Vermillion, S.D. — South Dakota Public Broadcasting (SDPB) will deliver extensive live, on-demand, and digital coverage of the 2026 South Dakota Legislative Session, ensuring South Dakotans have broad access to the key issues, debates, and decisions shaping the state.
One major change in SDPB’s coverage is the transition of all legislative coverage to the SDPB website. All coverage can be found online at SDPB.org/SDNetwork. The SDNet app and SD.net will sunset, and any web traffic will be redirected to the SDPB website. Those with specific bookmarks may have to reset those destinations in their browsers. Also, going forward, all open government coverage will be streamed and archived on SDPB’s YouTube channel as well.
SDPB will provide live television, radio and digital coverage of major constitutional addresses, including the State of the State, the State of the Judiciary, and the State of the Tribes. SDPB will host live coverage of the State of the State, including reaction and analysis from legislative leaders on January 13 at 1:00 pm Central.
The day following State of the State, SDPB will air a one-hour special edition of In the Moment with Lori Walsh at noon Central, featuring political analysis and reaction from around the state. The State of the Judiciary Address will air at 10 am Central, and the State of the Tribes Address is scheduled for 1:00 pm Central on January 14.
“Providing clear, reliable access to the work of state government is central to SDPB’s public service mission,” said Julie Overgaard, Executive Director of SDPB. “Our legislative coverage gives South Dakotans the opportunity to hear directly from their elected leaders and understand how decisions made in Pierre affect their communities.”
Throughout the session, SDPB provides Senate and House floor sessions, with all committee meetings streamed live on SDPB.org/SDNetwork, and general sessions of the House and Senate are televised. The South Dakota House of Representatives airs on SDPB2 World Channel, and the South Dakota Senate is on SDPB3 Create Channel.
Weekly legislative leadership and governor’s press conferences will be streamed live.
“This session coverage reflects a true team effort across television, radio, digital, and technical operations,” said Twyla Olson, SDPB Director of Content. “From live floor coverage to daily reporting and analysis, our staff is committed to delivering accurate, timely information to audiences statewide.”
SDPB News will offer daily legislative reporting across radio and online platforms. A daily news podcast will compile all legislative stories in one place, making it easy for listeners to stay informed.
In addition, Lori Walsh will host weekly Dakota Political Junkie conversations during Morning Edition as part of The Local Moment, with extended discussions available through the Political Junkie podcast and accompanying web content. SDPB News will also produce “In Their Own Words” segment each week for radio and online audiences.
Digital and social media audiences will receive daily posts and videos highlighting developments in Pierre, expanding access to legislative coverage beyond traditional broadcasts.
At the conclusion of the session, South Dakota Focus will present a special program examining the major issues debated during the legislative session, such as property taxes, emergency management, and other key topics affecting South Dakotans.
Through this comprehensive, multiplatform approach, SDPB continues its mission to provide trusted, accessible coverage of state government and public affairs.
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About SDPB South Dakota Public Broadcasting (SDPB) is a statewide, multi-platform public media service providing television, radio, and digital content that informs, educates, entertains, and inspires. SDPB operates nine television transmitters, twelve radio transmitters, and multiple translators reaching approximately 98% of South Dakotans.
Contact:
Fritz Miller
Director of Programming & Communications
South Dakota Public Broadcasting
Phone: (605) 202-0286
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.sdpb.org