by Dave Garb, Legislative Committee Chair
A Visit to Our Nation’s Capital to Bring Awareness of HR 2289
Last month we explored the threat of HR 2289 (the federal preemption of local franchising rights for state and local government) and the provisions included within it. If it were to pass, major funding and distribution mechanisms of community television in the US would effectively end.
To try stopping this bill from being enacted, JAG Legislative Committee Member Eddie Cologna and I went to Washington, DC to work with our national partner, the ACM (Alliance for Community Media). Together, we attempted to make our voices heard about why HR 2289 needs to be defeated.
We visited many of New Jersey’s Representatives and our two United States Senators. Along with ACM President Mike Wassenaar, we spoke to members of Congress to make them aware of the situation while leaving detailed information on this act and about the work all of us do in our communities and why our PEG channels are important to our residents.
One of the highlights of this trip was a special visit and encouraging remarks from FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez and her huge support for Community Television. Her remarks are below:
“Good morning, everyone. Thank you to the Alliance for Community Media for inviting me to speak to you ahead of your Hill Day. As I look around this room, I am reminded of the incredible responsibility—and privilege—we share. Each of us is entrusted with a mission that goes far beyond the technicalities of broadcasting or the logistics of running media channels. We are here because we care deeply about the voices and stories of our communities. We are here because we know that access to meaningful information is essential for every American—not just as a matter of convenience, but as a cornerstone of our democracy.
Days such as today serve as powerful reminders of why our work matters. When we gather as advocates, professionals, and citizens, we reaffirm our commitment to making sure that no voice is overlooked, that every story has a place, and that information crucial to everyday life is accessible to everyone. In a time when national news can feel overwhelming and distant, it is local media that brings us together, reflecting the issues, the triumphs, and the challenges closest to home.
The Alliance for Community Media has a long and distinguished history—one defined by service, advocacy, and impact. Representing more than 1,700 Public, Educational, and Government organizations across the country, the Alliance provides the backbone to local media efforts. These organizations serve as lifelines for information, culture, and civic engagement. They are the trusted outlets through which schools share updates, religious institutions reach out to congregations, colleges highlight achievements, and government officials communicate vital policies. And beyond these formal roles, community media offers a stage for countless community groups—from youth organizations to senior centers—to connect, to inform, and to inspire.
What you do together is not merely about broadcasting content. Your work is fundamentally about building bridges—between neighbors, across generations, and among citizens and the institutions that serve them. These bridges form the infrastructure of a healthy society, constructed not with bricks and mortar, but with stories, conversations, and connections.
Our towns and cities are enriched by the stories you share. Whether it’s a high school sports game, a city council debate, a faith-based event, or a new art exhibit, community media captures experiences that shape our lives. This programming informs, empowers, educates, and strengthens our democracy by keeping residents connected and informed about local issues that matter.
And this brings us directly to the First Amendment—the very foundation on which community media stands. Truly local broadcasters ensure that every day Americans have a platform to share their voices and perspectives. They illuminate the diversity of viewpoints that make our nation vibrant, especially at a time when national narratives can overshadow local realities.
But today, that First Amendment foundation is trembling. Across the country, we have witnessed an unprecedented series of attacks—coordinated efforts by the federal government to censor, control, and silence those who dissent. Last year, I launched a First Amendment tour to fight back against this campaign of censorship and control. On that tour, which is ongoing, I have heard from Americans who do not typically engage with the FCC yet feel the consequences of these threats to free expression every day.
Those threats are not hypothetical—they are ongoing and they are escalating. Most disturbingly, the power to revoke a broadcast license—meant to ensure service to communities—is being weaponized to threaten stations that air news the Administration dislikes. That is not regulation. That is punitive censorship. When licenses become tools of coercion, the very concept of a free press is washed away.
We have seen frivolous news distortion complaints used to pressure newsrooms. We have seen the power to derail mergers wielded to reshape editorial independence. The clearest example is the Paramount-Skydance merger, approved only after companies agreed to unprecedented concessions that subjected newsrooms to government-approved editorial oversight. That goes directly against the First Amendment. I dissented. And I will continue to speak out whenever government coercion threatens free expression.
