Concerns raised about drone restrictions for newsrooms

Multiple layers of regulations could affect the ability of newsrooms to use drones for news gathering, according to a report presented to the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council. Wisconsin State Journal photojournalist Michel King spoke to the council Oct. 26…
WBA testifies about concerns with police body camera bill

The Wisconsin Broadcasters Association testified Thursday before the Assembly Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee about concerns with a bill to create statewide standards for the release of video obtained by body cameras used by law enforcement. While the WBA…
Sen. Baldwin takes lead on advertising deductibility

Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin is one of two senators taking the lead in an effort to make sure the deductibility of advertising expenses remains law as legislators review options for tax reform. Sen. Baldwin is joining Sen. John Boozman from…
Open records requests also open to public

Did you know that when you file an open records request with the Wisconsin Department of Justice, that request is itself a public record? The DOJ is now posting regular reports of who has filed open records requests with its…
Rep. Sensenbrenner proposes music licensing database

Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner introduced a proposal this week to establish a database of licensing information for musical works and sound recordings. The Transparency in Music Licensing Ownership Act is meant to help anyone using music look up the licensing status…
State Supreme Court delivers open government victory

The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled unanimously in support of open government advocates in a case involving a school district that held closed-door meetings. The June 29 ruling said the Appleton Area School District violated open meetings law when it allowed…
FCC Chairman Pai, Sen. Johnson connect with Wisconsin broadcasters

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai and Sen. Ron Johnson took time June 5 to meet with Wisconsin broadcasters at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center and Pai went on to tour other broadcasters in the state. Chairman Pai was in Wisconsin as…
Vetterkind testifies in support of repealing personal property tax

WBA President and CEO Michelle Vetterkind testified twice to state lawmakers in support of repealing Wisconsin’s personal property tax. She testified on May 24 before the Senate Committee on Revenue, Financial Institutions and Rural Issues and on June 1 before…
WBA hits the Hill, FCC for an action-packed DC Trip

The WBA’s Annual DC Trip took place Feb. 28 and March 1. Executive Committee members Nancy Douglass, WLKG-FM, Lake Geneva, Steve Lavin, WBAY-TV, Green Bay, along with WBA Federal Legislative Chair Roger Utnehmer, Nicolet Broadcasting, Sturgeon Bay; Jan Wade, WISN-TV,…