The Only Winners In The Wisconsin Budget Debate? Local TV

While Wisconsin lawmakers debate the state’s budget, local broadcast stations have raked in nearly $2 million in advertising, reports the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.

Opponents of Governor Walker’s plan have spent $1,031,500 statewide, while supporters of the budget have spent $831,000.

“Those are significant numbers,” said Evan Tracey, of CMAG, a political ad-tracking firm. “Everybody’s trying to lead the narrative … In these kinds of fights, with this much attention, you can’t just sprinkle in an ad or two.”

The numbers do not include cable advertising or any new ads that began airing Monday.

But regardless of the short-term positives for local TV stations, the impasse is bad news overall. Here’s hoping Wisconsin can reach a compromise–even if that means slightly less money for TV in Milwaukee, Madison, and Eau Claire.

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