by Mark Albala, Cable Advisory Committee, Oakland TV
The State of New Jersey has financial & technical assistance available to the communications arms of NJ communities
It’s there, but not always easy to find to find
I’d love to tell you there is a consistent way of accessing advisory services and financing within the State of New Jersey for support of communications to the citizenry of New Jersey, but that is not the case. There is a wealth of services available, if you can find it. This article is not intended e a one-size-fits-all answer to receiving technical and financial support for your public access channel or other means used to communicate to the citizenry of your municipality, but rather should serve as a guide to determine where to start identifying the sources you can use to bolster either financing or technologies that cross outside the domain of TelVue, Cablecast or other broadcasting platform your municipality utilizes.
While the focus of this article is financing available from governmental organizations, there are a variety of financing opportunities documented elsewhere and sourced outside of the governmental framework. Generally, these financing sources are only available to non-profits/. Many are documented through Candid.org, one of the largest nonprofit watchdog organizations in the United States. This is not the only source available for identifying grants. Many never reach a central publication. For technology grants, there is another source, TechSoup, which is available only to nonprofits. TechSoup works with technology firms to donate hardware, software and services for an administrative fee.
Sources of Advisory and Financing Services
This briefing tries to synthesize the resources available within New Jersey’s public sector operations. It leans heavily on the state’s critical infrastructure needs and strategic initiatives outlined in the Fiscal Year 2025 Seven-Year Capital Improvement Plan. The most intensive resources available are of peripheral interest to broadcasting concerns, as they are focused on the widespread need for capital investment to address aging and failing infrastructure across nearly every state department. While these initiatives are focused on physical structures and the power that is utilized by those structures, the electrical grid and networking needs of each municipality are included in these concerns, a topic that should have the interest of your broadcasting capabilities. The key initiatives which can be tapped for financial and technical support are disbursed across several core areas:
- Infrastructure Preservation: A substantial portion of requested funding is dedicated to replacing and modernizing fundamental building systems to prevent catastrophic failures, ensure operational continuity, and mitigate costly emergency repairs.
- Health and Safety Compliance: Significant investments are required to meet modern safety standards. This includes statewide initiatives for fire safety compliance, asbestos and lead abatement, ADA accessibility, etc. to maintain federal accreditation and funding.
- Modernization and Expansion: Beyond repairs, the plan details strategic investments in new facilities to meet growing demand and modern operational requirements. Notable projects include a new State Police station, expanded agricultural laboratories, and extensive construction and renovation across New Jersey’s higher education institutions.
- Specialized Programs and Funding: The state leverages targeted programs to enhance public services. The State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) aims to bolster digital defenses, while entities like the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey (ESCNJ) provide cost-effective technology purchasing for schools and municipalities. Furthermore, specific revenue streams, such as Public, Education, and Government (PEG) fees from cable operators, are strictly regulated for capital expenditures on public access channels. A particular focus has been placed on improving operations efficiency to assist municipalities to accomplish more with less.
Collectively, these initiatives represent a systematic effort to preserve state assets, enhance public safety and services, foster economic growth, and ensure the long-term fiscal health and operational integrity of the State of New Jersey.
NOTE: I have taken the stance to include every technological investment available in the state, whether it has a direct consequence to public access television or not, mainly because there is not a clear picture of what would apply to your specific jurisdictional circumstances. For example, if you were implementing a new networking topology for support of your broadcasting needs, there may be venues potentially available for technical and financial support which would be obfuscated if the discussion was limited to only direct opportunities for advisory and financial support of communications.
The level of consistency available from county organizations is relatively low. Bergen County and Essex County seem to be some of the more generous counties in the state, but navigating to the sources of this funding is an exercise in its own right. Within the Borough of Oakland, I am investigating what resources are available at the county level which the municipality can tap into. Any answers I surface pertinent to Bergen County will likely not be relevant in other counties
So, here is the capital improvement plan for the State of New Jersey, with the hope that this sparks some ideas of what avenues should be researched for advisory and financing sources within your community.
New Jersey’s Seven-Year Capital Improvement Plan (FY 2025)
New Jersey’s capital program is a comprehensive strategy for investing in short-term and long-term needs essential to its citizens. The plan prioritizes the preservation of existing assets, strategic investments in transportation and environmental systems, and the construction of modern facilities to generate economic growth and support public services.
A. Governance and Planning Process
The capital planning process is managed by the New Jersey Commission on Capital Budgeting and Planning, established in 1975. This 12-member advisory body provides a systematic focus on the investment of limited capital resources.
- Commission Composition: The Commission includes the State Treasurer, three other Executive Branch members, two members each from the General Assembly and Senate, and four public members with expertise in public finance.
- Responsibilities: The Commission is tasked with preparing the annual State Capital Improvement Plan, reviewing all capital projects, forecasting future needs, making recommendations on maintenance and debt, and ensuring proposals are consistent with the State Development and Redevelopment Plan.
- Process: State agencies evaluate their facilities, determine priorities, and submit seven-year capital requests. The Treasurer and Governor’s Office provide funding targets and policy guidance. The Commission reviews these requests, hears testimony from agencies, and makes final recommendations.
