, had been a staple in Marshall County since the late 19th century, providing coverage of everything from high school sports to county fair results and local government meetings. Its closure in 2022 left a void in Britton, a town of about 1,200 people, where residents now turn to social media or distant urban news sources for information, often leading to misinformation or incomplete stories.

Similarly, the Mobridge Tribune, which operated in the town of Mobridge along the Missouri River, ceased operations amid declining advertising revenue and subscription numbers. Founded in the early 1900s, the paper was known for its in-depth reporting on Native American issues, given its proximity to the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation. The loss of this voice has been particularly felt in discussions around tribal affairs, environmental concerns related to the river, and economic developments in the region. Community leaders have expressed concern that without a dedicated local paper, important stories about reservation life and cross-cultural relations may go untold, exacerbating divides in an already underserved area.

The Potter County News, based in Gettysburg, and the Faulk County Record in Faulkton faced similar fates. These papers, both over a century old, were victims of the broader consolidation wave in the newspaper industry. Many small-town papers have been bought up by larger chains, only to be streamlined or shut down when they fail to meet profit margins. In Potter County, with its agricultural economy centered on farming and ranching, the newspaper played a crucial role in disseminating information about crop prices, weather impacts, and agricultural policies. Its closure in 2021 meant that farmers and residents had to seek out alternatives, often relying on online forums or national outlets that lack the granular, local focus.

The report delves into the root causes of these closures, pointing to a confluence of factors that mirror national trends. Declining print advertising, as businesses shift to digital platforms like Google and Facebook, has gutted revenue streams for these small operations. Subscription models have also faltered, with younger readers preferring free online content over paid newspapers. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated these issues, as lockdowns reduced event coverage and further strained budgets. Moreover, the rise of news aggregation sites and social media has fragmented audiences, making it harder for local papers to retain loyal readers. In South Dakota, where vast distances between towns already pose logistical challenges for distribution, these economic pressures have proven insurmountable for many independent publishers.

Beyond the immediate economic explanations, the report explores the societal ramifications of these losses. In rural South Dakota, newspapers have historically served as the glue holding communities together, fostering accountability in local government and providing a platform for public notices, such as legal announcements and election information. Without them, there's a risk of decreased civic engagement; voter turnout could suffer, and corruption or mismanagement in small-town administrations might go unchecked. Residents interviewed in the report shared anecdotes of feeling disconnected— one Britton local described how the absence of the Journal meant missing out on neighbors' milestones, like weddings and graduations, which were once chronicled in detail.

The closures also highlight demographic shifts in the journalism workforce. Many of these papers were run by family-owned operations or veteran editors who retired without successors. The report notes a shortage of young journalists willing to relocate to remote areas, where salaries are low and opportunities for advancement are limited. This talent drain is part of a larger crisis in the industry, where enrollment in journalism programs has declined, and burnout rates are high due to understaffing and financial instability.

Comparatively, South Dakota's situation reflects a nationwide epidemic. According to broader studies referenced in the report, the U.S. has lost more than 2,500 newspapers since 2005, with rural areas hit hardest. States like South Dakota, with their sparse populations and limited media markets, are particularly vulnerable. In contrast, urban centers often have multiple outlets or robust digital alternatives, but in places like Mobridge or Gettysburg, the digital divide exacerbates the problem— not everyone has reliable internet access, leaving older residents especially isolated.

Looking forward, the report calls for innovative solutions to stem the tide of newspaper closures. Suggestions include public funding models, such as grants from state governments or nonprofit organizations to support local journalism. There's also advocacy for tax incentives for advertisers who support community papers, and partnerships with universities to train and place young reporters in rural areas. Community cooperatives, where residents band together to fund and operate their own news sources, have shown promise in other states and could be adapted in South Dakota. Digital transitions are another avenue, with some papers successfully pivoting to online-only formats, though this requires investment in technology and training that many small operations lack.

Personal stories woven throughout the report bring the human element to the forefront. A former editor of the Potter County News recounted the emotional toll of closing the paper, describing it as "losing a piece of the town's soul." Community members in Faulkton have attempted to fill the gap with volunteer-run newsletters, but these lack the professionalism and reach of a full newspaper. In Mobridge, tribal leaders have expressed interest in collaborating with remaining media to ensure coverage of indigenous issues, highlighting potential for cross-cultural initiatives.

Ultimately, the report serves as a wake-up call, urging policymakers, philanthropists, and the public to recognize the value of local journalism. In an era of national polarization and misinformation, the loss of these four South Dakota newspapers is not just a local tragedy but a symptom of a deeper threat to democracy. By preserving these vital institutions, communities can maintain their informed, connected identities, ensuring that even in the most remote corners of the state, voices are heard and stories are told. The closures may mark the end of an era, but they also open the door for reinvention, if the will and resources can be mustered to support it.

Read the Full KELO Sioux Falls Article at:
[ https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/report-4-closed-sd-newspapers-195004325.html ]