Spotlight: John Morley – Connecting Communities with JAG The Power of Media

John Morley, an independent producer, emphasizes the transformative power of media in connecting communities and sharing important stories. His involvement with JAG aligns with his mission to promote local media and amplify diverse voices. Through workshops and collaborative efforts, JAG aims to enhance community engagement and empower individuals through accessible, inspiring content.

Spotlight on Piscataway Community TV: A Local Treasure Promoting Unity and Diversity

By George Fairfeld, Station Manager Piscataway Community TV
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In an era dominated by global media giants and digital streaming services, hyperlocal community television channels like Piscataway Community TV, (PCTV) continue to play a crucial role in maintaining a sense of community, fostering local engagement, and providing residents with content that truly matters to them. PCTV is not just another channel on the dial; it is a valuable resource that serves the Piscataway residents and the residents of Central NJ by keeping them informed, entertained, and connected. That value was never more apparent than during the aftermath of Super Storm Sandy in October 2012 or during the World Wide Pandemic in 2020. During these crises, Piscataway Community Television was always a constant source for the residents to find necessary hyperlocal information for their local officials that kept them safe and informed.

Spotlight: Oakland’s Implements a Private Fiber Broadband network provides great benefit to Oakland TV

By Mark Albala, Vice Chairman of Oakland TVnt Producer
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There has been a phenomenon throughout the United States with many municipalities reducing communication costs through the advocation of a municipal broadband network. In 2024, Oakland, New Jersey joined the ranks of over 400 communities nationwide which have taken the initiative in managing the tax burden of residents for the necessary communications infrastructure by completing the implementation of the borough’s private fiber broadband network.

How to Work With Your TV Committee

by Geoffrey Belinfante, External Relations Committee, Chair



This month, on Thursday March 21, JAG is scheduled to have a Managers Roundtable on how to work with cable TV committees/commissions. Here in West Milford we don’t have a TV committee per se, all of the folks who are involved in the running of WM77 are considered commissioners and serve on what we call the TV commission. While most of us run the day-to-day operation of the station, the most important commissioners are the two liaisons from the council that represent our interests.  And represent us –with enthusiasm and insights about what the mayor and council are thinking.

Spotlight: Brookdale Television – JAG’s Own Wonder Woman

by Geoffrey Belinfante, External Relations Committee, Chair


Lauren Concar Sheehy has been a JAG member for many years.  In fact, many moons ago, Lauren interned at Cablevision and has fond memories working with Dave Garb and the crew.  These days, she is a video production specialist at Brookdale Television with responsibility for the TV facilities at Brookdale Community College, along with Jennifer Yannibelli and Sergey Kornienko.  For well over two decades, the team has been producing, directing and editing television shows, providing real world experience to their students.

Spotlight: Middletown Township Builds TV Studio in New Town Hall

by Tara Berson and Raven Rentas, Township of Middletown



Home to 68,000 residents, Middletown Township is one of the largest municipalities in New Jersey. Due to the size of our community and diverse age ranges, interests, and neighborhoods, it is important for the Township to offer various ways for residents to access information. One of those communications tools has been our municipal TV channel which has changed over the years, particularly with the addition of our brand new TV studio this year. We had the opportunity to work with experts in the industry who helped guide the project from beginning to end.

Spotlight: Newark – Quality Content at Newark 78

by Gary Campbell, Station Manager/Producer, Newark TV

In today’s competitive television, cable and streaming market, government-access television Newark TV-78 is producing high quality content for the largest city in New Jersey–Newark.  Newark continues to shine in public safety, affordable housing, the arts, equitable growth and empowering residents.  Mayor Ras Baraka says that in 2023 we are finally experiencing the Newark Renaissance that has been in motion for over fifty years, and TV78 has been there to help the city achieve its goals.