- Funding Sources: Capital funding is derived from multiple sources, including constitutional dedications of motor fuel taxes, a portion of the sales tax, petroleum products gross receipts tax, contributions from toll road authorities, and debt issued by entities like the Transportation Trust Fund Authority. The fiscal 2025 plan also recommends $38.721 million from the Debt Defeasance and Prevention Fund for non-recurring capital expenditures.
B. Core Investment Themes and Recurring Needs
Analysis of the departmental requests reveals several consistent and urgent themes, underscoring the systemic challenges facing the state’s physical assets.
- Infrastructure Preservation and Modernization. A dominant theme is the critical need to repair and replace aging core infrastructure. Many state buildings, constructed between the 1960s and 1980s, operate with original systems that have far exceeded their useful lifecycles. This includes physical facilities, HVAC needs for these facilities and power and networking facilities of these organizations.
- Health, Safety, and Compliance. A substantial portion of capital requests is driven by the need to comply with federal and state regulations and to ensure the safety of employees, the public, and individuals in state care. This includes fire safety, environmental remediation, Ligature Risk abatement, Dam Safety but also ADA compliance.
- Security Enhancements. Modernizing security systems is a priority across multiple agencies to protect state assets, personnel, and the public. This includes integrated systems, with a focus on law enforcement, and correctional facilities, but also includes public address systems including those pertinent for emergency communications.
- Energy Efficiency and Sustainability. In line with the State Energy Master Plan, departments are seeking to upgrade facilities with energy-efficient technologies to reduce operating costs and carbon footprint. This includes lighting, renewable energy and other energy assurance initiatives. This potentially could include power assurance that is critical to broadcasting.
Higher Education.
Universities across New Jersey have submitted extensive capital requests for new construction, major renovations, and deferred maintenance to support growing student enrollment and research initiatives, including Rowan University, Rutgers, Montclair State University and Kean University. Many of these funds can benefit municipalities.
Cross State Cybersecurity Initiatives.
The State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) is a New Jersey initiative designed to improve the cybersecurity posture of state and local government organizations. The program is structured around four key objectives:
- Governance and Planning: Establish governance structures and develop or revise cybersecurity plans to improve incident response and ensure continuity of operations.
- Risk Assessment: Enable agencies to understand their current cybersecurity posture through continuous testing, evaluation, and structured assessments.
- Security Implementation: Implement security protections that are commensurate with identified risks.
- Workforce Development: Provide cybersecurity training for personnel, tailored to their level of responsibility.
Cable Communications PEG FEES
Under the federal Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984, local governments (franchising authorities) can collect fees from cable operators to support local Public, Education, and Government (PEG) channels. The use of these funds is strictly regulated.
- Franchise Fees: Cable operators may be required to pay up to 5% of their gross revenues in franchise fees, which are designated for the general fund and can be used for any purpose.
- PEG Fees: In addition to franchise fees, operators may be required to pay PEG fees (e.g., 1% of gross revenue) as financial support for PEG channels.
- Usage Restrictions: PEG fees may only be spent on capital costs for PEG facilities and equipment. They may not be used for operating costs.
- Capital Costs: Acquiring or improving a specific capital asset, such as channel capacity, facilities, and equipment for the use of such capacity.
- Operating Costs: Expenses incurred in running the day-to-day business of the PEG channel, such as employee salaries or the cost of hiring an outside audiovisual company to broadcast meetings.
- Compliance: If PEG fees are improperly spent on operating costs, they are reclassified as franchise fees. Cable operators may then offset future franchise fee payments by deducting the amount that was misspent. The Act also allows for audits of a local government’s use of PEG fees.
State-wide organizations fostering the financing and advisory services to public access broadcasting initiatives are the Jersey Access Group, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, specifically their Office of Cable Television and Communications and the New Jersey Civic Information Consortium.
Other State Capital Improvement Opportunities
As outlined in the Capital Improvement Plan, the state relies on a variety of dedicated revenue streams and financing mechanisms to fund its capital program. These include providing capital funds from funds derived from motor fuel taxes, sales and use taxes, transportation related authorities, Motor vehicle registration fees, debt servicing on state issued bonds and the Debt Defeasance and Preservation Fund.
Coordinated Programs that Differ in Administration Across the Counties of New Jersey
Coordinated programs are those that are either driven by federal, state or county guidance but administered differently across the counties of New Jersey.
Shared Services Adoption
Many of New Jersey’s counties have adopted a shared services model to offer advisory and financial support to municipalities and to non-profits that support municipalities. For example, in Bergen County, Bergen Cares has taken the mandate to be the central spoke to delivering technical advisory and financial support programs in addition to other mandates. In Monmouth County, the Monmouth County Improvement Authority has a similar mandate.
Generally, the major initiatives of these initiatives are focused on technology modernization and in particularly deploying Ai for resident engagement, cyber-security as directed through the New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC), which has as part of its mandate to disburse $263 million via the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program.
Additional focus areas are to utilize technologies to improve the optimization of taxpayer dollars by disbursing federal and state grant opportunities and advising on the adoption of best practices through practices like centralized eProcurement, strategic disposal of surplus assets and other intents as documented in the NJSTART initiative and other initiatives intended to achieve AAA credit ratings throughout the state, including initiatives focused on public safety and improving the quality of public services at a reduced overall cost. Statewide initiatives are also being deployed through coordination through the Division of Consumer Affairs and the Division of Local Government Entities to administer grants through the System for Administering Grants Electronically (SAGE) initiative all focused on achieving an elevated efficiency of local government.
