Overview

• WNET declined to renew its agreement with the New Jersey Public Broadcasting Authority, which expires June 30, 2026, triggering the end of NJ PBS’s in‑state operations.
• NJ PBS cited steep reductions in support, including the rescission of federal public‑media funding and a FY26 state appropriation cut to $250,000 from $1 million.
• The Corporation for Public Broadcasting announced plans to cease operations at the start of 2026 after congressional cuts, and NJ PBS received about $1.69 million from CPB in FY24, roughly 15% of its revenue.
• WNET will continue producing the nightly NJ Spotlight News for THIRTEEN and will offer the program on its digital platforms after the shutdown.
• WNET signaled openness to collaborate with New Jersey‑based institutions on future public‑TV options, as prior layoffs at WNET and NJ PBS underscored the financial strain.