Paramount’s capitulation—to avoid conflict with the Administration, to trade independence for a payout—comes at the expense of the American public. The company agreed to government influence over newsroom decisions and accepted a so-called “truth monitor” at CBS to ensure journalists do not criticize the Administration. This is a direct violation of both the First Amendment and long-standing legal precedent.
But the Commission is not stopping there. It is now taking actions to change the rules of the game entirely. The FCC used a bureau-level waiver to override Congressionally established ownership caps that protect localism, competition, and viewpoint diversity. There is a court fight going on as we speak about the lawfulness of these actions, but what is clear is that elimination of these caps would allow massive consolidation—reducing the number of voices in our media ecosystem, shuttering local newsrooms, and weakening communities in the process. Each newly consolidated newsroom represents a narrowing of public discourse.
Notably, while outlets deemed critical of this Administration are threatened with investigations, defunding, or license revocation, others that are viewed favorably by this Administration—are being quietly fast-tracked through regulatory processes, through a shortcut I call the Billionaire Buddy Bypass. This is not about reducing bias or strengthening journalism. It is about engineering an echo chamber. It is viewpoint control, plain and simple.
But we are not powerless. Community media stands on the front lines of this fight. You have always championed localism and diversity of thought. You have always served your communities—not the government, not political interests, not corporate conglomerates. And your work is essential now more than ever.
When community media thrives, our democracy thrives. When people have access to trusted local information—about schools, faith communities, civic events, and public safety — they become engaged participants in their own governance. When they have a platform to share their voices, they become stewards of their own future.
You are the architects of opportunity, creating the spaces where new ideas flourish and where all residents can be heard. But make no mistake: your ability to continue this work depends on the survival of a truly free press, protected from government coercion and political interference. That is why it is essential that you speak up, push back, and advocate fiercely—not only for your own organizations, but for the constitutional principles that enable your work. Because if the First Amendment is to mean anything at all, it must mean that no government—regardless of party—gets to decide what is true, who gets heard, or which voices are silenced.
Thank you for your commitment, your courage, and your unwavering belief in the power of community and free expression. The road ahead will not be easy. But together—steadfast, determined, and united—we can defend the First Amendment and preserve a media landscape that serves all Americans.”
Our struggle with this bill is far from over. Each of us must continue to be the messengers of why this bill is dangerous and do what we can to help defeat it.
The Harmful Points of H.R. 2289
1 Minute Overview of this Act.
News & Events
Posted: June 30, 2026 by Doug Seidel
What Really Happens Behind the Scenes of a TV Studio
by John C. Morley, Independent Producer
So much that has to happen before lights come on and cameras start rolling.
Most people see the finished program on television, YouTube or social media; or they hear the final voice-over. Very few, however, realize how much time, effort and coordination go into every production. Whether it’s lighting, audio setup and testing, graphics creation, control room preparation, or even the script and production outline, every piece plays an important role.
The truth is that a tremendous amount of technology is at work behind the scenes to make everything appear seamless. When technology is transparent and viewers don’t notice it, that’s usually when it’s working best.
Welcome to the Studio
What viewers see or hear is only a small part of the production process. Most studios contain multiple preview screens that allow operators and directors to frame shots, review graphics, and prepare camera angles before they are broadcast live. Once everything is ready, the director calls for the appropriate camera, graphic, or video source to go live.
Some of the equipment you may find in a modern television or production studio includes:
While viewers may only see a host speaking on camera or a finished video presentation, there is often an entire team and significant technology working together behind the scenes to make the production look effortless. For example, a council member, guest, or actor may move out of frame and it is the production team’s job to ensure the shot remains usable with minimal disruption to the audience—especially in community television environments.