County-Level Shared Service Models
Finally, the county specific programs, which are devised to assist both municipalities and, in many cases, only through nonprofits supporting those municipalities through programs like Bergen Cares, the Monmouth County Improvement Authority, the Union County Division of Information Technologies, the Middlesex County Ai for Resident Engagement initiative, the Piscataway based Educational Services Commission of New Jersey (ESCNJ) and the Rutgers’ Center for Urban Policy Research. Each county within the state of New Jersey is administered differently and navigating the complex of weaves, while difficult, can be softened with the aid of the New Jersey Association of Counties (NJAC) and its national counterpart, the National Association of Counties (NACO).
About Mark Albala
Mark Albala is semi-retired and serves as president of two companies, InfoSight Partners and Albala Press, serves on the board of directors of two start-ups, Singularity Media and Beyond Ai, and serves on several disciplines associated with communicating to the citizenry of Oakland, New Jersey. Mark has recently turned his attention to authoring works of science fiction and has been helping other budding artists navigate the weave of challenges complicating the ability to publish their works. Prior to semi-retirement, Mark ran several technology profit centers for consulting firms, has served as a trusted advisor to many global corporations, instituted the solution architecture department for several consulting firms and served as a driving force in information, technology and information architecture for clients across a variety of industries.
News & Events
Posted: March 24, 2026 by Doug Seidel
AI Integration Strategy for PEG Channel Operations Facilities, Ethics, and Risk Mitigation
by Mark Albala, Cable Advisory Committee, Oakland TV
Building an integrated AI strategy that makes AI a useful co-pilot
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into public, educational, and government (PEG) channel operations represents a fundamental shift from traditional “capture” media to a “construction of thought” paradigm.
Research indicates that while AI can enhance individual creativity by up to 26.6%, particularly for less skilled creators. But it presents a critical paradox. The PEG manager when utilizing AI risks losing some of the creative diversity demonstrated in their final product, with those allowing AI to take over the creative spirit creating superb output that is difficult to distinguish from the works of others that allowed AI to take over their efforts.
For PEG operators, the objective is to leverage AI as a “co-pilot” to improve operational efficiency and public accessibility without compromising the authentic, community-driven spirit that defines the sector. The most immediate benefits for PEG channels lie in automated facilities for closed captioning, real-time meeting documentation, and cost-effective post-production. These efficiencies, however, carry significant reputational risks, including “hallucinations” (AI-generated inaccuracies), data privacy concerns, and the “uncanny valley” effect that can erode public trust.
The following outlines a “Human in the Loop” strategy, prioritizing cryptographic authentication (C2PA) and human oversight to ensure that AI-assisted content remains transparent, legally compliant, and environmentally responsible:
AI enhancement suites like the ones imbedded directly within the suites, add ins like Adobe Podcast and standalone products like Lalai.AI and Suno.ai isolate vocals, clean the broadcast quality of audio and enhance the entertainment quality of videos.
Color grading and Visual special effects (VFX) are accommodated through advanced integration which accommodates “match moving”, thereby aligning digital elements with live action footage. Again, all of this is accommodated by utilizing AI utilized in every facet of the digital editing studio to ensure that LUTS and other color correction as well as frame to frame alignment are handled brilliantly.
There is a growing debate on whether AI-generated content should be watermarked. PEG channels should lead in transparency, disclosing AI involvement in architectural designs or dialogue cleanup. While there is a push for identifying Ai generated content, the legislation will always be significantly behind the technology enabling the integration of AI into any final output, and the question will always be the degree of introduced AI into the final creation, especially all tools utilized for creating videos (phone cameras utilizing computational photography, studio cameras imbedding Ai into their capture mechanisms, microphones utilizing Ai to clean up the sound tracks, editing studios utilizing AI into their overall workflows, etc.)
Best Practices for the PEG Channel “Human in the Loop”
To preserve the spirit and law of PEG broadcasting, operators should adopt the following management strategies:
Operators should prioritize “closed” AI systems for sensitive data to prevent local governmental information from being ingested into public training models.
Posted: March 24, 2026 by Doug Seidel
Why Local Media and National Media Serve Different Roles
by John C. Morley, Independent Producer
Local coverage offers a window into the places where people actually live.
When people talk about “the media,” they often imagine large national networks, major newspapers, or digital outlets covering stories that affect the entire country.
Those organizations play an important role in helping people understand national events and global developments. At the same time, there is another layer of media that operates on a much smaller scale: local media. While both serve the public, they operate in very different ways and focus on different kinds of stories.
National media tend to cover issues with broad impact. Elections, economic trends, international events, and major policy decisions often become national stories because they affect millions of people at once. These outlets must reach audiences across many regions, so their reporting naturally focuses on topics with broad relevance. The goal is to provide a shared understanding of major events and developments.
Local media works from a different starting point. Instead of looking at issues through a national lens, local reporting focuses on the everyday life of a particular community. Town meetings, school events, neighborhood initiatives, local organizations, and cultural traditions often become the stories that matter most at this level. These topics may not appear in national headlines, but they shape daily life for the people who live there.
