The association representing the state’s newspapers and other news media organizations has changed its name to the South Dakota NewsMedia Association, effective Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023. For the past 35 years, the association was known as the South Dakota Newspaper Association.

   “The change in the name of our association reflects the changes occurring in the news media industry today as well as our organization’s strategic desire to adapt and move forward,” said SDNA President Kristi Hine, who also is publisher of the True Dakotan newspaper at Wessington Springs.

   The name change coincides with the association’s recent decision to expand its membership ranks to include not only newspapers but other types of news media organizations that have started the past few years including certain digital-only news outlets.

   The new name also reflects trends occurring among community newspapers. 

   “The printed newspaper remains the bread-and-butter product in our communities, but newspapers large and small today are delivering 

news, information and advertising on many different media platforms,” Hine said. “It’s about meeting the expectations and news consumption habits of our readers and customers.”

   Hine pointed out that the most recent statewide survey commissioned by SDNA showed that 83% of all South Dakota adults read local newspapers every month, whether it’s in print or online. “The local newspaper remains essential to keeping the community informed, engaged and connected,” she said.