President’s Message: October 2026

by Doug Seidel, President of Jersey Access Group

Here is what is going on at JAG.

Legislation: The new ADA requirements are still scheduled to take effect in April 2027. While the FCC has determined that these requirements do not apply to cable programming, they still apply to online content, including YouTube, Facebook, and websites. Start planning now to ensure you’re ready for the transition next year. Review the Legislative Committee article for specific details.

Legislative Updates from Trenton and Washington, D.C.: FCC and ADA Accessibility Requirements

By Dave Garb, Legislative Committee, Chair

Update: FCC Amends Closed Captioning Rules for Video Programmers – Docket No: 05-23125-133: Closed Captioning of Video Programming

But ADA Rules Still Apply

Who Will Run Community Television Tomorrow?

By John C. Morley, Video Producer and Engineer

Community television has always depended on more than cameras, production equipment, and broadcast technology. Behind every municipal meeting, local interview, school concert, and community celebration are people who can turn an idea into a finished production. Some are experienced station managers, engineers, and producers, while others are students, municipal employees, and dedicated volunteers who contribute their time and expertise.

OBTV, Reimagining the Possibilities, One Upgrade at a Time

By Aime Alonzo, J.D. (She/Her) Executive Assistant to the BA, OBTV and Digital Content D/P

Hello JAG colleagues and friends. I have always felt energized to read about the innovative upgrades and programs happening at other stations. There is nothing more thrilling and inspiring than seeing what is possible and imagining how those ideas might spark new opportunities for all our work. I remember reading similar JAG articles about other stations and feeling my creativity come alive with each example. My hope is that this article does the same for you.

Gear Up for the 2027 JAG Awards

By Connor Cheung, Chair, JAG Awards Committee

As we dive deeper into the fall production season, the JAG Awards Committee is already hard at work laying the groundwork for an incredible 2027 program. Our recent committee meeting focused entirely on streamlining the process, making it easier for stations to participate, and getting a head start so everyone can avoid the usual spring scramble.

Your Conference. Your Ideas. Your Voice.

By Bob Duthaler, Conference Committee, Chair

Help Us Shape the JAG Conference 2027!

Planning is already underway for the JAG Conference 2027, and this year we want you to help us build the conference.