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The day when America can access its television news via the Internet is still some time away.
But in Madison, television viewers can tune into some Web sites that are making local news, weather and sports more instant and interactive than ever before.
Not that Web sites have a long history: It was only about three years ago when the rush was on in corporate America to build an Internet presence. Now, companies are rushing to unveil their newest versions of their Web sites -- and WISC/Channel 3 in Madison is leading the charge.
On Monday, WISC -- www.wisctv.com on the Web -- launched what station managers are calling "Channel 3000." It's an expanded, well-staffed effort to assume the lead in the Madison market among Web sites that deliver local, resident-friendlymaterial.
And WMTV/Channel 15 -- www.nbc15.com on the Web -- is hardly far behind in showing its wares on the Web. Promotions Manager Tom Cook says NBC15 is "just days away" from touting its revamped Web site that will feature the station's signature Doppler radar weather coverage.
But it's WISC that has taken the apparent lead among television stations in the harried hunt to convert TV viewers into an Internet audience.
While both WKOW/Channel 27 (www.wkowtv.com) and NBC15 are relying on the best resources within their newsrooms for their Web sites, WISC has chosen to partner with a nationally recognized Web site developer, Internet Broadcasting System out of Edina, Minn.
The partnership makes for a dynamic Web site with both local content and national connections.
"We have gone, in the last three years, from a grassroots-type site to something professionally designed, to something even better now," said Barb Palser, managing editor for the station's...