The Control Room: Where the Magic Happens
While the studio floor is where guests, council members, and actors appear, the control room brings all the pieces together to produce a professionally crafted show or broadcast. Think of the control room as the brain of the operation. The control room is where directors, technical directors, audio engineers, and graphics specialists decide what viewers will see and hear, and when they will see or hear it. Did you know that some decisions are made in a matter of seconds to avoid interruptions and maintain the natural flow of a production?
Inside the control room are walls of camera feeds, graphics systems, playback sources, preview screens, remote guest feeds, and sometimes connections to entirely different locations. Every position in the room has a responsibility. Some studios still use camera operators on the floor who receive instructions from the director via headset. Other studios have moved toward remotely controlled PTZ cameras operated directly from the control room.
The audio engineer constantly monitors microphone levels, music, remote audio feeds, and sound effects. The graphics operator prepares titles and visual elements. The technical director instructs the switcher and indicates when changes to camera angles, graphics, and video sources are needed.
Whether your control room has a few people or many, the goal remains the same: create smooth transitions so the audience never has to think about which camera, microphone, or video source is in use.
Lights, Cameras, and Audio
Many people assume the camera is the most important part of a production. While cameras are important, many production professionals will tell you that audio is just as important and, in some situations, even more essential than the video itself. Viewers may tolerate a less-than-perfect camera angle, but poor audio can quickly make a production difficult to watch. That is why microphones, audio mixers, monitoring equipment, and sound checks are critical before any broadcast or recording begins.
Lighting is equally important. Professional lighting helps eliminate shadows, improve image quality, and ensure that hosts and guests appear clear and professional on screen. Proper lighting can completely change the appearance of a production.
Camera placement also requires careful planning. Each shot is selected to help tell a story, maintain viewer interest, and capture the program’s most important parts.
From Recording to Broadcast
Once the production begins, the work continues. Graphics are displayed, cameras are switched, audio is adjusted, and prerecorded segments may be inserted into the show. Depending on the type of production, content may be broadcast live or edited after production. After recording, producers may edit the content, adjust audio levels, add graphics, insert titles, and prepare the final version for distribution.
Today, content may be delivered through traditional television channels, websites, streaming services, YouTube, podcasts, and social media platforms. The technology has changed dramatically over the years, but the goal remains the same: deliver a smooth and engaging experience for the audience. Whether the production is a town council meeting, educational program, interview show, sporting event, podcast, livestream, or community television broadcast, the principles remain the same. Success depends on preparation, communication, technology, and teamwork working together behind the scenes.
Final Thoughts
The next time you watch a television program, community broadcast, online video, or live stream, remember that there is often far more happening behind the scenes than what appears on screen. What viewers experience in a matter of minutes may represent hours of planning, preparation, testing, coordination, and teamwork. While the audience focuses on the people in front of the camera, an entire team and significant technology work together behind the scenes to make the production appear effortless. When everything works properly, viewers never think about the cameras, microphones, graphics systems, or control room. They enjoy the program. One of the most rewarding parts of working in production is watching all of the individual pieces come together. When cameras, audio, graphics, lighting, and people all work together successfully, the audience experiences a smooth and professional presentation without ever realizing how much effort went into making it happen.
Posted: June 30, 2026 by Doug Seidel
TelVue JAG 2026 Conference Recap – AI, Accessibility, Innovation, and Community
by Jesse Lerman- President & CEO, TelVue Corporation
TelVue reconnects with friends, customers, and industry partners at Conference.
Telvue was thrilled to reconnect with friends customers and industry partners at the JAG 2026 Conference. The conference featured timely discussions on AI, accessibility, streaming, and production workflows—subjects that are shaping the future of community media. TelVue participated in several sessions, including the annual TelVue User Group and a panel on AI and PEG: A Transformative Tool.
Highlights of TelVue User Group
At the TelVue User Group, we reviewed key innovations released over the past year, focusing on helping stations save time, improve accessibility, and reach broader audiences. Highlights included:
We appreciate that so many of you attended our User Group. Your feedback was very valuable and helps us prioritize our development roadmap.
