South Dakotans Invited to Participate in News Desert Research
South Dakotans are being asked to participate in research efforts aimed at understanding and identifying 'news deserts' within the state.
Rapid City, SD, September 19, 2026 —
Residents of South Dakota are being encouraged to contribute to ongoing research initiatives focused on identifying and understanding areas within the state that lack adequate local news coverage, often referred to as ‘news deserts’. These efforts aim to map the extent of these information gaps and explore their implications for communities.
The call for participation is part of a broader research endeavor to gain a comprehensive view of the news media landscape across South Dakota. Researchers are seeking input and data from individuals across the state to help paint a clearer picture of where and how local journalism is accessible. The specific methodologies for participation were not detailed in the summary, nor were the names of the research organizations or institutions leading the effort.
News deserts are generally defined as communities where people have limited access to news and information, particularly from local sources like newspapers or broadcast stations. The decline of local news outlets, attributed to various economic and technological factors, has led to concerns about civic engagement, accountability, and the health of local democracy.
The identification of these areas is considered a critical first step in addressing the challenges posed by a lack of local news. By understanding the scope and characteristics of news deserts in South Dakota, researchers and community stakeholders can begin to explore potential solutions and interventions. The ultimate goal is to ensure that more South Dakotans have access to the reliable information they need to stay informed about their communities.
Further details regarding how South Dakotans can contribute to this research were not provided in the initial summary. Information on timelines, specific data collection methods, or expected outcomes of the research has also not yet been made public.
Story summarized from the original created by Google News on news.google.com, see more information here.
