The new operation will be contractually obligated to provide a nightly newscast and at least 20 hours of Jersey-centric programming weekly
New Jersey Network is expected to be run by a newly created subsidiary of WNET, Channel 13 in New York. TRENTON — Gov. Chris Christie today announced the state will hand over the reins of New Jersey Network's TV operation to a newly created subsidiary of WNET, Channel 13 in New York. Christie said the state will sell the network's radio licenses to two public radio broadcasters for a combined $3 million.
NJTV, as the new operation will be called, will be contractually obligated to provide a nightly newscast — to be called New Jersey Today — and at least 20 hours of Jersey-centric programming weekly, Christie said. The deal also requires election night coverage and the broadcast of important events from the Statehouse, such as budget and State of the State addresses.
The Legislature has 15 days to veto the deal. If it doesn't, the agreement goes into effect July 1.
The new TV operation will employ 15 to 20 people and will partner with Caucus Educational Corp, to provide New Jersey-centric programs. CEC, run by Steve Adubato, Jr., has co-produced public affairs shows with WNET for two decades.
The new entity, New Jersey Public Media, and will have a governing board of New Jersey residents.
Josh Weston of Montclair, who serves on the board of WNET, and Liz Thomas, a former member of the state's broadcasting authority, are the first two trustees.
Christie said the agreement fulfills the goals he outlined 14 months ago of providing independence and sustainability to New Jersey's public television operation.
"We need to have robust New Jersey public broadcasting but we need to have it in a way that is not continuing to cost the state taxpayers and can be perceived as truly independent from state government,' Christie said.
Christie also said WHYY in Philadelphia will purchase five licenses for just under $1 million, while New York Public Radio, which operates WNYC in New York City, will buy four for $1.8 million and unspecified in-kind contributions.
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