MONTCLAIR TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Essex County) — Montclair State University has been selected as the new programming and management operator of New Jersey’s public television stations, state officials announced Wednesday.
Under the agreement, Montclair will assume management of NJ PBS on July 1, replacing WNET, which has operated the state’s public television network since 2011.
The university was selected from four bidders through a competitive request-for-proposals process. The contract between the New Jersey Public Broadcasting Authority and Montclair State University will be submitted to the Legislature for review. Lawmakers have 15 days to review the agreement.
The contract runs for five years and includes two optional five-year extensions.
Under the agreement, Montclair will provide at least six hours of New Jersey-focused programming each week, including a nightly weekday newscast, public affairs programming, live broadcasts of the governor’s State of the State address and budget message, and live election coverage.
State officials said the agreement helps secure the future of public television in New Jersey amid financial challenges facing public media organizations nationwide.
“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,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill. “I’m excited that Montclair State University has been selected to lead the next chapter of public broadcasting in New Jersey. 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.”
“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,” said State Treasurer Aaron Binder. “Given the ever-evolving nature of modern media, and recent devasting 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.”
The station will be housed within Montclair’s College of Communication and Media, which includes broadcast studios, production facilities, a multimedia newsroom and engineering infrastructure.
University officials said they plan to expand public media coverage by working with news organizations, colleges, universities, arts groups and community organizations throughout New Jersey.
“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 Dr. 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.”
Officials said the new operation will include a daily newscast and discussion program, a weekly public affairs roundtable and sports coverage, including a partnership with the New Jersey Athletic Conference.
“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,” said Rick Williams, Executive Director of the New Jersey Public Broadcasting Authority. “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.”
Montclair’s proposal includes approximately $1.2 million annually in in-kind university support, including studio access, engineering services, information technology, human resources, legal support and facilities management. The plan also includes student internships and experiential learning opportunities.
Officials said more than 20 full-time employees will initially operate NJ PBS, including reporters and production staff, with students participating through supervised internship programs.
