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The basics:

• Montclair State University selected to operate NJ PBS beginning July 1
• Move ensures continuation of New Jersey public television network
• University will produce six hours of NJ-focused programming weekly
• Decision follows competitive bidding process with four proposals

Montclair State University will take over operation of New Jersey’s public television network. The move rescues NJ PBS from a planned shutdown and returns control of the state’s public broadcasting stations to a New Jersey-based institution for the first time in 15 years.

First reported by the New Jersey Globe, State Treasurer Aaron Binder and Montclair State announced the selection June 3.

Montclair emerged following a competitive bidding process to become the programming and management operator of New Jersey’s four Federal Communications Commission-licensed public television stations beginning July 1, when WNET‘s current agreement expires.

The selection drew four proposals. According to the New Jersey Globe, Montclair’s bid prevailed over a proposal submitted by the New Jersey Independent Public Media Corp., a group guided by several former NJ PBS leaders, including former station manager Phil Alonghi and former board chairman Scott Kobler.

The move ends months of uncertainty surrounding NJ PBS. The organization announced last September that it would cease operations after WNET, the New York-based public media organization that has operated the network since 2011, declined to renew its management agreement amid state and federal funding cuts.

Preserving a ‘vital’ service

Under the new agreement, Montclair will manage the stations for an initial five-year term with two optional five-year extensions. The contract is subject to legislative review, with lawmakers having 15 days to examine the agreement.

The university has committed to producing at least six hours of New Jersey-focused programming each week, including a nightly weekday newscast, public affairs programming, live coverage of New Jersey elections, and broadcasts of the governor’s State of the State and budget addresses.

Gov. Mikie Sherrill said the agreement preserves an important source of local journalism and public information.

“Public broadcasting is a vital public service that ensures New Jersey families have access to trusted news, educational programming, and information about their communities. At a time when local journalism faces growing challenges, today’s action keeps this essential service alive in New Jersey,” Sherrill said. “I’m excited that Montclair State University has been selected to lead the next chapter of public broadcasting in New Jersey.

At a time when local journalism faces growing challenges, today’s action keeps this essential service alive in New Jersey.
—Gov. Mikie Sherrill

“With its expertise in journalism and public media, strong community partnerships, and commitment to innovation, Montclair is uniquely positioned to expand local storytelling and help build a strong, sustainable future for public media across our state.”

The announcement marks a major turnaround from the outlook less than a year ago.

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In September, NJ PBS announced it would shut down after a combination of federal funding reductions and a 75% cut in state support. More recently, the network closed its Newark studio and shifted its final broadcasts to a remote format ahead of its planned June 30 closure.

WNET assumed control of New Jersey’s public television stations in 2011 after then-Gov. Chris Christie ended direct state support for public broadcasting. The arrangement led to the creation of NJTV, later rebranded as NJ PBS.

Binder said maintaining public broadcasting remains important as the media landscape continues to evolve.

“Public broadcasting is a critical pillar of New Jersey media, ensuring all residents — particularly those in underserved areas — have access to quality educational and community-focused content,” Binder said. “Given the ever-evolving nature of modern media, and recent devastating funding cuts at the federal level, protecting and supporting public broadcasting has never been more important.

“Treasury was pleased to play a role in ushering in the next chapter of public media in New Jersey, and we look forward to seeing this vital institution grow for many years to come.”

Making NJ public media ‘the public’s media’

Montclair officials said they intend to build a statewide public media operation that goes beyond traditional television broadcasts.

The university’s proposal calls for a daily news and discussion program, a weekly public affairs roundtable and expanded sports coverage, including a partnership with the New Jersey Athletic Conference. It also envisions significant investments in digital content, social media and community events.

“New Jersey has one of the most extraordinary media landscapes in the country, and we will fully leverage and highlight the breadth of voices and storytellers across the state,” said Keith Strudler, dean of Montclair’s College of Communication and Media. “This includes universities across New Jersey, countless news organizations, cultural and arts centers, and sports leagues and organizations.

“We look forward to building a media ecosystem that resembles and is accountable to the people of New Jersey, one that provides unique educational and workforce development opportunities to our state’s future leaders and media creators. We are grateful for the opportunity to ensure New Jersey’s public media is truly the public’s media.”

A key component of the plan is Montclair’s Center for Cooperative Media, which has relationships with hundreds of news organizations throughout the state and is expected to help build a collaborative statewide journalism network.

How it’ll work

Initially, more than 20 full-time employees will operate NJ PBS, including three reporters and an 11-person production team. Students will also participate through internships and other experiential learning opportunities.

Montclair said it will contribute approximately $1.2 million annually in in-kind support through existing facilities, technology infrastructure and administrative services. The station will operate from the university’s College of Communication and Media, which includes professional broadcast studios, production facilities and newsroom space.

Rick Williams, executive director of the New Jersey Public Broadcasting Authority, said Montclair’s proposal stood out because of its infrastructure and ties to the state.

“New Jersey’s public television stations exist to serve every resident of this state, and this selection reflects our commitment to ensuring that mission continues on a sustainable, long-term foundation,” Williams said. “Montclair State University brings broadcast-ready infrastructure, deep community ties, and a demonstrated commitment to New Jersey journalism. We look forward to working with the University and the Legislature as this transition moves forward.”

The selection also answers calls from lawmakers, media advocates and business groups who argued that public television should remain rooted in New Jersey after NJ PBS announced its impending closure.

Questions remain about the future of NJ Spotlight News, which is owned by WNET rather than the state television network. WNET has previously said it intends to continue some form of New Jersey news coverage after June 30 but has not publicly detailed those plans.

For now, however, the state’s public television system appears set to remain on the air – and under New Jersey leadership – beyond the June 30 deadline that once appeared poised to mark its end.