Patch, WISN 12 Team Up For More Local Coverage

The 15 Patch websites in southeastern Wisconsin and WISN 12 have entered into a new partnership that will intensify local news and sports coverage throughout the region.

The two news outlets are combining resources and sharing content, and will be partnering on big stories and events all over the Milwaukee area.

Because all Patch editors either live in the communities they cover or just minutes away, they are often first on the scene when suburban stories break. They will be able to provide more depth and story specifics to the WISN 12 news desk. Coupled with WISN 12's story-telling skills and strong visuals, the station's viewers in southeastern Wisconsin will benefit from knowing more about what's happening in their communities.

In addition, much of WISN 12's suburban coverage will be featured on the Patch websites. For example, a WISN video report may supplement a Patch story about a major issue in one of the communities. 

"Patch teaming up with WISN 12 is a win-win for both news organizations — and for our respective readers and viewers," said Mark Maley, Patch's regional editor in Milwaukee. "By combining what each of us does best, both audiences should see more coverage of suburban Milwaukee than ever before."

“We always strive to bring our viewers important local coverage. Our partnership with the Patch will put more journalists in more communities to bring distinctive and relevant stories that impact the lives of our viewers," said Ed Reams, assistant news director at WISN 12. "This partnership will strengthen our coverage on air, and help us report on multiple angles to stories that viewers will be able to get online and on their mobile phones."

For example, when a winter snow storm hit the region earlier this month, Patch editors were on the air, reporting on in the conditions in the communities they cover. And when a gas leak occurred in Wauwatosa on Friday morning, both organizations shared information about the breaking news to get it out to audiences as quickly as possibly.

Technology is also making it possible for journalists from different disciplines to work together more effectively on investigations and special projects. Patch reporters are equipped with iPhones which provide usable video that can be easily uploaded to the WISN 12 newsroom.