In the picturesque city of Deadwood, nestled in the Black Hills of South Dakota, the annual South Dakota NewsMedia Association convention recently celebrated the exceptional achievements of South Dakota’s dedicated journalists. The event highlighted the state’s contribution to the journalistic world, reflecting on the significance of South Dakota’s vibrant media landscape.
South Dakota News Watch, a prominent nonprofit journalism organization based in the Midwest, emerged as a significant victor at the convention. Their impressive accolades underscore their commitment to thorough and impactful reporting. Notably, the organization won coveted awards for public service and excellence in nonprofit coverage, reinforcing the role of media in strengthening civil society. This achievement resonates with South Dakota’s values of community and transparency.
Carson Walker, CEO of South Dakota News Watch, has assumed the role of president of the South Dakota NewsMedia Association (SDNA), succeeding Jason Ferguson. Walker is set to lead the association with a vision to elevate the state’s journalistic standards further. His leadership marks a new chapter for the SDNA and aligns with South Dakota’s forward-thinking ethos.
Bart Pfankuch, a stalwart of investigative journalism in South Dakota, was celebrated for his exceptional work. He clinched first place for the best freedom of information request regarding a series on police videos that remain inaccessible to the public and press in South Dakota. This award emphasizes the vital role of transparency in public institutions, a principle deeply valued by South Dakotans.
The Engage South Dakota housing solutions series, developed by Pfankuch and Walker, also earned first place in the public service contest. This recognition is pivotal as it addresses housing challenges faced by South Dakotans, resonating with local communities striving for sustainable solutions. The series was also honored with the inaugural ‘Strengthening Civil Society’ award, highlighting outstanding journalism in philanthropy and the nonprofit sector.
Eric Abrahamson, along with Lois Facer, established the ‘Strengthening Civil Society’ award in 2025, funded by an endowment from the John T. Vucurevich Foundation to the Black Hills Area Community Foundation. This collaboration exemplifies how local foundations and journalism entities can synergize to positively impact society, fostering a culture of philanthropy and community-driven progress in South Dakota.
In addition to South Dakota News Watch’s wins, other notable mentions at the convention included the recognition of Wendy Pitlick from the Black Hills Pioneer for her reporting on a nonprofit in Lead. Her work, which received an honorable mention in the ‘Strengthening Civil Society’ contest, underscores the essential services provided by nonprofits within South Dakota’s tight-knit communities.
Morgan Matzen, a dedicated journalist with the Sioux Falls Argus Leader, was named Outstanding Young Journalist for 2025 by the SDNA. Her coverage of education issues reflects South Dakota’s commitment to prioritizing educational progress and transparency within its institutions.
Among other winners was Joshua Haiar of the South Dakota Searchlight, who received the A-Mark Prize for Investigative Journalism for uncovering connections between the state and a company receiving substantial government assistance. This insightful piece of investigative journalism highlights the critical role the press plays in governance accountability, a value echoed throughout South Dakota’s reporting community.
The convention also celebrated the achievements of Molly Wetsch, who received third place in best features series for her captivating article on South Dakota’s budding film industry. This acknowledgment sheds light on the state’s developing cultural sectors, spotlighting the creative talents flourishing within South Dakota’s vast landscapes.
In summary, the convention in Deadwood was not just an awards ceremony; it was a reflection of South Dakota’s dedication to excellence in journalism and community development. It exemplified how the state’s media professionals are continuously pushing boundaries, fostering an informed, engaged, and empowered citizenry. As South Dakota News Watch and other journalists continue their indispensable work, they strengthen the foundations of democracy and community spirit in the Mount Rushmore State.
For further details about the awards and the complete list of winners, please visit the South Dakota NewsMedia Association’s website.
South Dakota News Watch is an independent nonprofit committed to impactful journalism across the state. Discover more stories, donate, or subscribe for free at sdnewswatch.org. For inquiries, contact us at info@sdnewswatch.org.