New Jersey Network needs "reconfiguration," legislative committee recommends

In a 20-page report released today (Oct. 15), a 10-member bipartisan New Jersey Legislature committee called for "a dramatic reconfiguration" of New Jersey Network, reports the Star-Ledger in Newark. Gov. Chris Christie (R) earlier this year had recommended ending state funding (Current, July 6, 2010). The report also rejected Christie's deadline of Jan. 1, 2011, for a transfer of the state-supported pubcasting network to an independent entity. Also, the paper is reporting that there's plenty of activity behind the scenes. One possibility is a partnership between New Jersey broadcasters and WNET/Thirteen in New York City. Or Montclair State University could take a key role in production of NJN content. Steve Adubato Jr., president of Caucus Educational Corporation, a nonprofit producer of several pubaffairs shows on NJN and WNET, said the governor and members of the task force have expressed interest in his proposed consortium of WNET and other media outlets.