Another difference is proximity. National reporters often cover stories from a distance, sometimes traveling to locations only when major events occur. Local media, on the other hand, is rooted in the same community it covers. The people producing the stories usually live in the area, understand the local context, and often know the people involved. This closeness gives local reporting a different perspective. It reflects not just what happens, but how events fit into the broader fabric of community life.
The scale of storytelling also differs. National outlets often need to condense complex topics into formats that reach a wide audience quickly. Local media can sometimes take a slower and more detailed approach. Stories may explore community traditions, long-standing relationships, or small but meaningful changes that develop over time. These kinds of stories help document how a town grows and changes.
Local media also plays a role in visibility. Many activities that bring communities together, such as festivals, volunteer efforts, school programs, or local arts, rarely receive national attention. Local coverage ensures these moments are recognized and remembered. In doing so, it creates a record of community life that might otherwise go unnoticed outside the town itself.
Another important difference is audience connection. People who follow national news may never meet the individuals involved in the stories they see. Local media, however, often features familiar faces and recognizable places. A viewer or reader might recognize a local park, a neighborhood organization, or a community leader mentioned in a story. This familiarity creates a sense of shared experience that is unique to local coverage.
None of this means national and local media compete with each other. In many ways, they complement each other. National reporting helps people understand the larger forces shaping the country and the world. Local reporting shows how those forces appear in everyday life within individual communities. Together, they provide a more complete picture of the world people live in.
In recent years, conversations about media have become more complicated as digital platforms expand how information travels. Stories can move quickly from one place to another, and local events sometimes gain wider attention through online sharing. Even in this environment, the distinction between national and local coverage remains important. Each level of media serves a different purpose and reaches audiences in different ways.
Understanding that difference helps people appreciate the role each plays. National outlets provide a broad view of major events, while local media capture the details of community life that might otherwise be overlooked. Both contribute to how people stay informed, but from different vantage points. Looking closely at local media reveals something easy to miss in larger conversations about news and information. Communities are not only shaped by national events. Everyday moments, local conversations, and shared experiences also shape them. Thus, Local coverage helps preserve those stories, offering a window into the places where people actually live their lives.
Posted: March 24, 2026 by Doug Seidel
Legislative Update March 2026: News from Trenton & Washington and FCC Legislation Changes
by Dave Garb, Legislative Committee Chair
The Reauthorizing of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) – H.R. 7386
On February 10th, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology voted to reauthorize FirstNet.
From NATOA:
The House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology today approved with a bipartisan voice vote the Markup of H.R. 7386 – To reauthorize the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet.)
The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) was created through the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 as an independent authority within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to develop a dedicated, reliable, secure, and interoperable nationwide public safety broadband network (NPSBN) to support the communications needs of first responders and other public safety officials. Congress allocated $7B of spectrum auction revenue to its startup and, 9 years ago, FirstNet awarded AT&T a 25-year, $6.5 billion contract and 20 megahertz (20 MHz) of spectrum to build, operate, and maintain the nationwide public safety network.
FirstNet’s authority is set to expire on February 22, 2027. This bill will renew FirstNet’s mandate through Sept. 30, 2037.
Both the House and the Senate have held hearings recently to improve the administration and functionality of the FirstNet.
The House bill approved by the subcommittee by unanimous voice vote will move to the full Committee. H.R. 7386 will:
Press Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, delivered the following opening statement at today’s markup of a bill to reauthorize FirstNet.
Good morning, and welcome to today’s subcommittee markup on the First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act. I’m excited about our progress and taking this next step towards reauthorizing this important program.
Last week we heard from a great panel of witnesses who shared their expertise and experience with FirstNet and provided input on how this legislation would improve the network and ensure it operates in the best interest of public safety.
We heard directly from NTIA that not only is the FirstNet Board protected in statute, but they have no intention of dismantling or casting aside the FirstNet Board. It’s actually quite the opposite. NTIA relies on the Board to provide crucial expertise and direction on the needs of public safety. This legislation not only keeps the Board, but strengthens public safety’s voice by requiring two additional seats on the Board be dedicated to public safety.
I want to note this vote today does not signify we’re done working on this legislation. We are continuing to gather feedback from public safety groups and stakeholders about certain provisions in this legislation, and we have a lot of work in the coming weeks to ensure that this bill is the best possible version it can be before it reaches the House floor.
Reliable communications are absolutely essential for our first responders in emergencies. While a lot has been done to stand up this first-of-its-kind public safety communications network, there is more work to do to ensure the promise of FirstNet is fulfilled. In my home state of North Carolina, first responders have shared their frustrations about FirstNet not working during Hurricane Helene. The reforms included in the legislation before us today are intended to ensure that FirstNet delivers a reliable, interoperable communications network to our first responders, and the FirstNet Authority acts in the best interests of the public safety community it serves.
I want to thank my colleagues for their continued commitment to this issue and for their work developing this proposal. I look forward to reauthorizing the First Responder Network Authority.
Press Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s Communications and Technology Subcommittee markup of H.R. 7386, the First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act of 2026.
Today the Subcommittee is considering bipartisan legislation introduced by Representatives McClellan and Dunn to reauthorize the First Responder Network Authority. We must reauthorize this Authority to ensure we are providing first responders with reliable, interoperable communications during emergencies when it matters most. It is critical that we resolve the looming sunset of FirstNet and I commit to doing all I can to support that effort.
