South Dakota Public Broadcasting (SDPB) is bracing for deep financial strain following a $9 billion federal budget cut approved by the U.S. House, which includes eliminating PBS funding. Executive Director Julie Overgaard said the network must raise $2.2 million within three months or risk a 20–25% staff reduction.
Overgaard, who’s been with SDPB for nearly 40 years, warned that coverage of high school sports, legislative sessions, and cultural programming could be slashed. Friends of SDPB CEO Ryan Howlett added that the bill would wipe out all federal support—over 20% of SDPB’s budget—calling the move a break from a 60-year funding tradition.
Both leaders are urging lawmakers to restore the funding in next year’s budget. The crisis comes on the heels of a separate battle over state support, after a proposal earlier this year aimed to cut $3.6 million from SDPB’s budget.
Comments