helping-Saving PBS New Jersey 

Mission

To safeguard the future of PBS New Jersey by fostering collaboration, advocacy, and community engagement. We aim to preserve public broadcasting as a trusted source of education, culture, and unbiased information for all New Jersey residents.

Goal

​To build a strong coalition of supporters, partners, and stakeholders—spanning individuals, organizations, and policymakers—to identify and implement financial and political solutions that ensure PBS NJ remains sustainable and independent for generations to come.

Public broadcasting has always been a cornerstone of informed communities, offering educational programming, unbiased news, and cultural enrichment that commercial media often overlooks. Today, PBS New Jersey faces unprecedented challenges that threaten its ability to serve the public good. Preserving this vital resource isn’t just about saving a channel—it’s about safeguarding a trusted voice for learning, civic engagement, and local storytelling. Together, we can ensure PBS NJ continues to thrive for future generations.

Inside PBS’s Journey as a Digital Pioneer

From early kids’ sites to trusted news on YouTube, PBS has helped shape how millions learn online. Find out how they did it.Recognized at t

My LinkedIn post on 9/28/25    please go to post and share with your network 
​also connect with me on LinkedIn  www.linkedin.com/in/johnrfugazzie

Saving NJ PBS is crucial for preserving our democracy. As NJ PBS faces the possibility of going dark next summer, the impact goes beyond losing just a public television station; it means losing a fundamental pillar of our democratic system.

NJ PBS has been a longstanding provider of fact-based journalism, educational content, and local news that many commercial outlets overlook. It plays a vital role in fostering civic engagement, enriching our culture, and upholding public accountability. In today's climate of misinformation and political division, independent media outlets like NJ PBS are not a luxury but a necessity.


Our founding fathers established checks and balances to safeguard against tyranny and corruption, with a free and independent press being a critical component. Defunding or dismantling public media weakens our ability to keep those in power in check and inform the public effectively.

The current political environment, characterized by assaults on journalists, suppression of dissent, and the prioritization of power over integrity, has put immense pressure on institutions like NJ PBS. With significant cuts in public media funding at both federal and state levels, the decisions being made are not just financial but ideological.

It is imperative that we take action now. I urge civic leaders, philanthropists, universities, nonprofits, and every citizen to unite and chart a new course for NJ PBS. By fostering collaborations, restoring funding, and safeguarding editorial independence, we can ensure that New Jersey maintains a voice that challenges authority with truth. Our democracy hinges on this collective effort.

As American citizens, we cannot rely on others to address this threat to our way of life; it is incumbent upon each of us to act decisively! www.askprofessorjohn.com
​

Articles

​Key Developments

1. Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) Dissolution
   
   • CPB announced its shutdown on January 6, 2026, after Congress cut $1.1 billion in funding for public broadcasting. This decision has left PBS, NPR, and local stations—including NJ PBS—without federal support. NJ PBS is expected to cease operations in July 2026 after WNET, its parent company, opted not to renew its operating agreement due to these funding cuts. [app.com]
2. NJ PBS Closure Timeline
   
   • NJ PBS confirmed it will shut down by June 30, 2026, citing significant federal and state funding cuts. WNET will continue producing NJ Spotlight News on digital platforms and THIRTEEN after the closure. [cbsnews.com], [newjerseyglobe.com]
3. Impact of Funding Cuts
   
   • Congress rescinded CPB funding, and Governor Phil Murphy reduced state support by 75% in June 2025. These combined cuts forced NJ PBS to lay off staff and scale back operations. NJ PBS had relied heavily on CPB grants and state allocations for its $11.5 million annual revenue. [thesetonian.com], [northjersey.com]
4. Rescue Efforts and Legislative Hearings
   
   • New Jersey lawmakers and media advocates have urged for a rescue plan to preserve public broadcasting. Proposals include transforming NJ PBS into a C-SPAN-style outlet focused on state government coverage. Hearings highlighted concerns about misinformation and the loss of trusted local news sources. [whyy.org], [current.org]

Corporation for Public Broadcasting votes itself out of existenceThe Corporation for Public Broadcasting's directors voted the organization out of business Monday