AI and PEG discussion
Artificial Intelligence was one of the hottest topics at the conference. During the AI panel discussion, I joined fellow industry leaders to review key trends from NAB and practical applications for AI-powered production, accessibility and workflow automation.
Accessibility remains a major focus as organizations adapt to ADA and WCAG requirements. AI-powered audio description is emerging as an affordable way to make video content more accessible to blind and visually impaired viewers.
Recognition and remembrance at the JAG Awards Dinner
One of the most meaningful moments of this year’s conference took place during the awards presentations. TelVue was grateful to JAG for the opportunity to honor the memory of our friend and colleague, Denise Rolfe. For more than 17 years, Denise worked closely with stations throughout New Jersey and across the country, building lasting relationships and helping customers succeed. Many members of the JAG community knew Denise personally, making it especially meaningful to celebrate her legacy together. JAG also recognized several outstanding individuals for their leadership and contributions to community media. Congratulations to all of this year’s award recipients.
Conference follow up and upcoming innovations
Since the JAG conference, TelVue has been busy working on our next round of innovations and is excited to be unveiling them at the upcoming ACM National Conference:
As the pace of technology and media innovation continues to accelerate, one can only guess what the hot issues will be for next year’s conference, but we can be sure JAG will be ready with the perfect sessions. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year.
Posted: June 30, 2026 by Doug Seidel
Legislative Update June 2026: News from Trenton & Washington and FCC Legislation Changes
by Dave Garb, Legislative Committee Chair
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.
Not only will local authorities have no control of the rights-of-way, but they will also have no negotiating power over any franchise fees. Cable franchise renewals would be eliminated. This would removie the ability of state or local governments to enforce franchise obligations such as build-out, customer service, and PEG. Municipalities will lose hundreds of thousands of dollars annually and they might lose the local programming that provides transparency to the local residents.
The response throughout the country has been very active and very loud. Our partners from the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA), have shared some of the responses from around the country.
Pennsylvania’s report on H.R. 2289 ABDA response from Local Governments from Dan Cohen and the Cohen Law Group:
H.R. 2289 also weakens municipal authority to manage wireless facilities and internet service providers. In addition, it tips the balance of judicial review of municipal actions away from municipalities.
Minnesota report on H.R. 2289 ABDA response from Local Governments and PEG centers from Mike Bradley of Bradley Werner:
Michigan report on H.R. 2289 ABDA response from Local Governments & PEG centers from Mike Watza, Bloom Sluggett:
Washington State report on H.R. 2289 ABDA response of Local Governments & PEG centers via the board of the Washington Association of Telecommunications Officers & Advisors (WATOA):
And right here in New Jersey,
The Harmful Points of H.R. 2289
3 Minute Video on H.R. 2289 Via Dropbox
3 Minute Video on H.R. 2289 Via YouTube
1 Minute Video on H.R. 2289 via Dropbox
1 Minute Video on H.R. 2289 via YouTube
And now JAG has produced a new short video/CG version about the dangers of H.R. 2289:
Alternating the Future of Our Stations – H.R. 2289:
On YouTube
On Google Drive
Please forward ALL these videos to your local, state and federal lawmakers to make everyone aware and informed of the dangers of H.R. 2289 to your local municipalities. Also, please consider airing them on your television channels and other means of communications to keep the members of your community informed.
Posted: May 26, 2026 by Doug Seidel
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.
Reducing model training sharing in ChatGPT.
Before using ChatGPT regularly, review the model’s training settings. A paid subscription is not needed to turn off training participation controls. To instruct ChatGPT not to use your information for training:
You can close and reopen ChatGPT afterward to verify that the setting remained disabled. This setting only needs to be configured once on the account and typically applies across both the app and website experience.
Common uses of each AI platform.
ChatGPT, which stands for Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer, was introduced in 2022, and since then, many enhancements have been made to the platform. ChatGPT has often been used to help individuals and companies brainstorm ideas across creativity, marketing, strategy, technical explanations, coding assistance, conversational business tasks, role-play scenarios, document generation, and even image generation.
