Wisconsin Senate Passes Bill to Open Public Affairs Network to Bids

Lawmakers seek to explore options beyond current provider WisconsinEye amid funding concerns

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Wisconsin Senate has passed a bill that would allow the state to solicit proposals from organizations interested in running the state's public affairs network, which livestreams and archives state government proceedings. The current provider, nonprofit WisconsinEye, has faced funding difficulties and a month-long coverage blackout, prompting lawmakers to explore alternative options.

Why it matters

The public affairs network is a crucial source of transparency, providing unedited live coverage of state government proceedings. Lawmakers want to ensure the long-term sustainability and management of this service, which has faced challenges under the current provider.

The details

The Senate bill would provide temporary funding to WisconsinEye while the state's Department of Administration solicits bids for operating the public affairs network. The bill sets a June 2026 deadline for submitting proposals, which the DOA would then review and provide recommendations to the legislature. The bill also requires WisconsinEye to appoint new board members designated by legislative leaders.

  • The Wisconsin Senate passed the bill on Wednesday, February 19, 2026.
  • The bill sets a June 30, 2026 deadline for submitting proposals to operate the public affairs network.

The players

Devin LeMahieu

Senate Majority Leader who criticized WisconsinEye earlier this month.

Mark Spreitzer

Democratic state senator who called it a 'travesty' that WisconsinEye went dark for over a month earlier this year, breaching its contract with the legislature.

Julian Bradley

Republican state senator and lead author of the bill, who said transparency is the most important thing.

Dianne Hesselbein

Senate Minority Leader who noted concerns about the proposal after discussions with her caucus leaders.

WisconsinEye

The nonprofit organization that has provided the public affairs network coverage since 2007, but has faced funding difficulties.

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What they’re saying

“Transparency is the most important thing.”

— Julian Bradley, State Senator (heartlandsignal.com)

“It was clear walking out of that meeting that we weren't on the same page as the state Assembly.”

— Dianne Hesselbein, Senate Minority Leader (heartlandsignal.com)

What’s next

The Assembly will now need to take up the Senate's proposal. If approved, the Department of Administration will solicit bids for operating the public affairs network, with a deadline of June 30, 2026.

The takeaway

This debate highlights the importance of maintaining a transparent and reliable public affairs network to provide unedited coverage of state government proceedings. Lawmakers are seeking a long-term solution that ensures the network's sustainability and management, beyond the current provider's funding challenges.