by John C. Morley, Independent Producer
Community engagement is critical for local TV stations to remain relevant and valuable to their audiences in 2025. As people increasingly turn to diverse digital sources, local TV must deepen connections by creatively serving and involving their communities. The following are some strategic approaches designed to boost community engagement effectively and sustainably.
Community-Centric Content Creation
Local TV stations should focus on producing content that reflects the identity and interests of their communities. This includes spotlighting local heroes, businesses, cultural events, and pressing local issues through human-interest stories and documentaries. By telling stories that resonate on a personal level, viewers feel recognized and develop loyalty toward the station, reinforcing their role as a vital community voice.
Multi-Platform Interaction and Creator Economy
To engage audiences, especially younger demographics, stations must harness social media and emerging digital spaces actively. This includes not only distributing vertical video formats on TikTok and Instagram, but also experimenting with platforms like Twitch, Discord, and Reddit for unique community interactions. Collaborating with local influencers and content creators blends authentic voices with the station’s brand, expanding reach and relevance beyond traditional broadcast viewers.
Hybrid In-Person and Virtual Community Events
Bringing viewers together through events, both virtual and live, fosters personal connections that deepen engagement. Local TV can host workshops, studio tours, community forums, and celebration events that offer interactive experiences. Hybrid models—combining in-person and streaming options—ensure inclusivity, allowing broader participation irrespective of physical constraints.
Transparent and Inclusive Communication
Stations should prioritize clear, consistent, and transparent communication with their communities. This means providing timely updates on local projects, news, and emergency alerts using a blend of channels such as newsletters, mobile alerts, social media, and the station’s website. Offering multilingual content and partnering with community organizations helps reach diverse populations, enhancing trust and participation.
Partnerships and Collaborations
Forging partnerships with local businesses, civic groups, educational institutions, and cultural organizations can enhance programming and community ties. Co-branded events, sponsorships, and cooperative content creation amplify local relevance and mutual promotion, driving higher engagement and shared value creation.
Leveraging Technology and Data Insights
Utilizing data to understand audience preferences and testing content across platforms allows stations to tailor stories and initiatives that resonate. Exploring generative AI tools can create personalized content experiences and optimize engagement strategies, making outreach more efficient and responsive. Data-driven creativity ensures that programming remains aligned with evolving community interests.
Interactive Contests and Participation
Audience participation can be increased by inviting viewers to contribute through contests, polls, and talent showcases. Encouraging user-generated content generates excitement and social sharing, reinforcing community bonds while increasing the station’s digital footprint.
Audience Development and Membership Programs
Long-term engagement can be cultivated through membership initiatives, subscriptions, or donation programs that offer exclusive content or community benefits. These programs build a dedicated viewer base invested in the station’s success and ongoing impact in the community.
In conclusion, local TV’s strength in 2025 lies in radical imagination and embracing a multi-dimensional approach to engagement. Combining compelling, community-focused content with innovative technology, transparent communication, and inclusive events positions local TV stations as indispensable hubs for connection, information, and civic pride. These strategies foster deeper community bonds and help local stations thrive in a converging media landscape.
This approach, rooted in listening to and serving the community, will enable local TV to grow relevance, reach, and impact in meaningful ways, driving sustained viewer loyalty and engagement in the coming years.
Posted: December 10, 2025 by Doug Seidel
Strategies to Increase Community Engagement through Local TV in 2025
by John C. Morley, Independent Producer
Community engagement is critical for local TV stations to remain relevant and valuable to their audiences in 2025. As people increasingly turn to diverse digital sources, local TV must deepen connections by creatively serving and involving their communities. The following are some strategic approaches designed to boost community engagement effectively and sustainably.
Community-Centric Content Creation
Local TV stations should focus on producing content that reflects the identity and interests of their communities. This includes spotlighting local heroes, businesses, cultural events, and pressing local issues through human-interest stories and documentaries. By telling stories that resonate on a personal level, viewers feel recognized and develop loyalty toward the station, reinforcing their role as a vital community voice.
