Public Broadcasting may be short one more network next year—in New Jersey.
NJ PBS is expected to close down
in roughly nine months, largely because of the Trump administration’s funding cuts, and the failure to reach a contract agreement.
Not all news deserts
concern print. The loss of NJ PBS would seriously harm the flow of news and information.
The back story is as
follows:
“Fourteen years ago, The WNET Group entered into an agreement with the state of New Jersey to operate its public television network after Governor
Christie and the legislature determined that the State should no longer be in the television business,” according to a statement released by the NJ PBS Pressroom, “Since then, WNET has
rebranded the network as NJ PBS and produced New Jersey–focused news and programming that address important issues and showcase the state’s diverse
communities.”
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The statement continues, “The recent cuts by the federal government and New Jersey state government have been very significant. Regrettably,
WNET has been unable to reach an agreement with the New Jersey Public Broadcasting Authority to extend the management of New Jersey’s public television network beyond the expiration date of June
30, 2026. Until then, WNET will continue to operate NJ PBS, its newsroom, and produce its nightly newscast, NJ Spotlight News with Briana Vannozzi, which will remain available on NJ PBS,
THIRTEEN, and digital platforms.”