Overview
- In a bipartisan voice vote, senators advanced an amended bill providing $585,630 to WisconsinEye over 12 months while requiring a competitive bidding process.
- The funding would be disbursed in monthly installments only with Joint Committee on Finance approval and would end if a new provider is selected to run the public affairs network.
- The Senate plan sets an RFP submission deadline reported as June 30 and keeps the bid requirement in place for WisconsinEye to continue broadcasting and maintaining a digital archive.
- WTMJ reports the bill would add four legislative designees to WisconsinEye’s board, one from each caucus leader, though none could be a sitting lawmaker.
- The Assembly earlier passed a separate bill creating a $10 million endowment for WisconsinEye, and with the Assembly scheduled to adjourn, failure to align on one approach could send the channel dark again in March after a temporary $50,000 bridge restored February coverage.