Many people found ChatGPT to be highly flexible across many topic areas. ChatGPT often strikes a strong balance between creativity and logical structure. That is one reason businesses use it for workflow planning, brainstorming, and productivity support. Many high school and college students also use AI tools to better understand material, generate practice questions, and reinforce concepts while studying.
A big concern with ChatGPT (or any AI generator) is that responses can appear highly confident even when information may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. AI should never be treated as the sole source for legal, medical, financial, compliance, or other critical decisions. Information should always be independently verified.
Claude, developed by Anthropic, is popular among users who work heavily with long documents, research material, summaries, and structured writing. Many users appreciate Claude’s ability to handle large amounts of text while maintaining organization and readability throughout responses. Claude is often well-suited for:
One reason many users enjoy Claude is that the responses often feel calm, methodical, and highly structured. It is particularly useful when working through large blocks of information that require careful organization.
Just as with ChatGPT, users should still avoid uploading highly confidential information, financial records, passwords, medical records, or sensitive business data to the platform.
Microsoft Copilot operates somewhat differently because it is deeply integrated into the Microsoft ecosystem. Many businesses that already use Microsoft 365 have begun incorporating Copilot into Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and other workplace tools. Microsoft Copilot is often best suited for:
The advantage of Copilot is its ability to interact directly with tools many organizations already use daily. This makes it especially attractive in business and enterprise environments.
However, users should understand the difference between consumer and enterprise environments. Organizational policies, permissions, retention settings, and connected file access may all impact how data is handled within business environments.
Some important considerations for using AI responsibly.
No matter which AI platform you use, users should never assume AI systems are like private, encrypted vaults. AI systems are designed to process information, but policies, settings, and retention rules may evolve. Good habits when using any AI platform include:
Each AI platform has strengths depending on the task:
The future is not about replacing people with AI. It is about understanding where AI helps, where it falls short, and how to use it responsibly.
Posted: May 26, 2026 by Doug Seidel
Celebrating local excellence: A look back at the 2026 JAG Awards Banquet
By Connor Cheung, Chair, JAG Awards Committee
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.
This year’s competition was easily one of our toughest yet. We received outstanding entries from 26 different organizations across the state. The sheer variety and quality of the stories being told in our communities right now is amazing. From deeply researched local documentaries and high-production sports broadcasts to crucial town hall updates; the work on display proved that local stations are more vital to our neighborhoods than ever before.
While the competition was fierce, the spirit of the night was all about celebrating our collective hustle. We know the long hours, the frozen football games, the late-night council meetings, and the endless editing sessions that go into making these productions happen. Seeing those clips up on the big screen with everyone cheering each other on was a great reminder of why we do what we do.
Before we officially close the book on the 2026 awards, we want to extend a massive thank you to the JAG Awards Committee—Elio, George, Dave, and Valerie—for the countless hours they spent behind the scenes coordinating the judging, scores, and logistics. We also want to thank Bob Duthaler and the entire JAG Board for putting together another fantastic conference kickoff.
To everyone who entered, congratulations. Whether you took home a first-place trophy or placed in the top three of a highly competitive category, you are doing incredible work for your community.
The full list of winners will be available on the JAG website. Have a great summer, keep telling those stories, and we can’t wait to see what you produce for next year’s awards!
Posted: May 26, 2026 by Doug Seidel
Legislative Update May 2026: News from Trenton & Washington and FCC Legislation Changes
by Dave Garb, Legislative Committee Chair
A Visit to Our Nation’s Capital to Bring Awareness of HR 2289
Last month we explored the threat of HR 2289 (the federal preemption of local franchising rights for state and local government) and the provisions included within it. If it were to pass, major funding and distribution mechanisms of community television in the US would effectively end.
To try stopping this bill from being enacted, JAG Legislative Committee Member Eddie Cologna and I went to Washington, DC to work with our national partner, the ACM (Alliance for Community Media). Together, we attempted to make our voices heard about why HR 2289 needs to be defeated.
