by John C. Morley, Independent Producer
Most people assume that when they watch a live television program, community meeting, sporting event, or livestream, everything unfolds exactly as planned. In reality, every live production carries a level of uncertainty. Equipment can fail, unexpected situations can arise, and people can make mistakes. The difference between an amateur production and a professional one is often not whether something goes wrong, but how quickly and calmly the production team responds.
Posted: September 20, 2026 by Rich Desimone
Looking Ahead to the 2027 JAG Awards: Time to Start Capturing!
By Connor Cheung, Chair, JAG Awards Committee
With the summer wrapping up and a brand-new production season officially underway, it’s time to turn our attention toward the 2027 JAG Awards.
Posted: September 20, 2026 by Rich Desimone
News from Trenton & Washington, DC and FCC Legislation Changes
by Dave Garb, Legislative Committee Chair
FCC Amends Closed Captioning Rules for Video Programmers – Docket No: 05-23125-133: Closed Captioning of Video Programming; Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Inc. Petition for Rulemaking; Delete, Delete, Delete Proceedings & Calling on Advocates to Respond to FCC’s Proposed Throttling of E-Rate
Posted: September 20, 2026 by Rich Desimone
Are We Losing Our Community’s Video History?
by John C. Morley, Video Producer and Engineer
Walk into almost any community television station that has been operating for several decades, and there is a good chance you will find pieces of the community’s history stored somewhere inside. Shelves may contain videotapes with handwritten labels, cabinets may hold DVDs and other recording media, and hard drives or servers may contain years of locally produced programming. Some stations may even have recordings stored on formats newer staff have never worked with, and equipment that has not been powered on in years.
Posted: August 20, 2026 by Rich Desimone
Who Has the Password?
by John C. Morley, Video Producer and Engineer
Years ago, protecting a television station meant locking the doors, securing the equipment, and ensuring only authorized personnel had access to the control room. Today, another part of the station needs just as much protection: its digital assets.
Posted: August 20, 2026 by Rich Desimone
News from Trenton & Washington, DC and FCC Legislation Changes
by Dave Garb, Legislative Committee Chair
Reminder: ADA Title II Web and Mobility Access Compliance with the WCAG 2.1 Level AA Rules – Quickly Approaching & DANGER! Still Floating Around in the Halls of Congress: The American Broadband Deployment Act of 2025 (H.R. 2289)
Posted: August 20, 2026 by Rich Desimone
One Operator. A Much Smarter Production.
By Yervant Keshishian, Technical Director and Sales Engineer, Varto Technologies
What JAG members will see at Varto Technologies on September 30
Live-production gear can do more than ever. That does not mean it is always easier to run. The meeting still has to start on time. A remote guest may need to join. A presenter may step away from the podium. Cameras, graphics, recording, and streaming all have to stay on track, often with one person running the show.
Posted: July 29, 2026 by Doug Seidel
When Live Broadcasts Go Wrong
by John C. Morley, Independent Producer
Most people assume that when they watch a live television program, community meeting, sporting event, or livestream, everything unfolds exactly as planned. In reality, every live production carries a level of uncertainty. Equipment can fail, unexpected situations can arise, and people can make mistakes. The difference between an amateur production and a professional one is often not whether something goes wrong, but how quickly and calmly the production team responds.
Posted: July 29, 2026 by Doug Seidel
Spotlight: Metuchen Media — Technology Grows Your Station
By Brandon Uhlig, Director of Communications, Metuchen Media
My Metuchen Media Journey
I’m the Director of Communications for the Borough of Metuchen and current studio head of Metuchen Media. I assumed this position in July 2018, after eight years leading operations at ESN-TV, the Edison Schools Network.
Posted: July 29, 2026 by Doug Seidel
Legislative Update July 2026: News from Trenton & Washington and FCC Legislation Changes
by Dave Garb, Legislative Committee Chair
Update on the opposition to The American Broadband Deployment Act (H.R. 2289)
For many months, we have kept everyone informed about the American Broadband Deployment Act (H.R. 2289). If passed, this act would give telecommunication conglomerates de facto power over local zoning laws without providing public safety protections for construction of “deemed granted” facilities. Sites will be constructed without any further action by or notice to the local government.