Legislative

The Wisconsin Broadcasters Association took more than 35 broadcasters to Capitol Hill on Feb. 28 to meet with the state’s legislative delegation to talk about issues important to helping broadcasters continue their public service mission. The broadcasters met in the offices of all eight House representatives including the office of Speaker Paul Ryan. They also…

The Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council is looking for more information about the time it takes for newsrooms to have open records requests fulfilled. There was anecdotal evidence presented at the meeting suggesting the wait times are getting longer. We would like to find out what you and your reporters are experiencing. First, are you…

The news directors from two Wisconsin television stations testified to a State Senate committee about their concerns with a bill that would regulate the use of police body cameras and public access to video collected by the cameras. Ben Hart from WISN-TV in Milwaukee and Sean Dwyer from WXOW-TV in La Crosse said the bill’s…

Computers have made examining government records easier than ever. The smallest townships across Wisconsin post the meeting agendas and minutes online. And websites for government agencies at all levels contain an enormous amount of other information. Electronic records are also available on request. Say you want to see a skate-park-feasibility study you’ve heard about. You…

The Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council, a nonprofit group that works to protect access to public meetings and records, is now accepting nominations for its annual Openness in Government Awards, or Opees. Awards are given in six categories: Popee (political openness award): Recognizes extraordinary service to the cause of open government by an elected or…

A Mauston radio broadcaster testified on Dec. 12 in front of a Wisconsin State Senate committee in support of a bill that would provide a sales and use tax exemption for commercial radio and TV stations. Jim Murphy owns WRJC-AM/FM in Mauston. He told the Senate Committee on Revenue, Financial Institutions & Rural Issues that…

A majority of the House of Representatives now supports the Local Radio Freedom Act after a bipartisan group of five House members signed a resolution opposing “any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge” on local broadcast radio stations. The Local Radio Freedom Act (LRFA) now has 220 cosponsors in the House, two more…

Wisconsin broadcasters who have participated in State Legislative Day are calling on their peers to join them for calls on the State Capitol on Jan. 31. A video published this week explains why it’s important for broadcasters to visit their lawmakers and talk about issues facings broadcasters and their markets. To join State Legislative Day,…

The U.S. Senate version of a tax reform bill released this week preserves the deductibility of business advertising expenses. “Local broadcasters support tax reform that promotes economic growth and job creation, and it is undeniable that advertising is a stimulus for both,” said NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith. “NAB looks forward to working with…