University of Wisconsin - Extension

"Many broadcast news operations 'discover' politics every two years for the elections. At Wisconsin Public Television and Wisconsin Public Radio, the candidates and the issues are familiar because we cover them all the time," says Kathy Bissen, executive producer for news and public affairs at Wisconsin Public Television (WPT). "Wisconsin Vote is an extension of that focus, and it's information that voters can trust."

As citizens start to pay attention to the coming elections, WPT and Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR) will provide a variety of campaign-focused broadcasts under the Wisconsin Vote banner. WPT and WPR also are working together on the Wisconsin Vote Web site, wisconsinvote.org, an invaluable resource for news about the candidates and races.

WPT election coverage

Leading the way on WPT will be "WeekEnd", airing at Fridays at 7 p.m. "WeekEnd," the news and public affairs series that will end its 11-year run sometime after the elections, will have campaign coverage, joint candidate appearances in congressional races, "Reality Checks" of campaign ads, and more.

WPT also will air unedited statements from candidates for statewide and federal offices on Oct. 17, 24 and 31.

WPR coverage

WPR, through its news bureaus and Ideas Network call-in programs, will spotlight major statewide races. It also is planning extensive election-night coverage.

WPR's coverage will include a series on all statewide races, in addition to stories highlighting key congressional and state legislative contests. Numerous call-in shows will focus on the most important races.

Live gubernatorial debates on WPT and WPR

The We the People civic journalism project, which includes live broadcasts on WPT and WPR, plans a Democratic gubernatorial primary debate on Sept. 5 and a gubernatorial general-election debate, tentatively scheduled for Oct. 29.

Web site provides anytime access to election information

"Public broadcasting provides an opportunity for state citizens to get an up-close look at the candidates and sometimes talk to them directly," says WPR news director Connie Walker. "Our audiences rely on us to provide in-depth election coverage, and we¿re pleased they can review it on the Wisconsin Vote Web site whenever they want to."

The Wisconsin Vote Web site provides anytime access to a wealth of election information, with more to come as the campaigns heat up. Voters can learn how to register, find out who¿s running, and take part in weekly online polls. Voters can watch stories from "WeekEnd" and hear reports from WPR through streaming media. The site also links to state newspapers. On election night, www.wisconsinvote.org will provide live election results.