SDPB leaders make final push to restore funding

Budget cut of $3.6 million would eliminate 50 positions, officials say

South Dakota Public Broadcasting officials are making a last-minute appeal to save their state funding as lawmakers prepare for a critical budget vote on Tuesday.

The Friends of SDPB says the Joint Committee on Appropriations will consider SDPB's "motion sheet" this week.

"We're very hopeful for a full restoration of SDPB's funding, but it literally is coming down to the final days," said Ryan Howlett, CEO of Friends of South Dakota Public Broadcasting, in a March 7 email to supporters.