At the Subcommittee hearing last week on this legislation, witnesses stressed how the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network is an essential component of our emergency communications infrastructure. It provides an invaluable service keeping first responders connected not just when crises occur but also supports increased connectivity during major events like the Super Bowl this past Sunday in San Francisco, or the World Cup Finals at the Meadowlands in New Jersey later this year.
Much of FirstNet’s popularity with public safety users is the fact that the network has been deployed with direct input from public safety leaders who serve on the FirstNet Board. Since the early days of planning and standing up the network, to expanding coverage and upgrading services more recently, the FirstNet Board has ensured public safety has multiple seats at the table and a central role in the Authority’s activities.
It’s critically important that we ensure the voices of public safety leaders remain at the table. That’s why I am pleased the legislation before us today actually improves public safety representation on the Board by raising the number of Board seats reserved for public safety representatives from three to five. The bill also makes a technical correction to fix the stacking of Board terms so that only a portion of seats become vacant at one time. This should address the issue of brain drain from the Board while alleviating the burden of re-filling many vacancies at one time.
It is also clear, however, that the original classification in law of the First Responder Network Authority as both an independent authority and an authority under the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has been a source of unnecessary confusion over the years. This unique situation has created structural problems with the FirstNet Authority that have, at times, opened the door to poor decision making and waste without any consequence for those responsible.
The Department of Commerce Office of Inspector General has identified a handful of troubling circumstances and actions that make clear there is not enough oversight of the Executive Director position under the current structure, which prevents accountability when it is called for.
The bill proposes to eliminate the ambiguity in current law by bringing the FirstNet Authority more formally under the purview of NTIA with the full intention of preserving the autonomy of FirstNet Authority leadership and employees over day-to-day operations, emergency response, strategic planning, and other activities they currently carry out. I appreciated feedback from witnesses and public safety stakeholders who have recommended that the Committee more explicitly contemplate the division of roles and responsibilities in the legislation. Those kinds of recommendations and others are highly useful as we move ahead with this process.
I look forward to continuing to work with Chairs Guthrie and Hudson, Ranking Member Matsui, and Representatives McClellan and Dunn to continue to strengthen the bill in order to build broad support in advance of a full Committee markup.
I am confident that with continued bipartisan cooperation and good-faith participation by Members and stakeholders alike, we will reauthorize FirstNet and guarantee first responders do not lose access to this critical service.
In the early years of FirstNet, JAG helped to spread the word of this important venture. All of us were invested in our Office of Emergency Managements in our own municipalities and the affiliation seemed destined and very relevant between our two groups.
And since we are still heavily entwined with our OEM’s, and they are interlinked through FirstNet during those emergencies when it truly matters the most. The importance of the passage of H.R. 7386 could not be made any clearer!
David Garb, Legislative Chair
Jersey Access Group
davegarb@paps.net
Posted: February 28, 2026 by Doug Seidel
Spotlight: Cranford TV-35 – It’s there, but not always easy to find to find
By Don Smith, Manager, Cranford TV-35
How to get the most out of your Verizon FIOS statewide contract
The statewide contract from Verizon Fios provides for any municipal buildings (schools, police departments, fire departments, etc.) that the township or city owns, to be eligible for one free internet drop and one free cable TV drop.
Now, with that, the internet drop is a basic 50 megabits over 50 megabits fiber connection, and TV is a Basic TV package. We have used this in Cranford in a variety of ways. For example, at the library Wi-Fi from the new service is being used for public Wi-Fi on the first floor.
Several of our locations (such as our historical society) did not even have internet service. Some of our other buildings such as the police department and fire department are using these as backup services. The statewide contract with the details can be found on our website jagonline.org under the members section (Another Great Reason to Become a Member!)
I would encourage you to have a conversation with your mayor or administrator to discuss this great free resource.
What is needed from FIOS is the following:
They will then, in turn, send it to engineering and a scheduler will contact you to schedule the drops. One note is that these drops are considered residential. There is no bill, and it is free. The hardware is free too. This is a fantastic resource for your community! Trust me your mayor and council will be very pleased!
Posted: February 25, 2026 by Doug Seidel
Get Ready for ADA/WCAG Compliance and Smarter Automation with TelVue
by Jesse Lerman, President/CEO, TelVue
We’re excited to be heading to the monthly JAG meeting on Wednesday, February 25th, where we’ll showcase powerful new tools to help you stay ADA and WCAG compliant, while also saving time with smarter automation for scheduling and social media.
From live captioning and accessibility solutions to fully automated YouTube broadcasting and rule-based scheduling, TelVue continues to make it easier than ever to serve your community and expand your reach. We’ll even be offering a sneak peek at our upcoming AI-powered audio description service.
SmartCaption: Live & Offline Captioning Made Easy
TelVue SmartCaption is an affordable, simple way to caption your live channels and programming, whether on cable or streaming. It integrates seamlessly with HyperCaster playout and CloudCast streaming, creating a fully automated captioning workflow.
Just designate which programs need captions, or enable Smart Mode to automatically caption first-run and unique programming. Need to make quick edits? The built-in SmartCaption Editor is available right from your playout server or in the cloud.When paired with HyperCaster, SmartCaption can also provide open, in-room, and web captions for meetings and events (with available ports and connectivity). It’s accessibility made simple—and built directly into your workflow.
