Dexter Gronseth Received Tom Brokaw Award

The South Dakota Broadcasters Association honored the long-time journalist for his broadcast excellence.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Awards

A vintage broadcast microphone on a chrome stand set within an open South Dakota prairie field at golden hour. — The South Dakota Broadcasters Association named journalist Dexter Gronseth the 2026 recipient of the Tom Brokaw Award, honoring his long-standing commitment to broadcast excellence. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The South Dakota Broadcasters Association has named Dexter Gronseth the 2026 recipient of the Tom Brokaw Award. The honor recognizes Gronseth for his decades of dedication to the broadcasting industry.

Why it matters

This award highlights the importance of sustained commitment to journalistic excellence and local news coverage in the state. It underscores the career milestones of professionals who help shape the media landscape across South Dakota.

Dexter Gronseth has coordinated daily news coverage for KELOLAND for 30 years and is slated to hit a 50-year career milestone in 2027. The award is co-presented by the South Dakota Broadcasters Association and the University of South Dakota.

The players

Dexter Gronseth

He is the long-serving managing editor and journalist at KELOLAND Media Group.

South Dakota Broadcasters Association

This professional organization supports the broadcast industry and presents awards for excellence in the field.

University of South Dakota Media and Journalism Department

This academic department co-sponsors the Tom Brokaw Award to honor regional broadcasting achievements.

KELOLAND Media Group

This is a prominent media organization based in Sioux Falls that provides news and content to viewers across the state.

The details

Gronseth began his career at KELOLAND Media Group as a photographer in 1977 before moving into leadership roles, including assignment editor in 1995 and managing editor in 2026. Beyond his station duties, he served as a volunteer media coordinator for the South Dakota Supreme Court, notably facilitating the state’s first televised court case in 2011.

1977: Gronseth began his career at KELOLAND as a photographer.
1995: Gronseth was promoted to the position of Assignment Editor.
July 1, 2011: South Dakota hosted its first televised court case.
September 28, 2026: Gronseth received the Tom Brokaw Award in Rapid City.
2027: Gronseth will mark 50 years at KELOLAND Television.

Roadmap

This award marks a shift in recognizing long-term institutional knowledge in an era of rapid digital transition within local news. It highlights how veteran journalists bridge the gap between traditional broadcast legacy and modern legal accessibility.

Readers can reflect on the stability and historical continuity of their local news providers in Sioux Falls and beyond. The career longevity of professionals like Gronseth helps ensure the preservation of institutional knowledge and consistent news standards for the public.

The takeaway

Recognizing long-term journalism veterans serves to reinforce the value of experience in local media. Readers should appreciate the behind-the-scenes work that makes access to public events, such as televised court cases, possible for the community.