Lawmakers Talk Media And High School Activities

Another bill making the rounds in Pierre is Senate Bill 119. This piece of legislation would ensure freedom of the media to cover high school activities like sporting events, plays and concerts.

Senator Deb Soholt signed this bill and believes it's not a good idea to offer contracts to companies that want to broadcast these type of events exclusively.

Soholt says it's important for those who cannot attend an event or who live far away to still be able to watch it if they want. An exclusive tevelsion contract limits that.  But she says doing things like livestreaming the event over the Internet would make it possible for everyone to see the event.

But opponents to this bill say that selling exclusive media rights is a way to raise revenue for school districts.