May 15, 2012

Montclair State University to become NJPR News headquarters

New York Public Radio (which comprises WNYC-FM and WQXR-FM), announced today a new partnership with New Jersey's Montclair State University, whose broadcast studios and production facilites will be the new home of New Jersey Public Radio's news division.

The managing editor of NJPR News is Peabody Award-winning journalist Nancy Solomon, and the newsroom will cover New Jersey news, politics, and public affairs.

NJPR (owned by NYPR) was created in 2011 when NYPR purchased four defunct NJN stations from the state after Gov. Chris Christie axed NJN. The MSU news bureau will produce content for NJPR, WYNC, and other outlets throughout New Jersey. The joint initiative is also partially funded by the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation.

In Nov. 2011, New Jersey Television (NJTV), the state's pubTV network, also moved its headquarters to MSU's campus. NJTV is operated by New York's WNET, through a subsidiary nonprofit, Public Media NJ.

MSU created a new school of Media and Communication and Media last December, and is trying to expand its media footprint in the state. Just last night, NJTV broadcast a debate between U.S. Rep. Steve Rothman and U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell from its MSU studios.

Though press releases emphasized NJTV and NJPR's commitment to New Jersey despite being owned by New York media outlets, N.J. lawmakers characterized NJTV as a "Jersey Joke" earlier this year.

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