Wisconsin Sports Network (TV channel)

Summary

Wisconsin Sports Network was a short-lived regional sports network that served the state of Wisconsin. The network was created in 1996 when Westinghouse Broadcasting (Group W) gained broadcast rights to both the Milwaukee Bucks and Milwaukee Brewers.

Wisconsin Sports Network
TypeRegional sports network
CountryUnited States
Broadcast areaWisconsin
HeadquartersMilwaukee, Wisconsin
Programming
Language(s)English
Ownership
OwnerGroup W
History
Launched1996
Closed1997
Replaced byMidwest Sports Channel/Fox Sports Wisconsin/Bally Sports Wisconsin
Time Warner Cable SportsChannel/Spectrum Sports Wisconsin

History edit

The Bucks games were first broadcast in January 1996 under the name Bucks Network, but the name was changed to Wisconsin Sports Network a few months later once the broadcast rights to the Brewers were obtained. 25 Brewers games were carried during the 1996 season. When not broadcasting live games, the schedule was filled with programming from NewSport.[1] In 1997, Midwest Sports Channel (owned by CBS, which had just purchased Westinghouse) assumed responsibility for producing and distributing games on the network.[2] The network briefly became known as the Wisconsin Sports Channel before being folded into Midwest Sports Channel at the end of the year.

References edit

  1. ^ Brown, Rich (May 13, 1996). "Filling the cracks of regional sports" (PDF). Broadcasting. Retrieved 20 April 2021.
  2. ^ Kleinmaier, Bryan (April 12, 1997). "Football springs into action". Wisconsin State Journal. p. 2D. Retrieved 20 April 2021.