We visited many of New Jersey’s Representatives and our two United States Senators. Along with ACM President Mike Wassenaar, we spoke to members of Congress to make them aware of the situation while leaving detailed information on this act and about the work all of us do in our communities and why our PEG channels are important to our residents.
One of the highlights of this trip was a special visit and encouraging remarks from FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez and her huge support for Community Television. Her remarks are below:
“Good morning, everyone. Thank you to the Alliance for Community Media for inviting me to speak to you ahead of your Hill Day. As I look around this room, I am reminded of the incredible responsibility—and privilege—we share. Each of us is entrusted with a mission that goes far beyond the technicalities of broadcasting or the logistics of running media channels. We are here because we care deeply about the voices and stories of our communities. We are here because we know that access to meaningful information is essential for every American—not just as a matter of convenience, but as a cornerstone of our democracy.
Days such as today serve as powerful reminders of why our work matters. When we gather as advocates, professionals, and citizens, we reaffirm our commitment to making sure that no voice is overlooked, that every story has a place, and that information crucial to everyday life is accessible to everyone. In a time when national news can feel overwhelming and distant, it is local media that brings us together, reflecting the issues, the triumphs, and the challenges closest to home.
The Alliance for Community Media has a long and distinguished history—one defined by service, advocacy, and impact. Representing more than 1,700 Public, Educational, and Government organizations across the country, the Alliance provides the backbone to local media efforts. These organizations serve as lifelines for information, culture, and civic engagement. They are the trusted outlets through which schools share updates, religious institutions reach out to congregations, colleges highlight achievements, and government officials communicate vital policies. And beyond these formal roles, community media offers a stage for countless community groups—from youth organizations to senior centers—to connect, to inform, and to inspire.
What you do together is not merely about broadcasting content. Your work is fundamentally about building bridges—between neighbors, across generations, and among citizens and the institutions that serve them. These bridges form the infrastructure of a healthy society, constructed not with bricks and mortar, but with stories, conversations, and connections.
Our towns and cities are enriched by the stories you share. Whether it’s a high school sports game, a city council debate, a faith-based event, or a new art exhibit, community media captures experiences that shape our lives. This programming informs, empowers, educates, and strengthens our democracy by keeping residents connected and informed about local issues that matter.
And this brings us directly to the First Amendment—the very foundation on which community media stands. Truly local broadcasters ensure that every day Americans have a platform to share their voices and perspectives. They illuminate the diversity of viewpoints that make our nation vibrant, especially at a time when national narratives can overshadow local realities.
But today, that First Amendment foundation is trembling. Across the country, we have witnessed an unprecedented series of attacks—coordinated efforts by the federal government to censor, control, and silence those who dissent. Last year, I launched a First Amendment tour to fight back against this campaign of censorship and control. On that tour, which is ongoing, I have heard from Americans who do not typically engage with the FCC yet feel the consequences of these threats to free expression every day.
Those threats are not hypothetical—they are ongoing and they are escalating. Most disturbingly, the power to revoke a broadcast license—meant to ensure service to communities—is being weaponized to threaten stations that air news the Administration dislikes. That is not regulation. That is punitive censorship. When licenses become tools of coercion, the very concept of a free press is washed away.
We have seen frivolous news distortion complaints used to pressure newsrooms. We have seen the power to derail mergers wielded to reshape editorial independence. The clearest example is the Paramount-Skydance merger, approved only after companies agreed to unprecedented concessions that subjected newsrooms to government-approved editorial oversight. That goes directly against the First Amendment. I dissented. And I will continue to speak out whenever government coercion threatens free expression.
Paramount’s capitulation—to avoid conflict with the Administration, to trade independence for a payout—comes at the expense of the American public. The company agreed to government influence over newsroom decisions and accepted a so-called “truth monitor” at CBS to ensure journalists do not criticize the Administration. This is a direct violation of both the First Amendment and long-standing legal precedent.
