by Bob Duthaler

JAG will be voting for three board positions at the general meeting Wednesday, December 3. Stephanie Gibbons and Rick Gearhart will not seek reelection. Don Smith will once again be running.

by Bob Duthaler

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) continues to evolve as technology changes. The latest updates are about to have a major impact on how state and local governments manage their online presence. The new ADA Title II Web and Mobile Application Accessibility Rule require that all digital content—including websites, apps, and videos—be accessible to everyone.

By April 24, 2026, public entities serving populations of 50,000 or more must meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards. Smaller municipalities will follow a year later, by April 24, 2027. This means that all prerecorded videos must include audio descriptions, and all video content (live or prerecorded) must include closed captions. In other words, accessibility will no longer be optional or by request; it will be required and proactive.

by Bob Duthaler

I also want to take a moment to congratulate and thank the JAG Board for taking swift action during a recent crisis. Several of our member channels discovered that their PEG channels had been moved without notice into what we’ve come to call “Cable Siberia.” Many of our Altice/Cablevision stations woke up to find their channels relocated from the spots they had occupied for decades—some for over 30 years. Municipalities were not notified, consumers were caught off guard, and the changes created immediate confusion.

by Bob Duthaler

The JAG Board of Trustees recently held our Annual One-Day Retreat, an important opportunity to set goals, refine our focus, and plan for the future. I’m proud to share that JAG will continue to grow and support our membership while staying true to our core values. This year, one of our top priorities is enhancing the JAG website, making it a true “go-to” destination for members. You will find the latest news, valuable information, and a members-only section designed to provide exclusive tools and resources.

by Bob Duthaler

As summer settles in, many of us take a step back to enjoy some well-deserved downtime. But for PEG stations, the warmer months also offer unique opportunities to reassess, recharge, and reconnect. Summer is the perfect time to explore new ways to engage with your community and take advantage of the resources JAG provides.

by Bob Duthaler

As summer sets in, many of us naturally start thinking about vacations, community events, and a slightly slower pace. While it’s important to take some time to recharge, the summer months also offer a valuable opportunity for JAG members and stations to look ahead, plan strategically, and strengthen both their operations and community engagement. Here are a few key areas every member station should consider focusing on this summer:

by Bob Duthaler

Here’s my top 20 reasons to attend JAG’s Annual Conference, including the Partner’s Dinner, JAG’s 25th Anniversary, and JAG Awards Banquet:

In life, some events come along at just the right time. The annual JAG Conference is one of those events! As we gradually recovered from the challenges of COVID-19, we decided to bring back the JAG Conference, and what better way to do so than with a full-packed, one-day event?

The response was overwhelmingly positive, but we heard you loud and clear: you want more. After conducting a survey, we found nearly everyone wanted a multi-day conference with more vendors, more sessions, and a larger, all-around experience. We’re excited to announce that this year’s conference will be more!

The Jersey Access Group (JAG) celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2025, highlighting its role in community media across New Jersey. To mark this milestone, JAG will host its Annual Conference on May 14th-15th, featuring a Technology Forum and Production/Management Symposium, emphasizing professional development and networking opportunities for members in local access television.

As we enter 2025, Bob Duthaler reflects on JAG’s accomplishments and outlines plans for transformation and growth. He emphasizes the importance of member involvement, encouraging support through volunteering and collaboration. Duthaler believes that collective efforts will enhance the organization’s impact, fostering a community dedicated to leadership and innovation.