The Power, Lure, and Magic of Numbers

by Linda Besink, Finance Committee, Chair



What do Mick Jagger, Robert Plant, and Kenny G have in common?

Each either studied or have a degree in Accounting.  Jagger studied Accounting and Finance at the London School of Economics on a scholarship.  Plant dabbled in accountancy for a few weeks before choosing to study music, but that he considered it at all is not widely known.  And Kenny G holds a degree in Accounting from the University of Washington.

Each and every corporation, including nonprofits like JAG, needs to have a commitment to accounting and place someone in a Treasurer role.  I have filled this role since late 2017 and remain honored to do so.  I do enjoy being a “bean counter.”

JAG Members Help Decide Conference Operational Sessions

by Bob Duthaler, Executive Board, Chair



When it comes to determining what stations need to operate efficiently and optimally, JAG members spoke up at our last meeting during our discussion session.  Members expressed their interest in conference sessions which they would like to see as part of our annual conference.  The purpose of this discussion topic was to shape the direction of our annual conference.  In case you were not aware, our event will take place May 24-26th of this year.  This year’s conference will be a hybrid event.  Wednesday, May 25th we are holding our Trade Show at the Crowne Plaza in Edison, NJ.  The show will run from 8:30am-4:30pm, followed by a special Users workshop, cocktail hour, banquet and the JAG Awards.  Tuesday, May 24th and Thursday, May 26th will be our virtual conference sessions. 

State Video Franchising Laws and the Legal Actions Taking Place in New Jersey

by Dave Garb, Legislative Committee Chair



Last month we talked about legal action that has begun here in New Jersey against over-the-top service providers and their franchise fee obligations.

The following is from the law firm Kessler, Topaz, Meltzer & Check, LLP, who are leading this action.  It is a brief summary of the factual allegations and procedural history of Borough of Longport and Township of Irvington v. Netflix, Inc. and Hulu, LLC, No. 2:21-cv-15303-SRC-MAH (D.N.J.) (the “Netflix/Hulu Litigation”).

Equipment Donation to JAG

by   Doug Seidel, Social Media Manager


At JAG’s last general meeting on April 27th RUSHWORKS provided a vendor presentation that included discussion about their A-LIST Streamster.  When he completed his presentation Rush Beesley, President of RUSHWORKS, announced the donation of a Streamster to JAG.

President’s Message May, 2022

by Bob Duthaler

You Don’t Want to Miss This One, and JAG Can’t Afford You To!

Have you even driven down a block, come to the street you were looking for, only to find out it is a one-way and the place you were looking for is in the other direction?  This caused you to have to circle back to find another route.  Other times you might have been using a GPS system only to find out it has taken you down a street with no outlet, and the place you want is just on the other side of the dead end.  So, what does this have to do with JAG?  Ultimately nothing, other than to say that the JAG Membership and Organization relationship is like a two-way street.  Sometimes to get the most out of something you need to give something back.

President’s Message April, 2022

by Bob Duthaler

Keeping It Social (Media)



*Note: I originally wrote this article a few years back, but thought it was worth revisiting and sharing (Social Media Pun Intended).  I have made a few updates along the way as well.

There is a feature on most smartphones that lets you know how much time you are spending viewing a particular app, or category of apps (i.e.: social media).  On the iPhone it’s called “Screentime”.  I would like to direct your attention to Social Media.  Social Networking is a big part of our lives.  There are many different platforms:  Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and others.  Most people can’t get through our day without checking social media at least once, although I’m betting it’s a lot more for most.  We are hungry to learn about what our “Friends” are doing and eager to share our notable accomplishments or get lost in the rabbit hole of endless videos or reels.

RUSHWORKS: Three major Product Updates

by Rush Beesley, President, RUSHWORKS



Throughout last year RUSHWORKS has focused on significant enhancements in features and functions for its VDESK Integrated PTZ/PTZ Production System.  The VDESK Version 7 software development was driven by the need for a ‘powerfully simple’ interface designed for use by a single operator.

State Video Franchising Laws and the Legal Actions Taking Place in New Jersey

by Nancy Werner, General Counsel for NATOA



Legal action has begun to take hold all across the country and even here in New Jersey.  Communities are beginning to fight back against over-the-top service providers and their franchise fee obligations believed owed to them as required by franchising laws and the New Jersey Cable Television Act, N.J. Rev. Stat. § 48:5A-1.  

The information that follows is from Nancy L. Werner, General Counsel for NATOA and explains what is happening and why these actions are taking place.

Stepping Up Your Station Operations

by Bob Duthaler, Executive Board, Chair



Part of JAG’s ongoing effort is to educate stations on strategies which can help them operate a better station.  We have been focusing on those efforts through our online Managers Roundtable Discussions and during our monthly meetings with our discussion topics.  These are specifically designed for members to learn from other members, take away some of their success stories and incorporate them into their own station operations.  This collaborative effort is the driving force behind JAG and one of the main reasons why this organization was founded.

Spotlight: Hopewell – Growing a Station Takes Time

by Joy Arena, Hopewell Township



Hello fellow JAG members, my name is Joy Arena and I am a mother of three young men: Christopher, Matthew and Daniel, all in their 30’s now.  I had to raise them pretty much on my own since I became a widow when they were very young.  I just became a grandmother on October 2nd–a baby girl named Shalyi Eva Arena, Irish name picked by her Mother who is Irish. I grew up with five brothers, finally a girl in the family!