Bill would have a board direct grants to Wisconsin local news

A board attached to the University of Wisconsin System would form a nonprofit to run grants for Wisconsin local news and media projects. The grants would support projects addressing communities' information needs and access to local journalism in Wisconsin. The board would provide money for grants and operating costs from the bill's appropriation. The bill gives no start date for the board, nonprofit, or grant program.

The nonprofit would award grants and collect information about communities underserved by local news. The grants would support local journalism and media projects in Wisconsin. Applications would explain how projects meet civic information needs and provide media literacy skills or local news access to underserved residents. Recipients would have to agree in writing to remain independent from influence by the state, institutions, and other grant funders. At least 30 percent of all grant dollars would go to off-campus partners in rural communities, and funding would prioritize underserved populations and communities. The bill sets no application or award dates.

The board would oversee the nonprofit and report each year on its funding and work. University of Wisconsin System representatives would have experience in journalism, media, technology, or civic culture. Local media members would represent print, online, radio, and television outlets, including nonprofit and for-profit news providers. The 11 board members would include four University of Wisconsin System representatives, five local media representatives, and two public members. The board could not base an action or funding decision on a grant recipient's reporting. Board members would serve four-year terms, with no more than two terms; some initial members would serve six-year terms. The board would report annually to the governor and legislative committees.