NJ PBS Says It Will Shut Down After Losing Federal, State Funding

NEWARK, NJ — Funding cuts have killed New Jersey’s public television network, spokespeople say – a move that has left lawmakers on both sides of the aisle fuming.

Earlier this week, the WNET Group – which operates NJ PBS – announced that it will not be signing a new contract with the state. The current deal expires on June 30, 2026.

NJ PBS is New Jersey’s statewide public media network. It includes WNJN, WNJS, WNJB and WNJT, as well as media outlet NJ Spotlight News.

A one-two punch of federal and state budget cuts are behind the decision, the WNET Group said.

In May, the Trump administration announced that it was slashing federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which finances local broadcasting stations throughout the United States. Nearly $1.5 million – or about 15 percent – of the NJ PBS operating budget comes from the privately run nonprofit, Politico previously reported.

President Donald Trump issued an executive order explaining the funding cut, saying that “Americans have the right to expect that if their tax dollars fund public broadcasting at all, they fund only fair, accurate, unbiased and nonpartisan news coverage.”

“No media outlet has a constitutional right to taxpayer subsidies, and the government is entitled to determine which categories of activities to subsidize,” the president wrote.

Meanwhile, NJ PBS saw a $750,000 cut in funding as part of the latest state budget that was signed by Gov. Phil Murphy last summer, going from $1 million to $250,000, NorthJersey.com reported. See Related: NJ Governor Signs Record-Busting State Budget Into Law

An unspecified number of staff members at the network were laid off in August due to the combined cuts.

The news of NJ PBS’ impending shutdown has sparked criticism from Garden State lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.

“The closure of NJ PBS is a loss for all of us who live here,” U.S. Sen. Cory Booker commented on social media.

“Their programming benefits all New Jerseyans young and old,” the Democratic senator said.

New Jersey Assemblywoman Aura Dunn – a former employee at Sesame Workshop – said the loss of public television in the state will hinder local families’ access to free educational programming and community-focused news.

New Jersey is one of 36 states that directly funds public broadcasting through its budget, she said.

“The potential loss of NJ PBS is about more than a TV station, it’s about access to programs that strengthen New Jersey families and serve the interests of the public,” charged Dunn, a Republican from the 25th district.

The assemblywoman said the cuts to PBS feel “personal” because of her years lobbying for programs such as “Sesame Street” before Congress and the White House. She cited the HBO “takeover” of the beloved children’s program as an example.

“Currently, if parents of small children want to watch the latest episodes of Sesame Street, they have to pay for a premium channel or streaming service, which is especially financially burdensome for families living in high-cost New Jersey,” Dunn said.

“Sesame Street was something that was safe for all kids and reached everyone no matter their income,” the assemblywoman added. “The further public television is forced to shift away from its original mission, the less families will have access to programs that truly make a difference.”

‘SIGNIFICANT CUTS’

Fourteen years ago, the WNET Group entered into an agreement with the state of New Jersey to operate its public television network after former Gov. Chris Christie and the Legislature determined that the state should no longer be in the television business. Since then, WNET has rebranded the network as NJ PBS, focusing on “New Jersey–focused news and programming that address important issues and showcase the state’s diverse communities.”

That’s about to come to an end, the network reported earlier this week.

“The recent cuts by the federal government and New Jersey state government have been very significant,” NJ PBS announced Tuesday.

“Regrettably, WNET has been unable to reach an agreement with the New Jersey Public Broadcasting Authority to extend the management of New Jersey’s public television network beyond the expiration date of June 30, 2026,” spokespeople said.

Until the expiration date, WNET will continue to operate NJ PBS and its newsroom, and produce its nightly newscast – NJ Spotlight News – which will remain available on NJ PBS, THIRTEEN and digital platforms.

The network continues to leave the door open for a new future, spokespeople said:

“After the current contract ends, WNET will continue producing and airing the daily New Jersey newscast on THIRTEEN and its digital platforms. At the same time, WNET is committed to supporting the state through this transition and looks forward to collaborating with New Jersey–based institutions interested in operating a public television network.”

Headquartered in Newark, NJ PBS is operated under an agreement with the state of New Jersey by Public Media NJ Inc., a nonprofit affiliate of The WNET Group, which also runs New York public television stations THIRTEEN and WLIW21.

In addition to NJ Spotlight News, other current programs include Chat Box with David Cruz, Here’s the Story, Drive By History, One-on-One with Steve Adubato, Pathway to Success, Que Pasa, NJ, Soundcheck, State of the Arts, Table for All with Buki Elegbede and Treasures of New Jersey, and PBS favorites such as Nature, NOVA, Amanpour and Company and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.

According to the network’s website, all WNET and affiliate personnel, contractors, and agents involved in or supporting factual and documentary programming and reporting are responsible for compliance with WNET’s production guidelines. In addition, PBS has a set of editorial standards and funding guidelines, available here.

• See Related: NJ Public Broadcasting Network ‘Walked The Walk,’ Chair Says

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