Legislative Update June 2026: News from Trenton & Washington and FCC Legislation Changes

The American Broadband Deployment Act (H.R. 2289) Saga Continues

Recap and update: Since last November, we have been telling everyone about the American Broadband Deployment Act of 2025 (H.R. 2289). If passed, H.R. 2289 would give conglomerate telecommunications companies de-facto power over local zoning laws and provide no public safety protections for construction of “deemed granted” facilities. Sites will be constructed without any action by the government and without any notice to the local government.

President’s Message: June 2026

by Doug Seidel

A few things going on and coming up in JAG.

If you have not seen the news, New Jersey’s PBS will soon be run by Montclair State University. JAG has a great working relationship with the university. Stay tuned for information on how we might be able to work with them and the great opportunities that may come with collaboration.

How To Stop AI Tools From Using Your Data

by John C. Morley, Independent Producer

Privacy Is a major concern when using AI tools.

Whether you’re using ChatGPT, Claude, Microsoft Copilot, or another AI platform, privacy has become a big concern for users. In recent years, some AI conversations and shared links were indexed publicly. As privacy awareness increase, companies improve controls and reduce unintended exposure of chats and shared content. AI tools are incredibly useful, but privacy awareness should grow alongside AI adoption. People often assume you must pay for privacy protections or data controls, but that is not always true.

Celebrating local excellence: A look back at the 2026 JAG Awards Banquet

What a night!

On Wednesday, May 13th, the Jersey Access Group family gathered at the Crowne Plaza in Edison for the 26th Annual JAG Awards Banquet. It was incredible to see so many of our members step out from behind the cameras, put down the clipboards, and finally catch up in person. For a lot of us, it was the first time seeing each other face-to-face in a year, and the room was absolutely buzzing with energy.

DeSisti to Debut New Innovative Fixtures at NAB ‘26

By Paul DeStefano, Northeast Regional Sales Manager, DeSisti

At the 2026 NAB Show, DeSisti Lighting is expanding its portfolio with a series of new fixtures that emphasize efficiency, flexibility, and practical innovation for modern broadcast and production environments. The company’s latest introductions span its cost-effective LITE series as well as entirely new lighting concepts, underscoring its continued focus on high-performance LED solutions.

Celebrating Excellence: The 2026 JAG Awards

By Connor Cheung, Chair, JAG Awards Committee

As we approach the JAG Awards, it’s a privilege to look back at the incredible range of talent within our community. This year’s submissions have been outstanding, with 26 different organizations participating and bringing forward some of the most creative work we’ve seen.

Legislative Update March 2026: News from Trenton & Washington and FCC Legislation Changes – Copy

The Reauthorizing of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) – H.R. 7386

by Dave Garb, Legislative Committee Chair

Dangers of the American Broadband Deployment Act of 2025 (H.R. 2289)

Last November, a dangerous bill passed out of the Congressional House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee, titled the American Broadband Deployment Act of 2025 (H.R. 2289). H.R. 2289 gives telecommunication companies de facto power over local zoning laws: