President’s Message: August 2025 – Annual Board Retreat Update

by Bob Duthaler

The JAG Board of Trustees recently held our Annual One-Day Retreat, an important opportunity to set goals, refine our focus, and plan for the future. I’m proud to share that JAG will continue to grow and support our membership while staying true to our core values. This year, one of our top priorities is enhancing the JAG website, making it a true “go-to” destination for members. You will find the latest news, valuable information, and a members-only section designed to provide exclusive tools and resources.

Understanding Media Licensing for PEG Stations

by John C. Morley, Independent Producer

Whether you’re new to public, education, government (PEG) stations or have been involved for years, questions about how they work always come up. Some stations can be stricter than they need to be, while others aren’t strict enough. So, finding the right balance is key. The main goal of a PEG station is to give local residents, schools, and government groups a platform to create and share content that benefits the community. It’s important to know what you can and can’t air on your PEG station to avoid fines or even losing your license. I’ll also explain what each part of PEG—public, educational, and government—means and why it matters.

Reflections on a Milestone: JAG’s 25th Anniversary Conference Reflections on a Milestone:

by Paul Distefano; Northeast Regional Sales Manager, DeSisti

A Milestone Year for JAG and Me

This year’s Jersey Access Group Conference on May 14 and 15 wasn’t just another annual gathering—it marked a major milestone: JAG’s 25th anniversary. What a way to celebrate! From the Anniversary Banquet with inspiring speeches from founding members, to the energy and quality of the sessions. With all the connections made throughout the two days, clearly the JAG Conference Committee hit the mark in a big way.

Doing More with Less: My Takeaways from the 2025 JAG Conference

by Yervant Keshishian, Technical Director and Sales Engineer, Varto Technologies

Small stations navigate challenges with smart strategies and strong partnerships

Stepping onto the floor at this year’s JAG Conference felt like coming home. After two days of connecting with station managers, volunteers, and colleagues, one theme was undeniable: every station is focused on creating high-quality content while navigating the challenges of tight budgets, limited staff, and aging equipment.

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

From NATOA:

On June 18, 2025, the U.S. Senate confirmed Olivia Trusty as a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) commissioner for the term that expired on June 30, 2025. She was also reappointed for a term of five years which started on July 1, 2025. The National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA) recognizes Ms. Trusty’s years of dedicated public service as a staff member of the U.S. Senate’s Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation and the Internet, and the Subcommittee on Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection.

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.