Spotlight: Manalapan Township upgrades our PEG channels to the 21st Century

by Jan Zachary, Cable Television Coordinator for Manalapan Township

Hi Everyone! Jan Zachary here! I am the Cable Television Coordinator (CTC) for the Manalapan Township Television Network (MTTN) since 2010, after joining the Cable Television Advisory Committee at its inception in 2005. This is my second article for JAG. I wrote another one in October of 2021 and am reporting to you that we now have completely updated with new systems to talk about.

What the Sheraton Implosion Teaches Us About Storytelling in Real Time

by John C. Morley, Independent Producer

Through the Lens of Legacy: What the Sheraton Mahwah Implosion Taught Me about the Art of Storytelling and Media Mastery

On a cool morning in northern New Jersey, I stood among a crowd of early risers, camera in hand, as we prepared to witness something extraordinary. The air was heavy with anticipation. And then, in a matter of seconds, the iconic Sheraton Mahwah Towers—once a symbol of luxury and architectural pride—collapsed in an astonishing display of precision demolition.

Reflecting on My First JAG Conference: A Partnership Born from Shared Purpose

by Rudy Ellis, CEO, Switchboard Live

As JAG’s newest member, Switchboard Live’s attendance at the 25th JAG Conference was both an introduction and a homecoming. Walking into that conference as an exhibitor, partner, and attendee, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. But, what I discovered over those two transformative days was a community that embodies everything we believe in at Switchboard Live—the power of genuine connection, purposeful technology, and unwavering dedication to amplifying voices that matter.

President’s Message: Summer Strategy: What’s Yours?

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:

Legislative Update April 2025: News from Trenton & Washington, DC – Changes in the FCC

For 25 years, the Jersey Access Group (JAG) has kept a watchful eye on bills both nationally and statewide that might be an issue for our municipalities and PEG channels throughout New Jersey. But, JAG really started to be legislatively wise in 2011 when JAG mobilizes its membership within 24 hours to combat state legislation that would eliminate the requirements for telecom providers to care about or support community media.

Your Participation is Requested

by Geffrey Belinfante, Chair External Relations

There are lots of reasons to attend this year’s JAG Conference and many of them are detailed in this newsletter, but I want to point out some elements that might also be of interest to our JAG members, but they will only be as good as you the members make them—that’s the four roundtables that need your participation.