The shutdown of NJ PBS in summer 2026 is a significant loss for New Jersey and for the broader democratic fabric of the country. Here's a breakdown of the situation and its implications:

🛑 NJ PBS Shutdown: What’s Happening

• Closure Date: June 30, 2026.
• Operator: WNET (Channel 13 in NYC) has run NJ PBS for 14 years.
• Reason: Severe funding cuts from both the federal government and the New Jersey state government.
  • Federal Cuts: Over \$1.1 billion slashed from public media funding, including the Corporation for Public Broadcasting[1].
  • State Cuts: NJ PBS funding reduced by 75%, from \$1 million to just \$250,000[2].
• Future: WNET will continue airing NJ Spotlight News on THIRTEEN and digital platforms, but the fate of NJ’s seven broadcasting licenses remains uncertain[2].

📰 Why Independent Media Matters

Independent media is often called the Fourth Estate because it:

• Holds power accountable through investigative journalism.
• Informs the public with unbiased, fact-based reporting.
• Supports civic engagement by enabling informed voting and public discourse[3].

Examples like the Watergate scandal and the Panama Papers show how independent journalism can lead to major political and legal reforms[3].

⚠️ Political Pressure on Public Media

The current administration under President Trump has:

• Slashed funding for PBS and NPR, citing alleged bias.
• Used regulatory agencies like the FCC to pressure media companies.
• Encouraged censorship or retaliation against critical voices, such as Jimmy Kimmel and CBS News[4][5].
• Filed lawsuits and threatened licenses of media outlets that challenge his narrative[5].

Even some Republican lawmakers have expressed concern, noting that public broadcasting is vital for rural communities and represents a tiny fraction of the federal budget[6].

🛡️ What Can Be DoneTo preserve independent media in New Jersey and beyond:

• New partnerships must be formed with universities, nonprofits, or civic institutions.
• Public advocacy is needed to restore funding and protect media independence.
• Philanthropic support and community-based funding models could help fill the gap.

References
[1] NJ PBS to shut down next summer amid budget cuts - NJBIZ
[2] New Jersey PBS to shut down next July. Massive funding cuts drive move
[3] The Role of Independent Media in Democracy - numberanalytics.com
[4] Media consolidation is shaping who folds under political pressure — and ...
[5] Trump’s moves against media outlets mirror authoritarian ... - PBS
[6] Senior House Republican opposes White House proposal to cut public ...

​https://www.njpbs.org/

https://www.njspotlightnews.org/

WNET
​THIRTEEN, WLIW, NJTV
New York City, NY|EIN: 26-2810489

NATIONAL AND LOCAL PROGRAM SERVICES: THROUGH THIRTEEN PRODUCTIONS LLC, WLIW LLC, INTERACTIVE ENGAGEMENT GROUP LLC, AUDIO ENTERPRISE GROUP LLC, PUBLIC MEDIA NEW JERSEY, INC., WNET PRODUCES BOTH NATIONAL AND LOCAL TELEVISION AND RADIO PROGRAMMING OF THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE QUALITY FOR DISTRIBUTION TO OTHER PUBLIC BROADCASTING STATIONS INCLUDING THIRTEEN. WLIW HAS APPROXIMATELY 24,000 ... , WNET BROADCASTS OVER 78,800 HOURS TO THE NEW YORK CITY MARKET ON STATIONS WNET AND WLIW. RADIO BROADCAST STATION OPERATIONS: TECHNICAL OPERATIONS PROVIDES THE TRANSMISSION OF THE RADIO BROADCAST SIGNAL WITHIN THE CENTRAL AND EASTERN LONG ISLAND MARKET, DURING THE 2023/2024 FISCAL YEAR ON A 24-HOUR DAILY SCHEDULE,WLIW FM BROADCASTS TO OVER 340,000 LISTENERS ON WLIW-FM AND W245BA. EDUCATION: WNET PRODUCES ...

GROSS RECEIPTS   $242,659,660
ASSETS                    $408,880,024

wnet 2024 990 report
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NJ PBS

View  Certificate of Incorporation.
View  By-Laws.
View  Employee & Trustee Conflict of Interest Policies.