Multi-Platform Interaction and Creator Economy
To engage audiences, especially younger demographics, stations must harness social media and emerging digital spaces actively. This includes not only distributing vertical video formats on TikTok and Instagram, but also experimenting with platforms like Twitch, Discord, and Reddit for unique community interactions. Collaborating with local influencers and content creators blends authentic voices with the station’s brand, expanding reach and relevance beyond traditional broadcast viewers.
Hybrid In-Person and Virtual Community Events
Bringing viewers together through events, both virtual and live, fosters personal connections that deepen engagement. Local TV can host workshops, studio tours, community forums, and celebration events that offer interactive experiences. Hybrid models—combining in-person and streaming options—ensure inclusivity, allowing broader participation irrespective of physical constraints.
Transparent and Inclusive Communication
Stations should prioritize clear, consistent, and transparent communication with their communities. This means providing timely updates on local projects, news, and emergency alerts using a blend of channels such as newsletters, mobile alerts, social media, and the station’s website. Offering multilingual content and partnering with community organizations helps reach diverse populations, enhancing trust and participation.
Partnerships and Collaborations
Forging partnerships with local businesses, civic groups, educational institutions, and cultural organizations can enhance programming and community ties. Co-branded events, sponsorships, and cooperative content creation amplify local relevance and mutual promotion, driving higher engagement and shared value creation.
Leveraging Technology and Data Insights
Utilizing data to understand audience preferences and testing content across platforms allows stations to tailor stories and initiatives that resonate. Exploring generative AI tools can create personalized content experiences and optimize engagement strategies, making outreach more efficient and responsive. Data-driven creativity ensures that programming remains aligned with evolving community interests.
Interactive Contests and Participation
Audience participation can be increased by inviting viewers to contribute through contests, polls, and talent showcases. Encouraging user-generated content generates excitement and social sharing, reinforcing community bonds while increasing the station’s digital footprint.
Audience Development and Membership Programs
Long-term engagement can be cultivated through membership initiatives, subscriptions, or donation programs that offer exclusive content or community benefits. These programs build a dedicated viewer base invested in the station’s success and ongoing impact in the community.
In conclusion, local TV’s strength in 2025 lies in radical imagination and embracing a multi-dimensional approach to engagement. Combining compelling, community-focused content with innovative technology, transparent communication, and inclusive events positions local TV stations as indispensable hubs for connection, information, and civic pride. These strategies foster deeper community bonds and help local stations thrive in a converging media landscape.
This approach, rooted in listening to and serving the community, will enable local TV to grow relevance, reach, and impact in meaningful ways, driving sustained viewer loyalty and engagement in the coming years.
Posted: December 9, 2025 by Doug Seidel
Smarter Workflows for Community Stations: Switchboard Live’s Year of Updates
By Rudy Ellis, President, Switchboard
Dear JAG members,
As we reflect on this past year, we want to speak directly to you: the PEG stations, city teams, and community media communicators who make local transparency possible every single day. At Switchboard Live, our mission has always been to simplify live streaming so you can focus on what matters most: keeping your communities informed, connected, and confident. This year, we’ve introduced several important updates to help you do just that:
Scheduled Events is the go-to tool to plan ahead with confidence. Whether it’s a council meeting, a press conference, town hall, Friday night football game, or election night coverage, you can set up streams in advance and know they’ll go live exactly when needed, to all the channels your audience regularly visits.
With Analytics, you can measure what matters. Track viewership across platforms, see which channels resonate most with residents, and use those insights to strengthen communication strategies.
And with the recent launch of PartnerShare, collaboration has never been easier. Emergencies or large, city-wide events often require coordination across agencies, departments, and community partners. PartnerShare lets you share livestreams directly with trusted partners, ensuring that critical information reaches residents across multiple platforms without adding complexity for your staff.
Together, these updates mean smoother workflows, stronger collaboration, and broader reach for local TV stations. They’re built with your realities in mind: limited staff, tight budgets, and the need to do more with less while still delivering reliable, transparent communication.
