The group examined models for what a newly-configured state public broadcasting system could look like
The crew works in the control room during a broadcast of the evening news at the New Jersey Network Studios in Trenton, in this April 2010 file photo.For more than eight hours Friday, a group of 40 high-powered political and civic leaders listened to journalists and academics sketch out a series of options to strengthen New Jersey’s public media programs.
With the demise of the New Jersey Network on the horizon, the group — which included State Treasure Andrew Eristoff, Christie aide Gregg Edwards, Sen. Nia Gill (D-Essex) and top executives from WNET, WBGO, WHYY and WNYC — examined different models for what a newly-configured state public broadcasting system might look like. The conversation revealed that the traditional television model is not nearly enough, said Steve Adubato, Jr., president of Caucus Educational Corporation, a producer of public affairs, cultural and educational programs for more than 20 years.
"It was fascinating to see that interaction between people who have ideas for what should be done, since NJN is closing its doors, and those who would be in a position to finance it," he said.
Before the state determines what the new, privately-funded public broadcasting system will look like, lawmakers must pass legislation giving authority to either a bipartisan committee or the State Treasurer to negotiate a deal.
Thursday night, NJN reported that the state has decided the best option for the new network is a collaboration between WNET and Adubato, Jr. An administration official said "there are no front runners at this point, as it is still early in the process." Adubato agreed, saying the report "is premature."
Although NJN figured prominently, the discussion went well beyond the fate of NJN, according to several in attendance, and focused on potential collaborations and partnerships and nonprofit newsrooms that would share programming and content.
The Fund for New Jersey, the Community Foundation of New Jersey, the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation and the William Penn Foundation convened the event, hosted by the Gibbons law firm in Newark. Officials from MCJ Amelior, PSEG, Benton and NJN and Knight foundations were also on hand.
"It was interesting and invigorating to talk with so many people who believe in the power and importance of public media for the citizens of New Jersey,’ said Neal Shapiro, president and CEO of WNET. "We’d be happy to help."
State officials are considering how to reinvent the state’s public broadcasting system and are looking to these entities for help.
Representatives from several New Jersey newspapers, online news sites such as NJ Spotlight, Philly.com and Barista.net were in the room, and Rutgers and Princeton universities were represented, as was City University of New York.
Adubato said collaboration will be key to the effort.
"It’s a challenge because previous competitors are seeking to come together . . . but the payoff is potentially huge," he said. "What could come out is content and programming that is much richer than any one organization can provide."
The meeting officially ended at 4:30 p.m., but government officials and foundation executives were still talking over drinks hours later.