In a significant move, PurpleTV, the political broadcast channel 16.1 on WWMW in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has announced a partnership with Civic Media. Civic Media, based in Madison, operates a network of 20 radio stations featuring videotaped shows across Wisconsin in 12 distinct news/talk media markets. Together, they aim to provide comprehensive coverage of the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee from July 15-18.
Ken Switzer, Director of Marketing and Communications for PurpleTV, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: “Programs like The Maggie Daun Show, Matenaer on Air, The Todd Allbaugh Show, and so many others in the Civic Media family do a great job of covering politics, and their coverage of the RNC is sure to be exceptional, too. We want to help expand their coverage to broadcast television and reach a wider, potentially different audience than the one they already have.”
Milwaukee boasts one of the highest percentages of over-the-air (OTA) audiences in America, with 27% of TV households relying on OTA. Channel 16 reaches 2.25 million people, meaning approximately 600,000 people can view PurpleTV. This partnership aims to leverage this audience, bringing Civic Media’s political coverage to a broader demographic.
Matthew Davidge, CEO of PurpleTV, hinted at future expansions, stating, “We’ll be taking PurpleTV to West Palm Beach and other TV markets where people could use a purple perspective.” PurpleTV plans to announce its expansion to other broadcast TV stations both in Wisconsin and swing states soon.
Unlike conventional TV channels, PurpleTV offers an experience akin to an internet feed or social media stream, presenting bite-sized videos and informational text to the "purple majority"—those who are neither strictly red nor blue politically. Wisconsin's status as a purple state makes it a pivotal battleground for the 2024 election, with tight margins in the last two presidential elections.
For those unable to catch the broadcast, PurpleTV also streams its content on PurpleTV.com and maintains an active presence on as @WatchPurpleTV on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
The channel airs from 7 pm to 11 pm on WWMW Milwaukee Channel 16.1.
