Madison, Wisconsin Media Landscape Overview

This capital‑region DMA spans government, healthcare, higher education, and tech. Broadcasters emphasize winter storms, flooding, transportation, and public services for OTA, cable, and CTV audiences.

Media Ownership & Regulation

Affiliates and subchannels operate with PBS Wisconsin and public radio; EAS partners coordinate for blizzards, floods, and heat advisories.

FCC translators extend rural coverage; universities and civic groups collaborate on public‑service and educational programming.

Digital Transformation & Connectivity

Simulcasts on apps/YouTube and FAST extend reach; push alerts and newsletters support commuters and campuses.

Broadband ubiquity enables multi‑device viewing; libraries and schools bolster media literacy and device access.

Leading Television Channels

• ABC/CBS/NBC/FOX affiliates: Local news, weather, investigations, and sports.
• PBS Wisconsin: Educational/cultural programming.
• The CW/MyNetworkTV: Syndicated entertainment and features.
• Spanish‑language (regional): News and variety.
• Ion/MeTV (subs): Procedurals/classic TV.
• Weather subchannels: Continuous forecasts and radar.
• Local access: Public meetings and community programs.

Major Radio Broadcasting Networks

• NPR member stations: News/talk and statewide reporting.
• All‑news/Traffic/Weather: Commute and alerts.
• Country: Local hosts and promotions.
• Top 40/CHR: Contemporary hits.
• Adult Contemporary: Workplace playlists.
• Classic Rock: Catalog programming.
• Sports: Talk and play‑by‑play.
• Faith/Inspirational: Religious programming.
• Public safety/NOAA: Weather and emergency bulletins.

Media Consumption Patterns & Audience Behavior

Digital Engagement

CTV and social video extend reach; push alerts support river levels, closures, and school schedules.

Agencies and campuses use Facebook/Instagram/YouTube for advisories and events.

Traditional Habits

OTA TV and radio remain essential for winter coverage and local sports; drive‑time radio retains commuters.

Public media and weeklies sustain hyperlocal reporting across the metro and towns.

Market Metrics & Industry Statistics

Media Trust & Consumer Preferences

Trust Landscape

Meteorology, investigative units, and public media explainers rate highly; clear, accessible updates broaden reach.

Transparency and community engagement strengthen trust during storms and elections.

Audience Preferences

Weather, university/tech economy, local sports, and services perform well; short‑form advisories drive engagement.

Streaming replays and newsletters complement linear schedules.

Sources

• https://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/report/2024/dma-rankings/
• https://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/the-gauge/
• https://www.weather.gov/