CaptionVue: Accessibility for Meetings & Events
For live meetings and events, TelVue CaptionVue delivers a complete caption display solution that makes participation easier for everyone.
CaptionVue is a dedicated device that provides simultaneous closed, open, in-room, and web live captions for your video sources. It accepts SDI, NDI, and streaming inputs and outputs multiple caption formats, perfect for large in-room displays, remote viewers on mobile devices, or hybrid audiences joining via webcast.
Whether you’re supporting government meetings, public events, or corporate conferences, CaptionVue ensures every participant can follow along, no matter how they’re attending.
AI-Powered Meeting Summaries & Search
Captioning does more than improve accessibility; it transforms your video library into a searchable resource. With TelVue’s AI Metadata tools, your meetings can be automatically summarized and divided into chapters with clickable timecodes.
Viewers can quickly find topics of interest, jump to key moments, and search across your entire library.Unlike traditional agendas, AI-generated summaries capture what was actually discussed, making it easier for your community to stay informed and engaged.
HyperCaster 9.0: Fully Automated Scheduling
Our upcoming HyperCaster 9.0 release takes scheduling automation to a whole new level. Enhanced Series Scheduling makes it easier to automate episodic programming with assigned time slots. The new layout is more intuitive, allows faster editing, and supports scheduling as far into the future as you’d like, even perpetually!
Program Segmentation Rules allow you to automatically add bumpers, insert sponsorship spots, create breakpoints and pad content to natural time boundaries, such as 5, 15, or 30 minutes, perfect for sponsorships, announcements, and making your programming and program guide more professional.
New Scheduling Rules can automatically fill gaps around your series with themed daypart blocks, recent episodes, short-form content, or PSAs. Once your rules are set, simply add new content and your schedule programs itself!
Complete YouTube & Social Media Automation
If you’re broadcasting to YouTube, HyperCaster can now automate the entire process.
Authenticate your YouTube accounts, create broadcast presets with thumbnails and branding, and designate which events should be published.
HyperCaster will automatically create broadcast events, apply metadata, manage playlists, negotiate stream keys, and start and stop streams, all hands-free.
Pre-recorded content can automatically be exported to your YouTube accounts and playlists.
CloudCast users can also automate cross-posting to social media whenever new videos are published. Share links to Facebook, Instagram, and X using customizable templates. For example, government meetings can automatically post to a town page, while local productions post to your station’s social channels.
We hope you’ll join us at JAG to see how TelVue can help you achieve accessibility compliance quickly and affordably, while saving time and growing your audience with powerful new automation tools. We look forward to seeing you there!
Posted: February 25, 2026 by Doug Seidel
What Community Access TV Really Is (and What It Isn’t)
by John C. Morley, Independent Producer
Community access television is often misunderstood.
Some people assume community access TV is the same as commercial cable. Some think it’s just a place for town meetings or old reruns. Some confuse it with social media or political programming. Yet, community access TV serves a specific purpose. Understanding that purpose explains why it matters.
At its simplest, community access TV exists to give local residents access to television as a communication tool. It allows people who live in a community to create and share programming that reflects local interests, experiences, and concerns. This access is not based on popularity, influence, or professional background. It is based on residency and participation.
One of the most important distinctions is that community access TV is not commercial television. There are no advertisers dictating content, no ratings pressure, and no expectation that a program must appeal to a broad or national audience. This freedom allows creators to focus on topics that are meaningful locally, even if they would never attract mass attention elsewhere. The value lies in relevance, not reach.
Community access TV is also not social media. While online platforms emphasize speed, reaction, and visibility, access TV offers a slower and more deliberate format. Programs are not shaped by algorithms or trending topics. Conversations can take place without being reduced to short clips or headlines. For many participants, this creates a more respectful and thoughtful space for communication.
Another common misconception is that community access TV is political advocacy. While it may include coverage of public meetings or discussions about local issues, it is not designed to promote political parties, candidates, or positions. The role of access television is to provide information and opportunity for dialogue, not persuasion. This distinction allows stations to serve the entire community and maintain public trust.
Community access TV is also not limited to professionals. You do not need a background in broadcasting, journalism or production to take part. Many programs are created by people who never expected to be on camera. Teachers, retirees, volunteers, artists, students and longtime residents often bring perspectives that feel authentic precisely because they are not polished or performative.Yet, community access TV is not unstructured or chaotic. Guidelines are in place to ensure content is appropriate, respectful and accessible. Training is often provided so participants understand how to use equipment, follow basic production standards and communicate clearly. This balance between open access and shared responsibility allows community access TV to function effectively.
Another misconception is that community access TV is outdated. Despite using a traditional broadcast format, its role is increasingly relevant. As more communication moves online, opportunities for local, place-based conversation become harder to find. Community access TV provides a space for local voices that is not dependent on social media or shifting digital trends.
It is also important to understand what community access TV is not trying to do. It is not meant to represent everyone’s viewpoint, and no single program speaks for an entire town. Instead, it works because many different voices can coexist. Each program adds one perspective to a larger mosaic of community life. What community access TV is essentially a shared public resource. It exists to support participation, learning, and connection. It gives residents the chance to move from being passive consumers of media to active contributors. It allows local stories to be told by the people who live them. In a media environment that often feels distant and impersonal, community access TV remains rooted in real places and real people. Understanding what it is—and what it isn’t—helps explain why it continues to play a quiet but meaningful role in community life.
