Brookings, South Dakota – A company that owns four newspapers in South Dakota abruptly shut down Wednesday, leaving employees unemployed and communities without a local newspaper.
Residents were seen outside the Brookings Register on Thursday, wondering why they hadn’t received their latest copy of the newspaper. According to a social media post by The Brookings Register, the staff was instructed by its parent company, News Media Corporation, to shut down immediately.
“There is no doubt that this is a gut punch for South Dakota’s community-based print journalism. David Bordewyk, executive director of the South Dakota News Media Association, stated that something this abrupt is unprecedented.
The news shocked the Brookings community.
“The Brookings Register has been a trusted resource for decades, and we rely on it every day for not only big stories, but also everyday updates, celebrations, and local news that affects our lives,” Brookings Area Chamber of Commerce president Kelsey Doom-Bjornestad stated.
Senator Tim Reed, who represents Brookings County, says the paper’s closure will have an impact on the spread of local political information.
“A news desert really hurts when you’re involved in politics because sometimes you’re not necessarily getting the information out on what’s happening in the legislature, with more of the local issues,” Reed told reporters.
“There’s less of a watchdog on government, and there’s less connection in terms of informing the community about what’s going to happen next week or in the coming days. There are fewer opportunities for businesses and organizations to advertise and promote their products and services in the community. “Those things are all suddenly gone, which makes me sad,” Bordewyk said.
As the century-old publication closes its doors, employees and the community must determine their next steps.
The Huron Plainsman, Redfield Press, and Moody County Enterprise are the three other publications impacted.