Our Commitment to JAG
Outside of these application improvements, we are also proud to have deepened our involvement with JAG this year. From attending the annual conference last May, to hosting two exclusive webinars on relevant topics to the community and being available as a resource on multi-streaming and public-sector communication when needed. Every conversation with you helps us improve. We’re grateful for the chance to learn alongside such a dedicated community.
We’re not stopping here
On December 3, we’ll be joining you in person for a special presentation to JAG members. We look forward to sharing more about these updates, answering your questions, and continuing the conversation about how live streaming can strengthen public trust and community connection.
Looking ahead, Switchboard Live remains committed to building tools that make live streaming easier, smarter, and more resilient for public sector teams. We’re excited to continue this journey with JAG and look forward to another year of collaboration and innovation. Together, we’ll keep building stronger connections and more transparent communities. Remember, you can always reach out to us at success@switchboard.live or directly at rudy@switchboard.live, we’ll be happy to connect—it’s what we’re all about!
Posted: December 5, 2025 by Doug Seidel
Legislative Update November 2025: News from Trenton & Washington, DC – Changes in the FCC
by Dave Garb, Legislative Committee Chair
A Recap from the JAG General Meeting on October 29, 2025
Special Section Dedicated to ADA Title II Web and Mobility Access Compliance to WCAG 2.1 Level AA Rules
On October 29th, the Jersey Access Group broke away from our normal general meeting and focused on the ADA requirements that all of us will most likely need to start providing. The following is important information from the meeting:
From Mike Wassenaar, President-Alliance for Community Media (ACM)
Mike Wassenaar and the ACM have also shared with us a slideshow ACCESSIBILITY RULES EVERY PEG CHANNEL SHOULD UNDERSTAND highlighting everything you need to know about these rules, as well as the following list of key takeaways to remember about disability access with your channels and services:
If you need more information, contact:
Posted: October 22, 2025 by Doug Seidel
Spotlight: Ocean County College Supports Television Production
by Mary Granahan, Television Production Director, Ocean County College
I’m Mary Granahan, Director of Television Production, and I’m excited to introduce you to Ocean TV-20, a full-service production studio and 24-hour station operated by Ocean County College. Our full HD studio also functions as an immersive training ground for the next generation of media professionals. So, our operations are a bit different than more traditional PEG operations.
Ocean TV-20 serves Ocean County with a variety of programming, including world news, culture, local stories, live campus events and original programming. For example, our show Shore of Support highlights organizations that enhance the lives of our community through charitable efforts. As a teaching studio, we offer students real-world experience by providing opportunities for them to participate in all aspects of production, from writing and producing to operating equipment and even directing.
Students at Ocean County College have access to our production facilities which include a recently upgraded LED lighting system, 4K cameras, and three working sets: a photo/video backdrop, a news set with removable backgrounds and large monitor, and a recently donated lifestyle set complete with recessed lighting, stonelike walls and monitors. This generous donation elevates our overall space while offering more variety to our students. Our facilities are also available to rent for public use.
In addition to running our studio and station, I’m also the advisor to the Viking Video Club, a welcoming space for students to enhance their creativity, knowledge, and industry experience outside of the classroom. Our members include students and alumni with all levels of experience and areas of study, including those outside of our Digital Mass Media Program. The club meets regularly to work on short films and passion projects, and to share ideas and feedback. Under my leadership, membership has grown tremendously.
A contributing factor to this growth is the very popular Industry Professional Workshop Series. Film, television, and media professionals provide valuable insights and learning opportunities for our students. Past workshops have covered producing, directing, screenwriting, special effects makeup, news reporting, filmmaking and much more. Through my industry connections, I have been able to bring in professionals and alumni with impressive résumés – including those who have worked on productions for Bravo, HBO, NBC Sports, The Olympics, Only Murders in the Building, The Florida Project—as well as professors from the NY Film Academy, Rutgers, Rowan and Rider Universities.
These workshops guide students as they produce their own projects (showcased at a short film screening last year). Many of our industry professionals returned to campus to support the Viking Video Club and their creative work.
