New Jersey PBS to Cease Operations in 2026 Amid Severe Funding Cuts
NJ’s only public TV network is PBS. Due to massive state and federal funding cuts, it will close in July 2026. The WNET Group runs the station since 2011. They intend to terminate their New Jersey Public Broadcasting Authority contract due to financial instability.
US public media have experienced money issues lately, which prompted this choice. They stole about $1.1 billion from public broadcasting earlier this year. By September, CPB had to close. Many local stations, including NJ PBS, are struggling because they lost funding.
In recent New Jersey budget talks, the network’s funding was cut 75%, from $1 million to $250,000. Due to these developments, jobs have been lost and activity has decreased. Many neighborhood improvements have been halted.
Despite closing, WNET will continue to air good shows in New Jersey. Tonight’s “NJ Spotlight News with Briana Vannozzi,” will air on NJ PBS, THIRTEEN, and online until June 30, 2026. After that, WNET will produce and broadcast the show on THIRTEEN and its websites.
NJ’s media scene suffered when NJ PBS closed. Local lawmakers worry about how this would affect those who rely on the network for factual news and education. American Senator Cory Booker and State Senators John Burzichelli and Andrew Zwicker. A complete study is needed to find other options to retain public TV in NJ.
WNET is eager to collaborate with New Jersey groups that want to run a public television network as the deadline approaches. Since there are no fresh funding sources or excellent partnerships, fresh Jersey’s public broadcasting’s future is doubtful.
Sources
New Jersey PBS Statement
WHYY News
New Jersey Globe
TIME