But the Commission is not stopping there. It is now taking actions to change the rules of the game entirely. The FCC used a bureau-level waiver to override Congressionally established ownership caps that protect localism, competition, and viewpoint diversity. There is a court fight going on as we speak about the lawfulness of these actions, but what is clear is that elimination of these caps would allow massive consolidation—reducing the number of voices in our media ecosystem, shuttering local newsrooms, and weakening communities in the process. Each newly consolidated newsroom represents a narrowing of public discourse.
Notably, while outlets deemed critical of this Administration are threatened with investigations, defunding, or license revocation, others that are viewed favorably by this Administration—are being quietly fast-tracked through regulatory processes, through a shortcut I call the Billionaire Buddy Bypass. This is not about reducing bias or strengthening journalism. It is about engineering an echo chamber. It is viewpoint control, plain and simple.
But we are not powerless. Community media stands on the front lines of this fight. You have always championed localism and diversity of thought. You have always served your communities—not the government, not political interests, not corporate conglomerates. And your work is essential now more than ever.
When community media thrives, our democracy thrives. When people have access to trusted local information—about schools, faith communities, civic events, and public safety — they become engaged participants in their own governance. When they have a platform to share their voices, they become stewards of their own future.
You are the architects of opportunity, creating the spaces where new ideas flourish and where all residents can be heard. But make no mistake: your ability to continue this work depends on the survival of a truly free press, protected from government coercion and political interference. That is why it is essential that you speak up, push back, and advocate fiercely—not only for your own organizations, but for the constitutional principles that enable your work. Because if the First Amendment is to mean anything at all, it must mean that no government—regardless of party—gets to decide what is true, who gets heard, or which voices are silenced.
Thank you for your commitment, your courage, and your unwavering belief in the power of community and free expression. The road ahead will not be easy. But together—steadfast, determined, and united—we can defend the First Amendment and preserve a media landscape that serves all Americans.”
Our struggle with this bill is far from over. Each of us must continue to be the messengers of why this bill is dangerous and do what we can to help defeat it.
The Harmful Points of H.R. 2289
1 Minute Overview of this Act.
David Garb, Legislative Chair. Doug Seidel, President
Jersey Access Group Jersey Access Group
davegarb@paps.net dseidel@piscatawaynj.org
Bob Duthaler, Former President Mike Wassenaar, President
Jersey Access Group Alliance for Community Media
bduthaler@jagonline.org mwassenaar@allcommunitymedia.org
Posted: April 28, 2026 by Doug Seidel
Why Some Stories Make the News, and Others Don’t
by John C. Morley, Independent Producer
Having been in the media for many years, I often hear from people who want their stories covered. The reality is that while something may be important to you, it may not be considered newsworthy by local or national outlets.
People reach out about birthdays, grand openings, new recipes, or personal accomplishments. All of those things matter on a personal level, but not everything meets the threshold for news coverage. That does not make those moments any less meaningful. It simply reflects how the media decides what to focus on. Let’s take a closer look at what makes something newsworthy and why some stories get covered while others do not.
Note that repeatedly reaching out to media outlets rarely improves the chances of coverage. In fact, it can have the opposite effect. Every day, countless events and stories unfold, but only a small number are selected.
So, what determines whether a story gets picked up? From experience, it comes down to a few key factors. Understanding how media outlets think is not as complicated as it may seem. You just have to look at it from their perspective for a moment.
A story usually affects more than just one person. Media outlets look for stories that impact a group, an organization, or a broader community. The larger the relevance, the more likely it is to be considered.
Timing also plays a major role. A story that happened days or weeks ago is far less likely to be covered than something happening right now. News, by nature, is immediate.
Relevance is just as important. A story may be meaningful to you, your family, or your friends, but the question is whether it connects to a wider audience. Would others find it useful, interesting, or worth paying attention to? Stories that show some form of change or impact tend to stand out. If something led to a result, solved a problem, or influenced a group of people, it becomes easier to understand why it matters.
Human interest also plays a role. People connect with people. When a story includes real experiences, voices, or perspectives, it becomes more engaging and easier to follow.