An important lesson I emphasize is the power of networking. Through past connections, I secured an on-campus location for a feature film. And, even more exciting, several of our students got to work on the production. Opportunities like this are what make our program unique and truly career focused.
Staying current with rapidly evolving industry technology is a challenge we face as a teaching studio. Thanks to recent investments and generous donations, our studio has undergone significant upgrades:
None of this would be possible without support from the Ocean County College Board of Trustees, President Pamela Monaco, Executive Director of College Relations Jan Kirsten, and the Ocean County Board of Commissioners.
At its core, Ocean TV-20 and OCC equip students with the tools, training, and confidence to succeed in the media industry. Whether a student dreams of working in film, television, digital media, or live production, our station serves as a launchpad for developing real skills in a real-world environment.
We’re proud of what we’ve built, and even more excited about where we’re going. To learn more about our facilities and programming, visit ocean.edu.
Posted: October 22, 2025 by Doug Seidel
Live and Unfiltered: What TV Can—and Can’t—Show Now
by John C. Morley, Independent Producer
The world of television is changing faster than ever. Nowhere is that more obvious than with live streaming. With smartphones in every hand and social platforms offering instant broadcasting, the line between traditional TV and online content is blurring. But, as more broadcasters go live, a big question remains: what’s allowed on TV these days—and what’s off-limits?
A New Era, New Challenges
Not long ago, live television meant carefully scripted programs with hefty delays to censor anything unexpected. Today, anyone with a phone can go live, and TV stations are racing to keep up. The demand for instant, unscripted content is enormous, but so are the risks. Just ask any producer who’s seen a slip-up or unexpected moment go viral for the wrong reasons.
What’s Changed in Live TV Content
Recent years have forced regulatory bodies and networks to rethink what’s acceptable on broadcast TV. Decency laws and FCC guidelines still apply, but the sheer speed and volume of live content mean even big networks are double-checking their procedures.
While violence, explicit language, and nudity are typically banned, what constitutes “indecent” is up for debate—especially when something happens in the blink of an eye. One famous example is the “Wardrobe Malfunction” seen during the Super Bowl halftime show years ago, which triggered years of new restrictions and even higher fines for broadcasters.
But it’s not just about what TV can’t show. Many stations are taking advantage of what is possible: more live coverage of community events, instantly responding to breaking news, and bringing real-time reactions from audiences straight into their programming. The immediacy and authenticity of live TV can boost engagement and trust, so long as proper guidelines are in place.
Streaming Platforms Blur the Line
With major cable companies now offering their own streaming services and platforms like YouTube and Twitch carrying their own “channels,” the distinction between traditional TV and streaming grows less clear. Some streaming platforms aren’t bound by the same FCC rules, leading viewers to question—why are some things allowed on Netflix, but not on their local news?
For TV stations, this means walking a tightrope. While they want to keep up with trends and offer the unfiltered experiences digital audiences crave, they also need to avoid lawsuits, fines, or damaging their reputation with inappropriate content. That’s why newsrooms everywhere are holding regular training sessions, updating delay systems, and developing live response playbooks.
The Surprise Dos and Don’ts
Why Guidelines Matter Now More Than Ever
The stakes have never been higher for TV stations. One misstep can be clipped, shared, and go viral in seconds, potentially costing networks millions and eroding viewer trust. Setting clear, transparent standards and communicating them to the public is essential.
Looking Ahead
As live streaming and traditional TV converge, the rules will keep evolving. Networks that adapt quickly, invest in staff training, and keep the audience informed are best positioned to thrive in this new era.
So, next time you tune into a live broadcast, know that there’s a well-coordinated team making split-second decisions to keep you engaged, informed, and safe from the surprises that come with live, unfiltered television.
For station managers and operators of public TV, adapting to this era of live and unfiltered broadcasts means continually balancing innovation with responsibility. Strong guidelines and a well-prepared team aren’t just safeguards, they’re your foundation for building audience trust and leading in the competitive media landscape. By staying proactive, transparent, and responsive, public TV leaders can make the most of new opportunities while protecting both their viewers and their brand. This will ensure that live coverage keeps communities connected, informed, and engaged today and for years to come.
