NEWARK, N.J. — Several members of the NJ PBS Board of Trustees, including Chair Scott Kobler, have stepped down as the public television network moves toward its scheduled June 30, 2026, sunset.
“NJ PBS has been fortunate to have had the support of an engaged Board of Trustees since its inception in 2011, some of whom have been involved with New Jersey public media for much of their careers,” the network said in announcing the departures.
“We thank all of our Trustees for their service and insight. NJ PBS would not have become the robust provider of New Jersey news and programming without their help,” said WNET President and CEO Neal Shapiro, who also serves on the NJ PBS Board. “Some of those leaving us have shared their intention to work towards paving a path for the state’s next public broadcast operator. We wish them the best and WNET remains committed to assisting any new entity relaunching a Garden State public television network in whatever way we can.”
“WNET has served the state of New Jersey well,” said Kobler. “They assumed operations of New Jersey’s public media network in its time of need in 2011. The work of the reporters on NJ Spotlight News, on the air and online, continues to be exemplary and fills a huge void. I could not have been prouder to be a part of it. I wish the state of New Jersey had responded in a more cooperative fashion when it came to a renewal. I’m stepping aside as Chair to allow WNET to more directly manage the end of the NJ PBS term and look forward to doing my part to assist the next iteration of public media in New Jersey.”
WNET will continue to operate NJ PBS until June 30, 2026, under its operating agreement with the state. After that, WNET plans to continue a half-hour New Jersey newscast on THIRTEEN and its digital platforms and make the program available to other outlets.
WNET also said it remains open to working with any entity that may assume operation of a future New Jersey public television station.
