In a surprising development, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, who has been selected to helm the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in Donald Trump’s administration, has proposed a potentially damaging budget cut to South Dakota Public Broadcasting (SDPB). This proposal has raised alarm across various sectors in South Dakota, emphasizing its critical role in emergency communications and public safety.
South Dakota’s Critical Communication Network
Noem’s budget proposal, announced during her annual budget address on December 3, 2024, suggests cutting more than $3.6 million of the total $5.6 million state funding for SDPB. These funds are vital as SDPB operates a network of 45 towers that form the backbone of the state’s emergency communication infrastructure. According to SeVern Ashes, SDPB’s director of engineering and operations, if implemented, “there is not enough funding left to support the infrastructure, engineering salaries, buildings, power, or service contracts for the equipment.”
The network’s significance extends beyond just broadcasting, serving as a critical component in South Dakota’s public safety communications. Among the users of this system are the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the FBI, the U.S. Forest Service, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Civil Air Patrol. The infrastructure also plays a crucial role in the firefighting efforts in the Black Hills region and supports various law enforcement agencies, including county sheriffs, city, and tribal police departments.
The Implications of Funding Cuts
Attorney General Marty Jackley has openly criticized the proposed cuts, stating that “law enforcement relies heavily on public broadcasting.” In an interview, he expressed that SDPB’s infrastructure is indispensable for comprehensive public safety alerts, ranging from weather advisories to Amber Alerts concerning missing or endangered individuals. “We rely on it to a great degree for public safety,” Jackley emphasized.
The potential reduction in funding is not just a fiscal issue but one of significant public safety concern. SDPB is integral to the federal Emergency Alert System, which notifies local authorities of state and national emergencies. Such a service is indispensable, particularly in emergencies that may involve the Homeland Security Department, soon to be led by Gov. Noem herself.
Community and Economic Impact
Kristi Noem, born and raised in Watertown, South Dakota, has fostered a political career marked by conservative principles. However, this move has drawn criticism from many who argue that it primarily targets National Public Radio (NPR), a component of SDPB’s programming that aligns less with Noem’s political stance. NPR is funded independently through private donations and the federally funded Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
SeVern Ashes highlighted the challenges that the funding cut poses, stressing that the cost to “cover engineering expenses for the network, studio engineering, and 24-7 coverage” is approximately $4.8 million annually. The loss of funding could force engineers and operational staff to search for alternate solutions, potentially impacting the emergency communication capabilities that millions rely on.
SDPB’s communication network, which significantly covers South Dakota, acts as a lifeline. Approximately 30% of the state’s communication infrastructure is managed by SDPB, a testament to its importance in ensuring secure and reliable communication channels across the state. The funds from the state are used predominantly for maintaining SDPB’s transmission system, which shares space with the State Radio System under the Bureau of Information and Technology, guaranteeing coverage for about 98% of South Dakota.
Political and Public Reception
Noem’s unexpected decision has sparked both public and political discourse in South Dakota. Ryan Howlett, CEO of Friends of South Dakota Public Broadcasting, pointed out the lack of consultation or forewarning before the proposed cuts were announced. “The first thing we heard was when the governor made the speech,” Howlett remarked, highlighting the suddenness of the situation. “We weren’t asked about the implication of a cut.”
Noem, who has served as the governor since 2019, has been known for her bold political choices, including her approach during the COVID-19 pandemic and her firm anti-abortion stance. Her proposed budget changes further reflect her distinct conservative leadership style.
With more than a million residents potentially affected, Marty Jackley has labeled the cut as unacceptable, acknowledging the vital role of SDPB’s infrastructure in supporting both emergency alert systems and the general safety of South Dakota’s residents.
As South Dakota awaits the confirmation of Noem’s new federal role, the debate around the SDPB funding cuts underscores a larger conversation about the priorities and values driving the state’s leadership and its potential impacts on public welfare.
This unfolding narrative not only focuses on the immediate budgetary concerns but also prompts broader reflections on community resilience and preparedness. Community stakeholders and legislators are set to further deliberate on this issue, exploring potential avenues to ensure the essential services provided by SDPB remain uninterrupted.