Marketplace Today Blog

U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold (D–Wisconsin) is continuing his effort to make it easier for residents living in northern and western Wisconsin to receive Wisconsin-related television programming, including in-state news, weather, sports and entertainment.

Wisconsin has 13 counties that are part of Minnesota or Michigan television markets, leaving many of the 157,210 Wisconsin households in those counties with programming that is not tailored to Wisconsin.

“When I hold listening sessions in northern and western Wisconsin counties, people want to know why they are unable to receive Wisconsin news, weather and sports on their televisions,” said Feingold. “Satellite providers, broadcasters, networks and sport leagues all seem to agree that a solution is possible, but Wisconsinites are still waiting.

“I am calling on the FCC to use its expertise and influence to do what it can to help. And as another season of Green Bay Packers football gets set to kick off, it is long past time to ensure Wisconsinites are able to watch the programming that matters to them.”

In 2009, Feingold and Sen. Herb Kohl (D–Wisconsin) offered an amendment to the Satellite Television Modernization Act of 2009. Although the amendment did not get a vote, Feingold said he remains committed to pursuing all options to help those affected Wisconsinites receive Wisconsin-based coverage.

To read the letter, click here.