NJN Radio Network Will Go Independent.

[d21ofnj]

Thanks to the help of Gov. Flintsto......err Christie ;D

http://www.allaccess.com/net-news/a...-plan-would-make-new-jersey-network-independe

 

[SoulCrusher]

I don't see anything wrong with this. The government should not be in the business of running any type of media. It has zero credibility because I know that the "news" (more like propaganda) is going to carry the partisan rhetoric of whichever party is at the helm. This also goes for NPR, AP, etc. As it is, even non-government media comes off as too partial these days as well - one needs to look no further back than 2008, when the media had an endless lovefest with then-Senator now-President Obama.

We have an $11 billion budget shortfall left to us by the previous administration, and I'm all for making cuts at every level in order to balance it out - we're the most taxed state in the union and can't afford any more. As a radio enthusiast, I'm actually happy about this news, and I might start listening to (and watching) NJN more knowing that they will no longer be an arm of state government.

 

[nd2023]

They would make millions just from selling all the licenses.

 

[UncleBozzle]

I would think they could make millions from selling the licenses. Many of those signals can be heard all over the place, both in NJ and across state lines. Government does not need to be involved in broadcasting, other than the FCC, so kudo's to Governor Christie for ridding the state of something that was nothing more than a bastion of political patronage.

 

[satech]

This also goes for NPR, AP, etc. As it is, even non-government media comes off as too partial these days as well - one needs to look no further back than 2008, when the media had an endless lovefest with then-Senator now-President Obama.

NPR is not "government media." The majority of its funding comes from the fees and dues it charges to member stations, just like any other network. WNYC pays millions each year to carry NPR programming.

As for NJN, they have "an endless lovefest" with whomever pays the bills. I never heard them say a single negative word about Christie Whitman, even as her administration totally squandered all the economic gains made during the Clinton years, and left the state in a financial hole that following administrations have never been able to dig out of.

 

[TheBigA]

...kudo's to Governor Christie for ridding the state of something that was nothing more than a bastion of political patronage.

I agree.

On to more practical matters, how does a non-profit community licensee take a bloated state department, where the employees get huge pensions, and turn it into a lean and mean broadcasting machine? It might make sense to shut it down, buy out the state employees, and start from scratch.

When New York City sold WNYC to the Foundation, it operated with duplicate staffs, part city civil servants and part Foundation employees. That gave the city workers time to cycle out and retire. But Christie likes to act quickly. He wants this off his books now. And I can't imagine a fresh non-profit wanting to pick up the baggage from the past.

I suspect Christie already has some potential buyers in mind? Perhaps WNET, or a consortium of stronger area stations? Perhaps a former Executive Director who has great national connections might make a surprise return? Only if there are no strings attached.

 

[nd2023]

There was a rumor that NJN was buying WNYZ to simulcast the NJN network, with NJN TV on Channel 6 and NJN Radio on 87.7. At least that's not going to happen now.

The NJN stations are 90% NPR, and you can hear NPR programming on 93.9 and 90.9, which makes NJN redundant. Just sell the licenses to local schools or community groups (not national godcasters).

 

[TheBigA]

Just sell the licenses to local schools or community groups (not national godcasters).

Christie has also cut the budgets of local schools, so they don't have money either. No money to buy the licences or provide operating expenses. Same with the state colleges and universities.

A logical idea would be to sell it or lease it to WBGO, which aleady has the NPR relationship, and could operate a state-wide network from Newark. However, they're currently in a fundraiser to move their antenna to Manhattan, and probably don't have extra cash to buy the stations. Depending on how anxious Christie is to get rid of it, he could turn the stations over to WBGO on a lease basis, and they'd pick up operations. That would take operating expenses off his plate.

 

[d21ofnj]

Great logic to have a statewide jazz coverage, but I have a feeling it would probaly go to religious broadcasters. If NJN cant be their own product in time wants the state government is out, I'm sure the preachers would love to spread the word of the lord ;D

 

[Dancerev889]

Why not give the frequencies to the state supported colleges and universities. In exchange, they would have to put on some state sponsored programs. Maybe each station has to run programs such as something for veterans, children, seniors or even something financial. This way the colleges and universities could potentially bring in revenue through underwriting and use this to improve their communications programs and the stations

 

[TheBigA]

Why not give the frequencies to the state supported colleges and universities.

The state is cutting funding to the colleges and universities too, so this would simply transfer the cost from one state budget to another. That's not what the governor wants to do. He wants to eliminate it completely.

Perhaps the indie colleges like Rider and Princeton might be interested, but their budgets are strained as well.

 

[nd2023]

Why not give the frequencies to the state supported colleges and universities.

The state is cutting funding to the colleges and universities too, so this would simply transfer the cost from one state budget to another. That's not what the governor wants to do. He wants to eliminate it completely.

Perhaps the indie colleges like Rider and Princeton might be interested, but their budgets are strained as well.

Rider's radio station is 107.7 WRRC, Princeton's radio station is 103.3 WPRB

 

[d21ofnj]

I would love to see the HD2/3 stations have their shot at filling a format hole. I know it's not helping the HD radio side of things, but since it is okay to simulcast HD programing on a translator, this would be the perfect opportunity for the HD2/3 broadcasters. I gotta take a look and see where the six translators are located.

 

[Dancerev889]

Why not give the frequencies to the state supported colleges and universities.

The state is cutting funding to the colleges and universities too, so this would simply transfer the cost from one state budget to another. That's not what the governor wants to do. He wants to eliminate it completely.

Perhaps the indie colleges like Rider and Princeton might be interested, but their budgets are strained as well.

I totally understand the funding situation at the colleges since I work at one. Trust me, the colleges that have radio stations would jump at doing something like this. Most of the towers are owned by the state, and the transmitters are already there. The only costs would be the cost of filing the forms with the FCC and getting audio to the transmitter. I know of 4 or 5 state colleges and universities that would jump at a chance for this.

 

[TheBigA]

The State wants to get rid of all those costs of towers, transmitters, studios, and employees. Plus NPR membership fees. That's what this is about. Those costs would be transfered to the new licensee. Does your college have the money to pick up those expenses?

 

[Cosmopolite]

NJN's first home was a former Ewing bowling alley. Anyone remember where it was or current use of the building?

 

[Dancerev889]

The State wants to get rid of all those costs of towers, transmitters, studios, and employees. Plus NPR membership fees. That's what this is about. Those costs would be transfered to the new licensee. Does your college have the money to pick up those expenses?

NPR fees can be terminated, I would need to see the contract. Towers could also be used for emergency management and the colleges could help with the maintenance of those towers. Studios could be sold off and the state could make some money. Heck they could even lease out the space. I think other stations would just want the physical assets.

 

[TheBigA]

Make him an offer: Chris Christie c/o State Capitol. I think the four TV stations are his primary concern.

Brings new meaning to "Trenton Makes, The World Takes."

 

[tom]

NJN's first home was a former Ewing bowling alley. Anyone remember where it was or current use of the building?

Take a look at live.com maps birds eye view of: 1573 Parkside Ave Trenton, NJ 08638

It's been for sale for years, right down the street from New Jersey 101.5,
they considered movong there at one time.