Posted: October 15, 2025 by Doug Seidel
Legislative Update October 2025: News from Trenton & Washington, DC – Changes in the FCC
by Dave Garb, Legislative Committee Chair
A Special Webinar held on September 29th regarding the Altice PEG Channel Switches in New Jersey, and the Surrounding Tri-State Municipalities
Around the 21st of August, all PEG Stations who are part of the Altice/Optimum cable system had their channels switched from their normal positions to the 1300-1317 spectrum. It effected the entire tri-state area and no-one received messages from Altice that this change was coming or had time to re-brand our stations to inform our residents.
After a lot of yelling from the municipalities and other parties, all channels were switched back to their original positions by the 3rd week of September.
Below are a some points that were made from our special webinar to prepare all of us for the future, in the event this channel change is attempted again:
From Gerard Lederer, Attorney – Best, Best and Krieger:
Additional Information about HD and Systemwide Franchises from Gerard Lederer, Attorney – Best, Best and Krieger:
“Dear, …, it has come to our attention or it is our belief that our community, (put your community’s name in it), franchised with Altice, now holds a systemwide franchise for our service area. That being the case, the community would like to request that our PEG channel be elevated to HD as provided by the system-wide franchise negotiated by the BPU.”
JAG Sessions at NJ League of Municipalities Annual Conference November 18-20 Annual NJLM Conference
Speakers: Bob Duthaler, JAG President, Gerard Lederer, Attorney at Law, Best Best & Krieger LLP, and Mayor Brian C. Wahler, Piscataway
Association: Jersey Access Group (JAG) and NJ League of Municipalities
Description: With anticipated changes to the wireless and broadband deployment regulations from Washington, are your municipal codes ready to deal with changes to shot clock regulations and design standards. This panel will tell you what to expect and what you need to do to protect your rights to control the future deployment of wireless transmission equipment in your municipality.
CEUs: CMFO-1.5 Off Mgmt | CCFO-1.5 Off Mgnt | CTC-1.5 Gen/Sec | CPWM-1.5 Mgmt | RMC-1.5 Prof Devel | QPA-1.5 Off Admin | CPR-1.25 PDC | LGLP-5.0 | NJCLE-1.5 | PACLE-1.0 | RPPO/RPPS-1.5 M/S | Planning-1.25 Tech | Land Use-1.25 Tech | Zoning-1.25 Tech
Speakers: Bob Duthaler, President, JAG, Gerard Lederer, Attorney at Law, Best Best & Krieger LLP, Michael Ruger, Committee Member, Hopewell Township, and Nancy Wolf, Coordinator, State & Local Planning NJBPU
Association: Jersey Access Group (JAG), and NJ League of Municipalities
Description: The panel will explore the local and systemwide cable franchise processes and how municipalities can maximize community benefits and ensure effective oversight. CEUs: CMFO-1.5 Off Mgmt | CCFO-1.5 Off Mgmt | CTC-1.5 Gen/Sec | CPWM-1.5 Mgmt | RMC-1.5 Prof Devel | QPA-1.5 Off Admin | CRP-1.25 Classroom | LGLP-5.0 | NJCLE-1.5 | PACLE-1.0 | RPPO/RPPS-1.5 M/S
Posted: September 16, 2025 by Doug Seidel
The New Era: NextGen TV
by John C. Morley, Independent Producer
ATSC 3.0 Brings Us the Future of Television
Remember when watching local TV meant tinkering with fuzzy antennas and hoping for a clear signal? Today, the world of entertainment is evolving at lightning speed, and the most game-changing leap isn’t just happening in your favorite streaming apps—it’s coming from your hometown broadcasters. With the arrival of NextGen TV, better known as ATSC 3.0, the future of television is now free, ultra-interactive, and more immersive than ever—all powered by technology that truly bridges the best of streaming with the community focus of local broadcasting.
