by Julie Gallanty, Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance
Supporting young people today, creates a stronger, more vibrant tomorrow At the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance, our mission is simple yet powerful: to strengthen our communities by bringing people together to improve lives and inspire positive change. We lead a coalition of 30 independent YMCAs associations to advocate for the funding, programs, and resources that allow local Ys across the state to thrive. Through our collective efforts, we can amplify our impact, ensuring that communities throughout New Jersey have access to services that foster youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
One of the Alliance’s key priorities is nurturing the potential of young people by providing them with opportunities to grow as engaged citizens and future leaders. Our Youth and Government (YAG) program is a prime example of how we bring this commitment to life through hands-on experiential learning. YAG is a civic engagement initiative designed to inspire and equip high school and middle school students with the tools they need to understand and participate in the democratic process. Each year, students take on the roles of elected officials, judges, lobbyists, journalists, and more as they come together to debate and pass mock legislation.
The experience cultivates essential skills such as public speaking, critical thinking, and collaboration. Beyond that, it empowers young people to find their voice and recognize their capacity to effect change in their communities. This program is transformative, but access has not always been equitable. That is why I am especially proud to share that the Alliance secured funding in the state budget to expand YAG. Thanks to this support, we can ensure that more students from underserved communities have the opportunity to participate in this enriching experience.
In addition to funding for YAG, we successfully advocated for continued support of our Safety Around Water program, which teaches critical water safety and swimming skills to children and people of all ages. This program addresses a serious public health issue—drowning remains one of the leading causes of death for children. By equipping young people with lifesaving skills, we help protect them and foster confidence both in and out of the water.
Students from across the New Jersey are preparing for this year’s YAG pre-legislation conference: March 23, 2025 at Rider University and the main conference April 25–27, 2025 at the East Brunswick Hilton. We expect up to 425 student participants—each bringing unique perspectives and a shared dedication to public service. The main conference is a culminating event where students put months of preparation into action, presenting their ideas, debating policy, and building lifelong connections.
We are also excited to welcome our new Youth Engagement Director, Jessica Mulkey, who will oversee and strengthen this statewide initiative. Her leadership will be instrumental in expanding the reach of YAG and other civic programs that encourage young people to take an active role in shaping the future of their communities.
At the Y, we believe that when we support young people today, we create a stronger, more vibrant tomorrow. But we cannot do this work alone. We invite members of the Jersey Access Group to join us in raising awareness of the invaluable role local YMCAs play in strengthening communities. Your ability to connect with your audiences through local programming and outreach is a vital tool in amplifying our message and extending our reach.
There are many ways you can support our efforts. By advocating for your local YMCA and our statewide programs, you help secure the partnerships and funding needed to sustain our work. We also encourage you to explore volunteer opportunities at your local Y. Whether serving as a mentor, assisting with programs, or sharing your expertise, your involvement can have a profound impact on the lives of others. Together, we can empower young people to lead with integrity, inspire healthy lifestyles, and foster strong, resilient communities. Thank you for your partnership in this important mission.
For more information about the YMCA or to learn how you can get involved, please visit our website at www.njymca.org, or reach out to your local YMCA. Our new Youth Engagement Director Jessica is also happy to answer any questions about the upcoming YAG pre-legislation conference and main conference (registration for both begins Jan. 20.) She can be reached at jmulkey@njymca.org.
Let’s work together to ensure every young person in New Jersey has the chance to thrive and realize their full potential.
To be honest, this is written with help from Chat GPT 4.0
Friends and colleagues, two years ago a famous producer and director, Luis Santos from Argentina, told me that artificial intelligence (AI) in video production is not going to make video people obsolete, but those that don’t embrace AI, will become obsolete. At first, I fought hard against using AI. I still avoid being lazy and letting AI make all the creative decisions for me. But, similar to how a word processor with dictionary and grammar check made the typewriter a tool of the past, AI is like a smart assistant that doesn’t know all the answers, but can help in many ways.
At Newark TV, our mission is to serve New Jersey’s largest city by providing the community with local news, public service announcements (PSAs), education, and government information. As a PEG station, we operate on a tight budget and every decision we make must count. So, when AI became a viable option for streamlining our operations, we didn’t hesitate to dive in. From creating PSAs to managing budgets and even coming up with new content ideas, AI has been a time-saver. As the station manager, I’ve seen firsthand how tools like ChatGPT and other AI-powered platforms have transformed the way we work. These tools are somewhat affordable, easy to use, and incredibly powerful—helping us produce content faster and more efficiently without sacrificing quality. But while they’re useful, I also know that AI is still evolving, so we always double-check the work to ensure it’s accurate. Here’s a look at how AI is helping Newark TV get things done.
AI for Writing PSAs: Speed, Simplicity, and Impact
One of the main functions of Newark TV is creating PSAs that keep our residents informed about local events, public health, safety, and citywide initiatives. Writing these announcements used to be a long process that involved multiple drafts, reviews, and reworking the message to get it just right. But since we started using AI, particularly ChatGPT, things have moved much faster.
Let’s say we need to write a PSA about a local vaccination clinic or a change in trash pickup schedules. Instead of starting from scratch, we can input some basic info into ChatGPT, and it generates a draft in minutes. Of course, we still review it, tweak the tone, and make sure the message is clear and concise, but the bulk of the work is done. And the best part is we can easily generate different versions of the same message to see which one resonates best with our audience.
We’ve even used AI to help us come up with fresh ideas for PSAs. Sometimes we hit a creative wall, but with ChatGPT, we can throw in a few keywords related to community events or public health and get a variety of angles we can work with. It’s like having a brainstorming partner who’s available 24/7.
