Listen to this articleThe basics:
- NJ PBS, state’s lone public television station, will close in 2026
- State and federal funding cuts cited
- WNET will continue airing NJ Spotlight News until closure
- Lawmakers, NJ Chamber of Commerce call for review of public broadcasting
New Jersey’s lone public television station will cease operations next summer.
WNET, the parent company of NJ PBS, announced Sept. 23 that the combination of state and federal budget cuts led management to this difficult decision.
The New Jersey Globe first reported the news. The announcement follows two rounds of layoffs at the network earlier this year.
“The recent cuts by the federal government and New Jersey state government have been very significant,” said Debra Falk, director of communications for NJ PBS, in a statement. “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 station 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.”
Those cuts include a 75% cut in the most recent New Jersey state budget – from $1 million to $250,000 – as well as more than $1.1 billion in federal funding cuts for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. CPB helps fund PBS programming and NPR member stations.
Christie-era cuts
WNET took control of New Jersey’s public televisions (then known as New Jersey Network) in 2011. That move came following state funding cuts during the then-Christie administration. It led to the launch of NJTV, which eventually became NJ PBS.
“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,” said Falk.
After the current contract ends, WNET said it will continue producing and airing the daily newscast. It will air on THIRTEEN as well as its digital platforms.
NJ Spotlight News with Briana Vannozzi:
“At the same time, WNET is committed to supporting the state through this transition and looks forward to collaborating with New Jersey-based institutions interested in operating a public television network,” Falk continued.
Falk said NJ PBS has been proud to serve the Garden State with content that “inspires, educates, and informs.”
“And we are deeply grateful to the NJ PBS Board of Trustees, the State of New Jersey, the NJPBA and, most importantly, the members and viewers who have supported NJ PBS for so many years,” said Falk. “We remain a willing partner to collaborate, and we will continue to serve the New Jersey community on THIRTEEN and our digital platforms.”
What can and should be done
In response to the news, Sens. John Burzichelli, D-3rd District, and Andrew Zwicker, D-16th District, released a joint statement. The lawmakers called for a “top-to-bottom” analysis of public television in the state.
“This is another destabilizing setback to a news sector that has experienced recurring obstacles to its ability to keep the public knowledgably informed,” said Burzichelli and Zwicker. “For NJ PBS, the federal government’s decision to cancel funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting was the devastating blow.
“State government needs to engage in a top-to-bottom analysis of public television in New Jersey to determine what can and should be done to maintain the type of services the network has provided,” the statement continued. “We should assemble a working group of the best minds on this issue to find new ways to meet the challenges that confront public broadcasting.”
In a statement, New Jersey Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tom Bracken said that his organization is deeply concerned by these developments.
This is a devastating loss for the state’s identity.
— Tom Bracken, president and CEO, New Jersey Chamber of Commerce
“This is a devastating loss for the state’s identity,” said Bracken. “Although there will be ongoing news coverage through WNET, it is still a blow to a state that is already underserved by media coverage and urgently needs a strong voice dedicated to New Jersey’s issues.”
Bracken said the Chamber hopes that complete ownership and control of NJ PBS returns to New Jersey, “as that will serve the state best.”
“We strongly urge the governor and Legislature to explore options to keep NJ PBS operating as a New Jersey entity,” said Bracken.
Please stay with NJBIZ for the very latest on this developing story.
