New Jersey PBS to close next year due to significant funding cuts.

New Jersey’s public broadcasting landscape is facing significant upheaval as WNET, the New York City-based parent company of NJ PBS, has announced plans to cease operations of the state’s public television station next year. This decision is largely attributed to substantial funding cuts stemming from recent federal budgetary changes, including a controversial .1 billion reduction in federal funding initiated by Congress in July.

The funding cuts are part of a broader initiative that many have described as a result of President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which has adversely impacted public media organizations nationwide, including both PBS and NPR. The cuts have generated considerable concern regarding the future of public broadcasting in the United States, leading to a series of layoffs and resignations across various stations.

WNET, which took over the management of NJ PBS in 2011 following the elimination of state funding by former Governor Chris Christie, informed staff of its decision on Tuesday. Under current projections, the station will officially cease operations on June 30, 2026. This development raises significant concerns for New Jersey residents, who may find themselves without local public television programming unless a new nonprofit funding source can be identified. Despite this turbulence, WNET has committed to continuing the production of “NJ Spotlight News,” which will be broadcast on New York’s PBS station, THIRTEEN. This arrangement will provide some continuity for New Jersey viewers who rely on state-specific news coverage.

The reductions in support for NJ PBS have been stark. Earlier this year, state legislators decreased funding from million to just 0,000 during budget discussions. Such dramatic cuts have resulted in layoffs and have placed more strain on the station’s ability to deliver quality programming.

In response to the impending closure, Senator Cory Booker expressed deep concern, highlighting the importance of NJ PBS as a valuable resource for residents of the state. He emphasized the necessity of defending public broadcasting against such significant funding threats and pledged to advocate for local networks.

Founded in 1971, NJ PBS evolved from the New Jersey Network, which was established by the New Jersey Public Broadcasting Authority in 1968. With the impending closure of NJ PBS, a critical chapter in the state’s public broadcasting history is set to conclude, leaving many to question the future of public media in New Jersey. As stakeholders explore potential avenues to sustain public broadcasting in the state, the impact of these funding cuts will reverberate for years to come.

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