JAG Sharing Programs & Knowledge

by Jesse Lerman, President/CEO, TelVue


It was a welcome change to finally be back in person at the Eastern Video Expo 2022.  One of the big benefits of in-person events is how much easier it is to engage when it comes to feedback and collaborative-based discussions such as User Groups.  So we were excited to be hosting the JAG Shared Server User Group to kick off the in-person conference day.  The JAG Shared Server is one of the many great perks of being a JAG Member Station, making it easy to share programming within the JAG community and find relevant local programming for your station.  Here are some interesting statistics from JAG Shared Server:

President’s Message June, 2022

by Bob Duthaler

JAG Honors One of Its Own and Another Who Promotes JAG

One of my favorite times during the year is our annual JAG/Eastern Video Expo and Conference.  This year was no exception.  In fact, there was something even a little more special about this year, as it was the first time we have gathered in person since 2019.  This year we gathered for our Trade Show, Banquet and JAG Awards on Wednesday, May 25th at the Crowne Plaza in Edison, NJ.

Spotlight: Princeton “Within crisis, are the seeds of opportunity” – Marilyn Monroe

by George McCollough, Princeton



The crisis for Princeton Community Television began in 2019 when the organization was unable to negotiate a contract to manage the access channel with the Town of Princeton.  In a startling decision the Town decided to take advantage of a recent law which allowed a Town to utilize its franchise fees to offset property tax increases.  Public outcry could not reverse the decision.  Like many public access stations across the country, Princeton TV found itself at a crossroad.

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.