🗣️ Public Statement

Statement from John R. Fugazzie, Founder of Neighbors-Helping-Neighbors USA and Adjunct Faculty at Fairleigh Dickinson University

“The announced shutdown of NJ PBS next summer is a wake-up call for all who value democracy, transparency, and civic engagement. Independent media is not a luxury — it is a cornerstone of our American system. We must act now to forge new partnerships and restore funding to ensure NJ PBS continues to serve the people of New Jersey. I call on civic leaders, philanthropists, educators, and everyday citizens to stand up for truth, accountability, and the public’s right to unbiased information.”

📰 Op-Ed (For NJ.com, Star-Ledger, or national outlets)

Title: Saving NJ PBS Is About Saving Democracy
When NJ PBS goes dark next summer, New Jersey will lose more than a television station — we’ll lose a vital pillar of our democratic infrastructure.

Public media like NJ PBS provides fact-based reporting, local coverage, and educational programming that commercial outlets often overlook. It’s one of the few remaining spaces where truth isn’t filtered through profit or partisanship.
The current political climate — marked by attacks on journalists, defunding of public institutions, and erosion of civic norms — makes independent media more essential than ever. The founding fathers built checks and balances into our system, and a free press is one of them.

I urge our state leaders, nonprofits, universities, and philanthropic organizations to come together and create a sustainable future for NJ PBS. Let’s not allow silence to replace the voices that keep our democracy alive.

📄 Proposal (For funders or partners)

​Title: A Call to Action: Preserving Independent Media in New Jersey

Executive Summary: NJ PBS is scheduled to shut down in June 2026 due to drastic funding cuts. This proposal outlines a strategic plan to preserve and transform NJ PBS into a resilient, community-supported media outlet.

Goals:

• Secure multi-source funding (state, philanthropic, corporate, academic).
• Establish partnerships with NJ universities and nonprofits.
• Expand digital platforms to reach younger and underserved audiences.
• Maintain editorial independence and public trust.   

​
Why It Matters: Independent media is essential for civic education, government accountability, and community cohesion. NJ PBS has served these roles for decades. Its loss would be a blow to democracy in New Jersey.

Here are the key news stories about the funding cuts to NJ PBS and their consequences:

1. NJ PBS to Shut Down in 2026

• NJ PBS, New Jersey’s only public television station, will cease operations on June 30, 2026 after WNET (its operator) and the New Jersey Public Broadcasting Authority failed to reach a new contract.
• The shutdown is attributed to “very significant” funding cuts from both the federal government and the state.
• Federal cuts include the elimination of \$1.1 billion for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which funded PBS and NPR stations nationwide.
• State funding was slashed by 75%, from \$1 million to \$250,000 in the latest budget signed by Gov. Phil Murphy[1][2][3].

2. Impact on Programming

• NJ PBS will continue to operate until June 2026, including its flagship nightly newscast NJ Spotlight News, which will later move to WNET’s THIRTEEN and digital platforms.
• After closure, New Jersey will lose its dedicated PBS channel for the first time in 54 years, leaving residents reliant on New York’s WNET and Philadelphia’s WHYY for PBS content[4].

3. Layoffs and Financial Strain

• NJ PBS has already undergone two rounds of layoffs in 2025, including about 11 staff members from NJ Spotlight News.
• These cuts were necessary after losing \$750,000 in state funding and federal CPB support, which previously accounted for about 15% of NJ PBS’s budget[5][6].

4. Broader Context

• The closure comes amid a national crisis for public broadcasting, with hundreds of PBS and NPR affiliates impacted by federal cuts.
• Local news in New Jersey faces a severe decline: major newspapers like The Star-Ledger and The Jersey Journal have either gone digital-only or shut down completely, making NJ PBS’s loss even more significant[2].

References
[1] NJ PBS to shut down next summer amid budget cuts
[2] NJ PBS to shutter in 2026 after ‘very significant’ public funding cuts: ‘A loss for all of us’
[3] New Jersey PBS to close next summer amid funding cuts by government
[4] How funding cuts impact New Jersey PBS - nj1015.com
[5] NJ PBS to cut staff after loss of federal, state funding
[6] NJ PBS hit with layoffs following state and federal funding cuts