Posted: February 2, 2026 by Doug Seidel
Spotlight: Oakland TV – NJ Financing and Technical Support Available
by Mark Albala, Cable Advisory Committee, Oakland TV
The State of New Jersey has financial & technical assistance available to the communications arms of NJ communities
It’s there, but not always easy to find to find
I’d love to tell you there is a consistent way of accessing advisory services and financing within the State of New Jersey for support of communications to the citizenry of New Jersey, but that is not the case. There is a wealth of services available, if you can find it. This article is not intended e a one-size-fits-all answer to receiving technical and financial support for your public access channel or other means used to communicate to the citizenry of your municipality, but rather should serve as a guide to determine where to start identifying the sources you can use to bolster either financing or technologies that cross outside the domain of TelVue, Cablecast or other broadcasting platform your municipality utilizes.
While the focus of this article is financing available from governmental organizations, there are a variety of financing opportunities documented elsewhere and sourced outside of the governmental framework. Generally, these financing sources are only available to non-profits/. Many are documented through Candid.org, one of the largest nonprofit watchdog organizations in the United States. This is not the only source available for identifying grants. Many never reach a central publication. For technology grants, there is another source, TechSoup, which is available only to nonprofits. TechSoup works with technology firms to donate hardware, software and services for an administrative fee.
Sources of Advisory and Financing Services
This briefing tries to synthesize the resources available within New Jersey’s public sector operations. It leans heavily on the state’s critical infrastructure needs and strategic initiatives outlined in the Fiscal Year 2025 Seven-Year Capital Improvement Plan. The most intensive resources available are of peripheral interest to broadcasting concerns, as they are focused on the widespread need for capital investment to address aging and failing infrastructure across nearly every state department. While these initiatives are focused on physical structures and the power that is utilized by those structures, the electrical grid and networking needs of each municipality are included in these concerns, a topic that should have the interest of your broadcasting capabilities. The key initiatives which can be tapped for financial and technical support are disbursed across several core areas:
Collectively, these initiatives represent a systematic effort to preserve state assets, enhance public safety and services, foster economic growth, and ensure the long-term fiscal health and operational integrity of the State of New Jersey.
NOTE: I have taken the stance to include every technological investment available in the state, whether it has a direct consequence to public access television or not, mainly because there is not a clear picture of what would apply to your specific jurisdictional circumstances. For example, if you were implementing a new networking topology for support of your broadcasting needs, there may be venues potentially available for technical and financial support which would be obfuscated if the discussion was limited to only direct opportunities for advisory and financial support of communications.
The level of consistency available from county organizations is relatively low. Bergen County and Essex County seem to be some of the more generous counties in the state, but navigating to the sources of this funding is an exercise in its own right. Within the Borough of Oakland, I am investigating what resources are available at the county level which the municipality can tap into. Any answers I surface pertinent to Bergen County will likely not be relevant in other counties
So, here is the capital improvement plan for the State of New Jersey, with the hope that this sparks some ideas of what avenues should be researched for advisory and financing sources within your community.
New Jersey’s Seven-Year Capital Improvement Plan (FY 2025)
New Jersey’s capital program is a comprehensive strategy for investing in short-term and long-term needs essential to its citizens. The plan prioritizes the preservation of existing assets, strategic investments in transportation and environmental systems, and the construction of modern facilities to generate economic growth and support public services.
A. Governance and Planning Process
The capital planning process is managed by the New Jersey Commission on Capital Budgeting and Planning, established in 1975. This 12-member advisory body provides a systematic focus on the investment of limited capital resources.
B. Core Investment Themes and Recurring Needs
Analysis of the departmental requests reveals several consistent and urgent themes, underscoring the systemic challenges facing the state’s physical assets.
Higher Education.
Universities across New Jersey have submitted extensive capital requests for new construction, major renovations, and deferred maintenance to support growing student enrollment and research initiatives, including Rowan University, Rutgers, Montclair State University and Kean University. Many of these funds can benefit municipalities.
Cross State Cybersecurity Initiatives.
The State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) is a New Jersey initiative designed to improve the cybersecurity posture of state and local government organizations. The program is structured around four key objectives:
Cable Communications PEG FEES
Under the federal Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984, local governments (franchising authorities) can collect fees from cable operators to support local Public, Education, and Government (PEG) channels. The use of these funds is strictly regulated.
State-wide organizations fostering the financing and advisory services to public access broadcasting initiatives are the Jersey Access Group, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, specifically their Office of Cable Television and Communications and the New Jersey Civic Information Consortium.
Other State Capital Improvement Opportunities
As outlined in the Capital Improvement Plan, the state relies on a variety of dedicated revenue streams and financing mechanisms to fund its capital program. These include providing capital funds from funds derived from motor fuel taxes, sales and use taxes, transportation related authorities, Motor vehicle registration fees, debt servicing on state issued bonds and the Debt Defeasance and Preservation Fund.
Coordinated Programs that Differ in Administration Across the Counties of New Jersey
Coordinated programs are those that are either driven by federal, state or county guidance but administered differently across the counties of New Jersey.
Shared Services Adoption
Many of New Jersey’s counties have adopted a shared services model to offer advisory and financial support to municipalities and to non-profits that support municipalities. For example, in Bergen County, Bergen Cares has taken the mandate to be the central spoke to delivering technical advisory and financial support programs in addition to other mandates. In Monmouth County, the Monmouth County Improvement Authority has a similar mandate.