Imagine enjoying cinematic 4K picture, theater-quality surround sound, and the freedom to rewind, pause, or instantly replay live shows—all with only a simple antenna, no monthly bill required. NextGen TV brings interactive features directly to viewers’ living rooms: want to vote live during your favorite talent contest, customize your weather or news alerts, or access on-demand local content? It’s now possible, and it all feels as seamless as streaming—except it comes straight from your local station, for free.
For stations and viewers, this isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a revolution. Powered by the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC), this new IP-based broadcast standard is turning the dial up on everything, adding real-time engagement, personalized programming, and ultra-reliable reception to the local TV experience. Local markets can now captivate new audiences with smart features like viewer-controlled camera angles, instant local updates, and emergency notifications that go beyond traditional alerts. With stunning 4K/HDR visuals, Dolby-quality sound, mobile-friendly signals, and gaming or shopping interactivity, NEXTGEN TV makes your hometown channel the most advanced screen in the house.
Stations wondering “why should we care?” will find NextGen TV opens up not just better audience engagement, but innovative revenue opportunities through targeted, interactive ads, premium on-demand content, and even local sponsorships tailored in real time. This technology is future-ready, too: it paves the way for 8K broadcasts, AI-powered news, and whatever the next decade of interactive TV will bring, keeping local communities at the heart of media innovation.
In a time when local news and traditional programming are sometimes struggling to keep attention, NextGen TV brings a new sense of excitement, relevance, and possibility back to free, over-the-air television. It invites stations to become centers of both information and interaction while empowering viewers to participate, customize, and truly connect with their local content. Ready or not, the NextGen TV era has arrived—bringing the power of streaming, the reliability of broadcast, and the magic of community all together in one. Now every living room can be a front-row seat to the most innovative, interactive, and inspiring chapter of local television yet.
Posted: September 16, 2025 by Doug Seidel
Smarter Broadcast Workflows – Audio & Comms Tools for PEG Stations Demo at September 24 meeting
by Yervant Keshishian Sales Engineer, Authorized Trainer & Technical Director, Varto Technologies, Inc
Varto Technologies is proud to welcome the Jersey Access Group (JAG) to our East Rutherford facility on September 24. This year, we are highlighting solutions that address two of the most common challenges PEG broadcasters face: delivering consistently clear audio and keeping production crews connected in real time.
Allen & Heath’s QU and SQ digital mixers give stations a smarter path to audio clarity. In studio control rooms, these mixers simplify complex productions and provide reliable, professional sound for multi-camera shows, news-style programming, and live-to-tape workflows.
Out in the field, their portable form factors and Dante-enabled options make them a strong fit for sports coverage, graduations, and community events where crews need flexibility without sacrificing quality.
For government or council sessions, QU and SQ can complement existing DSP systems by managing multi-mic situations with built-in Automatic Mic Mixing, ensuring a polished result for both in-room audiences and viewers at home. With Dante support, these mixers also provide a straightforward path into IP-based workflows, making audio routing more flexible and future-ready.
Audio is only one part of the equation. Behind the scenes, successful productions depend on crews staying connected and coordinated. Clear-Com’s EQUIP wireless intercom system is designed for exactly that.
In the studio, EQUIP delivers full-duplex, hands-free communication between directors, operators, and stage staff. In the field, it provides reliable coverage in tough RF environments, with rugged headsets and quick NFC pairing that make deployment simple even for lean volunteer crews. Whether producing a live show from the control room or a football game from the sidelines, EQUIP ensures communication never gets in the way of content.
At Varto, we do not just provide gear. We help stations design complete workflows, train staff at every level, and support productions long after installation. It is about giving PEG broadcasters confidence, not just equipment. By combining smarter audio, IP-ready workflows, and dependable crew communication, stations can improve production quality, reduce stress on their teams, and serve their communities with stronger, more engaging broadcasts. We look forward to demonstrating these solutions at the JAG meeting and showing how the right tools can transform both studio and field productions for PEG broadcasters.