Overview

• With the operating agreement expiring June 30, 2026, WNET says it will exit management of NJ PBS, leaving the state without its own public TV station unless a new operator or funding source emerges.
• WNET will continue producing the nightly NJ Spotlight News and will carry it on THIRTEEN and its digital platforms after its NJ PBS role ends.
• NJ PBS received about $1.69 million from CPB in FY24 (roughly 15% of revenue), Congress rescinded future CPB appropriations, and state support was cut from $1 million to $250,000 in the FY26 budget.
• WNET restructured last year affecting 34 positions, and NJ PBS enacted additional layoffs in March and August as finances deteriorated.
• WNET has managed New Jersey’s public TV network since 2011 after the state ended direct control, and officials and analysts now warn the loss will further erode New Jersey-focused coverage.