New Berlin senator leads bipartisan plan to open bidding on Wisconsin's public affairs TV network

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A New Berlin-based state senator is leading a bipartisan Senate plan to open bidding on who runs Wisconsin's public affairs TV network, potentially changing how residents watch state government in action. The bill would fund WisconsinEye short term, seek competing proposals by mid-2026, and add legislative appointees to the network's board while lawmakers debate long-term state support.

Why it matters

The proposed changes to Wisconsin's public affairs TV network could have significant implications for how the state's residents access and consume information about their government. The move to open up bidding and add legislative oversight could reshape the network's editorial independence and programming priorities.

The details

The bipartisan Senate bill would provide short-term funding for WisconsinEye, the current public affairs network, while seeking competitive proposals by mid-2026 for who will operate the network long-term. The bill would also add legislative appointees to WisconsinEye's board of directors, giving lawmakers more direct influence over the network's governance.

• The Senate passed the bill in February 2026.
• The bill calls for seeking competing proposals by mid-2026 for the long-term operation of Wisconsin's public affairs TV network.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The bill will now go to the Wisconsin State Assembly for consideration, and if passed, the state will seek competitive proposals for the long-term operation of the public affairs TV network by mid-2026.