So, now that there is a somewhat nebulous bill to perhaps briefly extend the life of NJN, I have been approached numerous times by people who say, “did you hear??!!” Six more months!!! Alright!!!!”
Forgive me, for failing to share their enthusiasm. But the fact that a possible six month reprieve engenders such excitement gives you a sense of how far the terms of this debate have shifted.
I say “possible” because the legislation to figure out NJN doesn’t technically include a funding source. Money will have to be moved around elsewhere in order to keep this place alive.
As I have noted several times, the model here is outdated and needs to be changed. However, a transition that insures some kind of continuity would be ideal. Unfortunately, the lack of certainty has left people who work here confused and scared and that makes getting the product on the air more and more difficult each day. That is a sad state of affairs for a group of people who have devoted so much time and energy to the State’s New Jersey Network, which ultimately belongs to the people.
But there is another angle here which is worth noting. The legislators seem inclined to go along with a rapid transition, once the interested parties can figure out the new structure. They should be very cautious here. NJN covers the Legislature like a glove. There is tremendous value in that. Our coverage is comprehensive and fair. The individual bills and causes that are pushed by members may fall off sharply when NJN changes. That goes for both Republicans and Democrats.
Our Governor has often been described as a “rock star.” There is a lot of truth in that. He is able to get exposure elsewhere, including at his series of Town Hall Meetings…highlights of which are cleverly uploaded to youtube. This basically bypasses the local media by going straight to the people. The world of communications allows that today, and the Governor’s press shop has proven very adept at capitalizing on it.
Legislators with smaller bully pulpits still need local media to get exposure. And that is something to consider when the plans for NJN start to emerge.
After all, you never give away the store without at least getting a fair price.
Have you contacted the WNYC Foundation for help? They went through a very similar situation in 1995, when Guiliani announced that he was going to sell the very valuable middle-of-the-FM-dial radio licenses to the highest bidder. NYC, like NJ, “couldn’t afford” the modicum of money it donated to the station.
At the time, what you had was a loud Republican in a very powerful position, who was looking at potential national office. Eliminating a strong independent news voice was a two-fer: it shined his “cost-cutting” label (always big for conservatives) but more importantly, got rid of a potentially critical voice.
WNYC was able to hold a fund-raising drive and buy its own license. It’s gotten so strong that it was even able to help WQXR when *it* was threatened. Has NJN contacted perhaps Laura Walker or the WNYC Board of Trustees?
A six-month reprieve is better than no reprieve at all. Being forced off a payroll controlled by politicians may be the thing NJN needs. It can grow into a real power player in the state and an antidote to the thoughtless “analysis” and opinion of the Big Radio Station. A lot can be cobbled together in a short period of time, even a plan to make NJN truly independent.
*That* should scare the Governor.
My colleagues and I at … I’ll just say our now defunct company… went through a similar series of maybes. All we could say at the end was we did good work, had a great run, but all things come to an end. That includes an era of really good journalism. Zach, and Michael, Adrienne, Jim, Malik and the rest of the crew – you guys are the best, and my best wishes for all of you as individuals. Dana
Zach,
I appreciate your blog and your reporting. NJN News has been appointment television in my home for 20 years. It isn’t just another outlet for PBS network programming which could be run by three guys, a transmitter, and an uplink to PBS feeds. As Adrienne Supinio said in her good bye message to viewers tonight, NJ has been “the little PBS station that could”. The NJ focused programming is unmatched and NJN News is the jewel of the crown. I am a fan of all of the reporters, but of you in particular. I feel that that we’ve watched you mature and season in front of the camera. The stories you broke such as what occurred with Governor Christie’s car accident while AG in Elizabeth- and what has gone on at the DRPA- show that investigative journalism is practiced on your part, not just reporting.
I am hopeful for a healthy rescue of NJN in which the parts that make it unique are maintained. I understand that is probably less likely rather than more likely. I am also concerned that NJN in this limbo period will lose it’s most talented people as the talented ones are the most mobile of employees. I am sure that you have opportunities open to you outside of NJN.
I heard the union employee leader for NJN employees on WNYC radio Brian Leherer’s show yesterday. He discussed some of the present thinking or rumored negotiations. He seemed to suggest that NJ isn’t quite as vibrant a bed for a well supported, independent not for profit NJN, like what happened to WNYC radio. He seemed to suggest that NJ simply isn’t New York City, despite the monies seemingly available in an equally weathy demographic, NJ is just less likely to support a cultural institution (which is what I consider NJN to be) than NYC.
I wish you and NJN well. I will continue to write and contact my state senator Dick Codey.
Regards,
Igor
Hi:
As a long-time viewer of NJN, I feel confused and uncertain as to what is being done to preserve this vital source of information and culture. We simply cannot allow NJN to fold. There are too many people who cannot afford to buy cable TV and would have no source of television news if that happened. What about poor families who depend on NJN for Sesame Street and other educational programs for their children?
I realize that the situation is upsetting for the NJN staff, but PLEASE look beyond your personal needs and FIND A SOLUTION for the public you have been serving so admirably for the past 40 years! And please let us viewers know what is going on. All we hear is appeals for funds for a television station that is apparently disappearing soon. What is the plan? Should we write letters? Picket the Governor’s office? Call our representatives in Trenton? Somebody, please organize an action plan to save NJN and mobilize your loyal audience members to make it work!