Focus on Focus
Since 1995, South Dakota Focus has held discussions with people about matters and events involving the state. Jackie Hendry from Roscoe, IL, is the host and producer since 2021. Hendry started her SDPB journey as an intern ten years ago. After graduate school, she returned and has been part of the SDPB family ever since.
While this show had traditionally been about public affairs, the approach has changed. Hendry shares what the process has been like since she joined.
“We’re trying to be video-rich, hitting the road rather than being studio-based. We’re getting that flavor of how these public policy issues play out across South Dakota and moving beyond talking points.”
Hendry says she’s dedicated to the mission because South Dakota has room to grow. “I truly believe the issues we are facing are solvable, and I know that people are working on them. I want to tell the story of people righting wrongs and working to help.”
For the 2023-2024 season, the program focused on education in South Dakota, from pre-K through high school. They examined the challenges and the triumphs. Hendry says, “The power of storytelling is seeing the problem solvers and thinking, ‘Maybe I can join along in that effort.’ Then maybe growth is possible.”
Season 29, airing in 2024-2025, is about one of South Dakota’s largest industries, Tourism. In addition to the monthly program, South Dakota Focus is planning town hall-style events, to encourage community conversation. SDPB will utilize our Sioux Falls and Rapid City studios and meet in public places around the state to bring experts and communities together for discussions about how issues affect them.
Members of Friends of SDPB offer a wide range of ages, locations, and circumstances that provide us with a large pool of thoughts and opinions. SDPB finds that because members are engaged and committed to our mission, they are among the most likely to attend these events. We appreciate the spirit possessed by members of Friends, who are working towards a better, more enlightened, and richer South Dakota.