Generally, the major initiatives of these initiatives are focused on technology modernization and in particularly deploying Ai for resident engagement, cyber-security as directed through the New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC), which has as part of its mandate to disburse $263 million via the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program.
Additional focus areas are to utilize technologies to improve the optimization of taxpayer dollars by disbursing federal and state grant opportunities and advising on the adoption of best practices through practices like centralized eProcurement, strategic disposal of surplus assets and other intents as documented in the NJSTART initiative and other initiatives intended to achieve AAA credit ratings throughout the state, including initiatives focused on public safety and improving the quality of public services at a reduced overall cost. Statewide initiatives are also being deployed through coordination through the Division of Consumer Affairs and the Division of Local Government Entities to administer grants through the System for Administering Grants Electronically (SAGE) initiative all focused on achieving an elevated efficiency of local government.
County-Level Shared Service Models
Finally, the county specific programs, which are devised to assist both municipalities and, in many cases, only through nonprofits supporting those municipalities through programs like Bergen Cares, the Monmouth County Improvement Authority, the Union County Division of Information Technologies, the Middlesex County Ai for Resident Engagement initiative, the Piscataway based Educational Services Commission of New Jersey (ESCNJ) and the Rutgers’ Center for Urban Policy Research. Each county within the state of New Jersey is administered differently and navigating the complex of weaves, while difficult, can be softened with the aid of the New Jersey Association of Counties (NJAC) and its national counterpart, the National Association of Counties (NACO).
About Mark Albala
Mark Albala is semi-retired and serves as president of two companies, InfoSight Partners and Albala Press, serves on the board of directors of two start-ups, Singularity Media and Beyond Ai, and serves on several disciplines associated with communicating to the citizenry of Oakland, New Jersey. Mark has recently turned his attention to authoring works of science fiction and has been helping other budding artists navigate the weave of challenges complicating the ability to publish their works. Prior to semi-retirement, Mark ran several technology profit centers for consulting firms, has served as a trusted advisor to many global corporations, instituted the solution architecture department for several consulting firms and served as a driving force in information, technology and information architecture for clients across a variety of industries.
Posted: January 29, 2026 by Doug Seidel
The Power of Community Access TV
by John C. Morley, Independent Producer
Community media is vital for community communications and engagement
In a media landscape dominated by national headlines, streaming platforms, and fast-moving social media, it’s easy to overlook the importance of local stories. Yet across New Jersey, community access television continues to play a vital role in keeping residents informed, connected, and engaged. Jersey Access Group (JAG) members stations and other local access stations serve as a reminder that the stories closest to home still matter deeply.
Community access television exists to give residents a voice. Unlike commercial networks, which are driven by ratings and advertising, access stations are built around participation and inclusion. They provide a platform for local events, municipal meetings, nonprofit initiatives, educational programming, cultural celebrations, and personal stories that reflect the diversity and character of New Jersey’s communities. These are stories that may never reach a national audience, but they shape daily life for the people who live here.
One of the most important roles JAG plays is fostering civic awareness. By broadcasting town council meetings, school board discussions, and public forums, community access television helps residents stay informed about decisions that directly affect their neighborhoods. This transparency strengthens trust and encourages participation. When people can easily see how local government works, they are more likely to engage thoughtfully and responsibly in civic life.
Community access television also helps bridge gaps between generations and backgrounds. In New Jersey’s diverse communities, access programming creates space for different voices to be heard respectfully. Seniors, students, educators, artists, volunteers, and first-time producers all have the opportunity to share perspectives and experiences. This inclusive approach helps build understanding and reinforces the idea that community is stronger when everyone has a seat at the table.
Education is another cornerstone of community access television. Many stations, including JAG, provide training and resources that allow residents to learn media production skills. From operating cameras to crafting meaningful stories, these opportunities empower individuals to move from passive viewers to active creators. For young people exploring career paths, adults developing new skills, or organizations seeking to share their mission, community access TV serves as a practical and welcoming learning environment.
Preserving local history is yet another quiet but powerful function of community access television. Recorded interviews with longtime residents, coverage of community milestones, and documentation of cultural traditions create an archive that reflects New Jersey’s evolving story. These recordings become valuable historical resources, capturing moments that might otherwise fade with time. In this way, community access stations help safeguard the shared memory of the towns they serve.
In our digital world, community access television complements online platforms rather than competing with them. While social media often prioritizes speed and popularity, access programming offers depth, context, and continuity. It allows conversations to unfold thoughtfully and provides reliable local information in a format that is accessible to viewers of all ages. This balance between traditional broadcasting and modern media ensures that local stories remain visible and relevant.
Perhaps most importantly, community access television reminds us that connection begins locally. Seeing familiar faces, recognizing neighborhood landmarks, and hearing voices from within the community fosters a sense of belonging. Shared experiences strengthen the social fabric and encourage residents to take pride in their community. As media continues to evolve, Jersey Access Group and community access stations across New Jersey remain committed to their core mission: serving the public, amplifying local voices, and supporting informed and engaged communities. Their impact may not always be loud or viral in the national sense, but it is lasting. By focusing on people, participation, and place, community access television continues to be a powerful force—right here at home.