Lack of funding takes Wisconsin’s public affairs network offline

WisconsinEye, the Badger State’s version of C-SPAN, went offline on Monday after the nonprofit failed to secure funding to keep the operation going.

In a statement posted on the WisconsinEye website and social media channels, the organization blamed a lack of private donations stemming from competition and economic uncertainty on the shutdown. The nonprofit warned of a shutdown for the past month.

To donate, visit: https://t.co/twP0ZiPupJ #WisconsinEye #Wisconsin #wipolitics #politics #nonprofit #donatetoday pic.twitter.com/4RvrFiFecu

— WisconsinEye (@WisconsinEye) December 15, 2025

WisconsinEye president Jon Henkes has said the nonprofit has failed to raise a single dollar towards the roughly $1 million it needs to operate in 2026.

“We spend hundreds of millions of dollars in these last election cycles electing people to office,” Henkes said. “Wisconsin needs a fraction of that to hold them accountable.”

WisconsinEye streams and archives Wisconsin’s legislative sessions, committee hearings, press conferences and other important events involving the state government. The public affairs network was launched in 2007, and access to more than 30,000 hours in videos is free.

The legislature and Gov. Tony Evers (D) have reportedly earmarked $10 million in funding for WisconsinEye. However, the funds cannot be accessed until the nonprofit fundraises the same amount of money first. Last month, Henkes told Wisconsin Public Radio that he asked Evers and the legislature to remove the matching provision to access the state funds.

The offices of Evers and Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) did not immediately respond to a request to comment on WisconsinEye’s closure, and if there are plans to waive the fundraising match requirement. 

WisconsinEye is still accepting tax-deductible donations on its website or by texting WISEYE to 44321. The nonprofit is also accepting checks mailed to 122 W. Washington Avenue, Suite 200, Madison, WI 53703.