Proposed state budget cut could affect the future of broadcasts for high school events

PIERRE — A possible budget cut for South Dakota Public Broadcasting is causing concern for the South Dakota High School Activities Association.

At its meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 22, the SDHSAA board of directors heard a legislative update about Gov. Kristi Noem’s request to cut SDPB’s budget by $3.6 million.

“They have indicated, that if that were to go through, they wouldn’t be able to televise our events,” SDHSAA Executive Director Dan Swartos told the board. “That’s our biggest concern legislatively.”

SDPB broadcasts all of the sports and fine arts events sponsored by the association. Many of them are broadcast live on television and the internet. SDPB is widely available in cable television packages or over the air with an antenna.

“We’re not going to find anyone else to do that,” Swartos said. “While the association may be able to find someone to broadcast the state football championships, it could raise Title IX issues if an equal number of girls’ sports aren’t broadcast as well.”

Swartos told the board he was going to that afternoon’s meeting of the Legislature’s appropriations committee where the SDPB budget was going to be a topic. Given the format of the committee hearing, Swartos said, he didn’t know if he would be allowed to testify.

The board of directors issued a statement in support of SDPB, noting the programming it produces and its value to education, open government and public safety.

“The programs and services provided by SDPB unite us as South Dakotans through our shared values,” the statement said. “The board of directors of the SDHSAA encourages legislators to fully restore SDPB’s budget for the 2026 state fiscal year and invites our members to contact their legislators to show their support for SDPB.”

Another piece of legislation of some concern to the association is House Bill 1017 which would require the acceptance of cash for admission at all high school events. The bill is a response to the announcement from school districts in Sioux Falls, Harrisburg, Tea and Brandon that they will not accept cash at their athletic and fine arts events.

Swartos said the association accepts cash at its state championships and fine arts events, but the legislation is of interest because it has considered going cashless.

Swartos explained that it’s difficult to get $10,000 in small bills from a bank and that banks aren’t always welcoming when he shows up with $180,000 in small bills after an event. Driving around with that much money in a bag “has you feeling like you’re in a cartel or something,” Swartos said.