Practical considerations matter as well. If a story falls outside a media outlet’s coverage area, it will usually not be considered. Even when a story meets many of these factors, it may still not get covered due to limited staffing or available resources.
In the end, the media does not simply report everything that happens. It selects what to highlight based on relevance, timing, impact, and connection. Understanding that process helps explain why some stories are covered while others are not.
Just as important as knowing what gets picked up by the media is understanding what will likely be passed over. In many cases, the reasons are straightforward:
In many situations, the idea itself is not bad. It is just not the right fit at the right time.
One final point that often confuses is the difference between community access stations, local public stations, and national media.
Community access stations are designed to give residents a voice. They provide a platform for local individuals and organizations to share information, ideas, and experiences. The focus is on access and participation rather than broad reach.
Local public stations operate differently. They typically produce more structured programming and may focus on education, public interest topics, and community coverage. While they serve local audiences, the content is usually developed by the station rather than the general public.
National media operates on a much larger scale. It focuses on stories that affect large populations and often prioritizes topics with widespread impact. The audience is broad, and the coverage is designed to reach across regions rather than focus on a single community.
Each serves a different purpose. Community access focuses on participation, local public stations focus on structured local programming, and national media focus on scale and reach. Each plays a different role in how people receive and understand information.
Posted: April 28, 2026 by Doug Seidel
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.
A major highlight is the expansion of the LITE series, designed to bring DeSisti’s optical quality and reliability to more budget-conscious markets such as education, public access, and government production. Among the new additions is the F4.7-LITE, a compact 40-watt Fresnel featuring a true 4.7-inch borosilicate glass lens. Available in tungsten (3200K), daylight (5600K), and variable white (2700K–6500K), the fixture uses DeSisti’s patented optical system to deliver higher output with lower power consumption. Its compact size and compatibility with existing F4.7 and Magis accessories make it particularly well suited for smaller studios and low grid heights.
The updated F6-LITE builds on this approach with increased power, now featuring an 80-watt LED array. It maintains full compatibility with standard F6 Fresnel accessories and even legacy 1000-watt tungsten Leonardo fixtures, providing an easy upgrade path for facilities transitioning to LED. Like the F4.7-LITE, it is offered in multiple color temperature configurations to suit a wide range of production needs.
In soft lighting, DeSisti introduces the SoftLED2-LITE, reengineered for higher output while consuming just 120 watts, along with the new SoftLED1-LITE, a 60-watt half-size version. These fixtures deliver even, high-quality illumination with excellent CRI/TLCI performance, making them ideal for multi-camera studio environments. Notably, all LITE series fixtures are completely fanless, using passive cooling to ensure silent operation—an essential feature for broadcast applications.
Beyond the LITE series, DeSisti is also debuting the GIOTTO Linear cyclorama light, a high-efficiency LED solution designed for even, controlled cyc illumination. Available in both variable white and extended color versions, the fixture features an asymmetrical optical system that minimizes light spill while maintaining uniform coverage. Its 48-inch form factor allows fewer units to be used compared to traditional cyc lights, improving both efficiency and setup simplicity.
Perhaps the most groundbreaking introduction is the GALILEO SOFT-NEL, a completely new lighting concept that rethinks traditional studio lighting techniques. By combining a central Fresnel hard light with a surrounding soft-light ring in a single coaxial system, GALILEO enables continuous control of shadow quality without changing fixture position. This patented dual-source architecture introduces what DeSisti calls “Intelli-Shadow,” allowing lighting designers to fine-tune shadow characteristics while maintaining a consistent beam axis. With independent control of intensity and color temperature for both sources, GALILEO consolidates what previously required multiple fixtures into one highly versatile tool.
Across all these new products, DeSisti emphasizes ease of use with intuitive onboard controls, DMX integration, and daisy-chainable power and data connections. The result is a lineup that not only advances lighting technology but also addresses the practical needs of today’s production environments. Together, these new products position DeSisti at the forefront of LED lighting innovation, offering solutions that are not only more efficient and affordable, but also more adaptable to the evolving demands of broadcast and content creation.