The governor's office contends that the practice is a less expensive way to keep track of major issues in different regions of the state, but others say it is poorly timed waste of resources during a time when most state agencies are facing budget cuts.

Under the practice, prison employees around the state tape TV newscasts and send relevant segments to the governor's office.

Blagojevich spokeswoman Abby Ottenhoff says the practice does not distract prison employees from their regular duties.

But the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, which represents prison workers, opposes the practice.