South Dakota Newspapers: Top SD Online News Platforms
South Dakota (SD) offers a diverse range of trusted newspapers and digital news platforms, delivering comprehensive coverage of local events, politics, agriculture, and statewide developments. Leading publications like the Argus Leader (Sioux Falls) and the Rapid City Journal provide daily in-depth reporting, while smaller regional papers such as the Aberdeen News and Yankton Daily Press focus on community-specific stories.
For real-time updates, digital outlets like KELOLAND News and Dakota News Now offer breaking news, live coverage, and investigative journalism. Whether readers seek local updates or broader South Dakota news, these sources remain reliable pillars of information, keeping residents well-informed.
Table of Contents:
Statewide & Sioux Falls Area
Argus Leader
South Dakota’s largest newspaper covering Sioux Falls news, politics, and agriculture. Known for investigative reporting and statewide influence.
South Dakota Searchlight
Nonprofit newsroom focused on state government, policy, and accountability. Delivers in-depth coverage of Pierre politics and legislation.
Dakota News Now
Sioux Falls-based TV and digital news source for breaking updates and weather. Covers eastern South Dakota with timely reporting.
KELOLAND News
Leading TV and online news outlet for Sioux Falls and southeastern SD. Known for severe weather coverage and investigative stories.
South Dakota Public Broadcasting
NPR-affiliate providing statewide news, cultural programs, and educational content. Trusted for balanced reporting and local documentaries.
South Dakota Magazine
Premier lifestyle magazine highlighting travel, history, and small-town stories. Celebrates South Dakota’s unique culture and landscapes.
The Dakota Scout
Independent news site covering Sioux Falls politics, crime, and business. Offers fresh perspectives on local issues.
Black Hills & Western South Dakota
Rapid City Journal
Black Hills’ top daily newspaper covering Mount Rushmore, tourism, and tribal news. A voice for western South Dakota communities.
Black Hills Pioneer
Spearfish-based paper serving the Northern Black Hills. Focuses on local government, events, and outdoor recreation.
NewsCenter1
Rapid City’s NBC affiliate providing breaking news and weather alerts. Covers West River stories with a digital-first approach.
Belle Fourche Post
Hyperlocal weekly covering Belle Fourche and Butte County. Known for community events and agricultural reporting.
Sturgis Journal (Defunct, but archives available)
Former paper covering the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and Meade County news. Now part of Rapid City Journal’s coverage.
Eastern South Dakota
Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan
Covers Yankton and the Missouri River region with local news and sports. A trusted source for southeastern SD updates.
Aberdeen American News
Northeastern South Dakota’s primary newspaper, focusing on agriculture and education. Serves Brown County and beyond.
Watertown Public Opinion
Daily newspaper for Watertown and Codington County. Known for Glacial Lakes tourism and local business coverage.
Madison Daily Leader
Covers Lake County and Dakota State University news. A staple for small-town reporting in eastern SD.
Brookings Register
Brookings’ community paper with SDSU sports and local government updates. Serves one of South Dakota’s fastest-growing cities.
Central & Northern South Dakota
Pierre Capital Journal
South Dakota’s capital city newspaper covering state politics and local events. The go-to for legislative session updates.
Mitchell Daily Republic
Covers Mitchell, Corn Palace events, and Davison County. Known for agriculture and high school sports reporting.
Huron Plainsman
Huron’s daily newspaper with State Fair coverage and Beadle County news. A voice for central South Dakota.
Chamberlain/Oacoma Sun
Weekly paper serving the Missouri River communities. Focuses on local schools and tourism along I-90.
Native American & Tribal Media
Native Sun News Today
Covers Pine Ridge, Rosebud, and tribal affairs across South Dakota. The largest Native-owned newspaper in the state.
Lakota Times
Serving the Oglala Sioux Tribe with Indigenous news and cultural stories. A vital voice for Lakota communities.
Sicangu Source
Rosebud Sioux Tribe’s news outlet focusing on sovereignty and local events. Publishes in both English and Lakota.
Niche & Online Publications
Tri-State Neighbor
Agriculture-focused publication serving SD, ND, MN, and IA farmers. Covers markets, weather, and rural life.
South Dakota Stockgrowers Association
Advocates for ranchers with industry news and policy updates. A key resource for cattle producers.
South Dakota Retailers Association
Tracks retail trends, legislation, and Main Street business news. Supports local entrepreneurs statewide.
South Dakota Sports Now
Covers high school and college athletics across the state. A go-to for SDSU, USD, and local sports fans.
The Collegian (SDSU)
South Dakota State University’s student newspaper. Covers campus life, Brookings news, and Jackrabbit sports.
Volante (USD)
University of South Dakota’s student-run publication. Features Vermillion community and Coyote athletics coverage.
South Dakota Homeschooling News
Resources and updates for homeschooling families across the state. Tracks education policy and events.
South Dakota Catholic
Official newspaper of the Sioux Falls Diocese. Covers faith-based stories and community service initiatives.
South Dakota Farmers Union
Advocates for family farms with co-op news and agricultural policy. A progressive voice for rural SD.
South Dakota Law Enforcement
Tracks public safety news, officer profiles, and legislative impacts. Serves the law enforcement community.
South Dakota Wildlife Federation
Conservation-focused outlet for hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Promotes sustainable wildlife management.
Hot Springs Star
Weekly paper covering Fall River County and Southern Hills tourism. Known for Mammoth Site and local history features.
Mobridge Tribune
Serves Mobridge and the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe area. Covers Lake Oahe fishing and regional news.
