Story perspectives

WisconsinEye Closes Amid Funding Crisis, Coverage at Risk

1/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

WisconsinEye, a nonprofit public access network, shut down due to a fundraising shortfall, leaving Wisconsin without legislative-debate coverage.
WisconsinEye had provided free coverage since 2007.
Efforts to secure funding included a $10 million endowment requiring a match.
Lawmakers are considering allowing WisconsinEye to access interest from the endowment to fund $887,000 2026 budget.
Governor Tony Evers supports a fundraising deal but says the state should not cover the entire budget.

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Story summary

WisconsinEye, a nonprofit public access network, shut down due to a fundraising shortfall, leaving Wisconsin without legislative-debate coverage.
WisconsinEye had provided free coverage since 2007.
Efforts to secure funding included a $10 million endowment requiring a match.
Lawmakers are considering allowing WisconsinEye to access interest from the endowment to fund $887,000 2026 budget.
Governor Tony Evers supports a fundraising deal but says the state should not cover the entire budget.