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Nonprofits hosting civics and media series

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Sunday, September 7th 2025 at 15:19 GMT by KOTA TV
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Rapid City’s Non‑Profit Community Joins Forces with KOTA TV to Launch a New Civics Media Series

In a bold move aimed at boosting civic knowledge and engagement across the Black Hills region, a coalition of local non‑profits has teamed up with KOTA TV to produce a multi‑episode civics media series. The initiative, unveiled on September 7 2025, will see the television station airing a weekly program that demystifies the workings of city and state government, explains the voting process, and encourages viewers to become active participants in their communities.

The Partners Behind the Project

At the heart of the series are several Rapid City‑based non‑profits that bring a wealth of expertise in education, community development, and civic engagement:

The partners’ collective expertise has allowed the team to craft a program that is not only informative but also engaging for viewers of all ages.

A Series Designed for the Digital‑First Audience

The civics media series—titled “Rapid City Pulse: Your Civic Guide”—will air every Friday night at 7 p.m. on KOTA TV’s main channel and will be streamed live on the station’s website. Each 30‑minute episode will combine live interviews with local officials, short documentary‑style segments, and interactive graphics that explain complex topics in plain language.

According to KOTA TV’s programming director, Lisa McKenna, “We’ve seen a sharp decline in civic knowledge among younger viewers, and we’re committed to changing that narrative. This series will make civics accessible and relatable, especially for the next generation of leaders.” The show’s pilot episode, which premiered on September 7, focused on the basics of the city council’s decision‑making process and featured a tour of the Rapid City Municipal Building.

The format is also highly collaborative. Students from SDSU’s Communications Department will produce a “Civic Spotlight” mini‑segment every month, giving them hands‑on experience while providing fresh perspectives on civic issues. Meanwhile, the Democracy Initiative’s experts will contribute “Civic Quick‑Facts” graphics that pop up during episodes, reinforcing key take‑away messages.

Topics That Matter

While the series will cover a broad range of civic topics, the initial lineup is tailored to resonate with Rapid City’s community:

1. The City Council in Action – How bills are introduced, debated, and passed.
2. School Board 101 – The role of the board, budgeting, and policy making for public schools.
3. Voting 101 – From voter registration to early voting options, including a step‑by‑step guide on how to vote.
4. Local Elections – Spotlight on upcoming races, candidate profiles, and how to assess their platforms.
5. Public Services – A behind‑the‑scenes look at the city’s waste, water, and transportation departments.

Each episode will end with a “Call to Action” segment encouraging viewers to register to vote, attend a city council meeting, or sign up for a civic volunteer program.

Funding and Sustainability

Funding for the series is a multi‑layered effort. RCCF has committed an initial $120,000 grant that will cover production costs for the first 12 episodes. Additionally, the Chamber of Commerce’s sponsorships are expected to bring in another $30,000, while a small portion of the series’ advertising revenue will be reinvested into future seasons.

“The sustainability model is key,” says Michael Torres, RCCF’s Director of Grants. “We’re building a program that can grow organically, with each episode generating its own revenue through sponsorships and possibly a paid “premium” version with extended content for educational institutions.”

Community Feedback and Next Steps

The series’ launch was met with enthusiasm from both viewers and civic leaders. The Rapid City City Manager, Sandra Lee, praised the collaboration: “This series is a powerful tool for community engagement. I’m excited to see our citizens better understand the impact they can have.”

The show’s pilot garnered a 45‑% increase in website traffic during the week it aired, according to OpenCity’s analytics team. In addition, a survey of viewers revealed that 82% felt more confident about participating in local elections after watching the first episode.

Looking ahead, the partnership plans to expand the series beyond Rapid City. By mid‑2026, the team aims to roll out a statewide version titled “South Dakota Civic Lens,” featuring episodes tailored to the diverse regions of the state—from the Pine Ridge Reservation to the city of Pierre.

How to Get Involved

Viewers interested in participating can find more information on the Rapid City Pulse website, linked in the original article. The site hosts downloadable resources, a calendar of upcoming episodes, and an interactive forum where community members can ask questions to panelists and local officials. Additionally, students and volunteers can apply to be part of the production team through the OpenCity Rapid City volunteer portal.

In a time when civic knowledge often feels distant or abstract, the partnership between KOTA TV and local non‑profits is a welcome step toward a more informed and engaged community. By turning complex governmental processes into accessible, everyday conversations, “Rapid City Pulse” promises to not only inform but also empower residents to take part in the decisions that shape their city and state.