Well, you know how it goes, when you can’t tough it out in the real world, you suck on the government teet. The Skab has been successful in scooping up public notice revenue all over the region because of a moronic law in Pierre that requires local governments to PAY a local publisher YOUR TAX DOLLARS to print public notices.
I know, as someone who is all about transparency, I’m not sure I am benefitting from this unless I have a magnifying glass to read the 4 PT type. I have argued several times you would save the taxpayers millions in this state if we just required to have the documents online, available for print outs at local libraries, city halls, police stations, etc. instead wasting ink and newsprint. This isn’t a Skab issue, it is an issue across the state.
What ever happened to the media being supported by subscriptions and advertising, and GOOD truthful non-partisan news? People would pay for that. I also laugh about the supposed libertarian slant of the Skab while they have their hands in the cookie jar all the while complaining about Noem’s misuse of state funds. We get to see misuse every time we see your rag. And what about more ‘regional’ coverage? And the weekly ‘Where’s Jon Hansen’ column doesn’t count.
I have noticed that since they started printing the notices, the paper has become much thicker, but the NEWS(?) content has become much smaller. Must be spending a lot of time finding ways to spend our money.
But hey, I don’t blame the Skab for this cashflow, everyone has their ‘NUT’, I blame the unethical Sioux Falls City Council for setting the precedent after every single one of them voted for this after receiving campaign funds and advice from one of the Skab’s investors, King Paulson. One of the most corrupt, unethical, quid pro quo votes I have ever seen. Never once did they question the investor, they just marched forward and purposely hid it from the public. Then they wonder why the public screams at them at public input. Your inactions speak louder then words.
I know at least one legislator has tried to revise this law, Greg Jamison, but it is always met with massive opposition from the newspaper association. I have argued in the past, if your news content and advertising is good you should be able to support yourself, why do you think I only make $600 a year 🙂 do the math.