Brainstorming Content Ideas: AI Sparks Creativity
One of the trickiest parts of working in local TV is coming up with new content ideas. What will grab the audience’s attention? What are people talking about? At Newark TV, we’re always looking for ways to make our programming fresh and relevant. That’s where AI has also been helpful.
For example, we often need to develop content around local issues like education, community outreach, or city government. Using ChatGPT, we can input general topics (like “Newark schools” or “local arts initiatives”) and get a list of show ideas and story angles in seconds. Sometimes it’s as simple as asking AI for a few ideas, then it gives us prompts that we would never have thought of on our own.
We also use AI for research. Let’s say we’re working on a segment about local housing issues. Instead of spending hours researching, we can ask AI to summarize articles, pull up statistics, and even suggest interview questions based on what’s trending. It doesn’t replace the hard work of real investigative journalism, but it helps speed up the research process and gives us a strong foundation to build on.
Streamlining Budgets: AI Keeps Us on Track
Running a PEG station means managing tight budgets, and every penny counts. AI is making it easier to track expenses and allocate resources efficiently. We’ve been using AI-powered tools for everything from calculating production costs to forecasting upcoming expenses. For instance, AI helps us figure out where we can cut costs without affecting the quality of our content. It looks at things like equipment use and staffing levels then it offers suggestions for improvement. This has been especially useful for ensuring we stay within budget without sacrificing production quality.
AI also helps with scheduling and resource management. We track how long it typically takes to produce different types of shows or PSAs. AI uses that data to recommend more efficient workflows. It’s like having an assistant who always knows the best way to prioritize projects to maximize our time and resources.
Improving Accessibility: AI-Driven Captioning
Another area where AI has been indispensable is accessibility. PEG Stations are committed to making our content accessible to all, including those with hearing impairments. AI-driven captioning tools have been a huge help in ensuring that edited programs are fully captioned. These tools have come a long way, and while they’re not perfect, they’re a significant improvement over manual captioning, which could take hours.
The heart of AI captioning is the software that transcribes and synchronizes the audio with the video. AI-driven captioning tools typically use speech recognition models to transcribe dialogue and sync it with the visual feed in real time or post-production.
Some popular AI captioning software solutions for PEG TV stations include:
• Rev: Rev is an AI-powered transcription service that offers automated captioning and human-edited captions for greater accuracy. The platform supports both live captions and captions for recorded content. It’s ideal for PEG TV stations looking to serve a variety of content types. Rev provides affordable options for smaller stations and allows for quick integration with video production software. • Descript: Descript is a powerful tool that not only offers transcription, but also lets you edit video by editing the transcript. It’s useful for creating captions for pre-recorded content. Descript’s AI-driven platform can also help with real-time captions when integrated with live streaming platforms. • Otter.ai: Otter.ai is known for its speech-to-text capabilities and can provide real-time captions for live broadcasts. This platform is popular for its accuracy and ease of use It allows users to quickly edit transcriptions and captions. It’s a good solution for stations with limited resources that want an affordable, reliable AI-powered captioning option. • Enco: Enco is a highly regarded AI-powered captioning solution designed specifically for broadcast and live TV environments. Enco’s EnCaption system uses automatic speech recognition (ASR) to generate real-time captions for live broadcasts. It’s especially popular among PEG stations due to its reliable, real-time captioning capabilities and cost-effective solutions. Enco also integrates seamlessly with broadcast equipment and supports caption embedding for TV signals. Its EnCaption4 system offers cloud-based captioning that enables flexibility and scalability for stations with varying needs. Enco’s solutions are noted for high accuracy. It also offers features like multilingual captioning, which is essential in diverse communities. • StreamText: For live broadcasts, StreamText is a leading solutions that provides real-time captioning. It is widely used by broadcast stations to ensure accessibility for live streaming, including government meetings and public service events. The system integrates with live video feeds and provides accurate captions in real time. • AI-Media: AI-Media provides both real-time captioning for live content and post-production captioning services. It’s designed for broadcast, streaming, and on-demand content. This makes it a solid option for PEG stations with high-volume live programming. AI-Media is particularly useful in local government and educational settings where real-time communication is crucial.
AI for Video Production: Enhancing the Creative Process
In addition to ChatGPT, we’ve also embraced other AI tools that have helped us streamline video production, automate tasks, and enhance our creativity. Here are a few examples:
Descript: Automatic Video Transcription and Editing. Descript is an interesting tool for simplifying video production. It uses AI to transcribe audio into text. This allows us to quickly edit video content by simply editing the transcript. Need to remove an awkward pause or an “um”? Just highlight the word in the transcript and delete it. Descript automatically cuts the corresponding section of video. It also features tools for overdubbing, which means if someone flubbed a line, we can type the corrected text and Descript will synthesize the voice to match the original speaker. This makes post-production much faster, saving us hours of editing time.
Pexels AI for Video Clips and Stock Footage. Sometimes, it’s hard to get the perfect footage for a story. AI tools like Pexels help solve that problem. Pexels’ AI-powered platform offers a vast library of free stock video footage, and the best part is that the AI engine can suggest clips based on the subject or mood we’re going for. If we’re working on a PSA about environmental awareness and need relevant B-roll, Pexels can help us find high-quality video clips that fit seamlessly into our story. Of course this is no substitute for your library of stock footage, but in a pinch, you got a fix.
Magisto: AI Video Editing Software. Magisto is another AI tool that simplifies the video editing process. With its smart editing features, it analyzes the footage we upload and automatically creates polished videos based on our preferred style. Whether we’re working on a community event highlight or a promotional video for an upcoming government meeting, Magisto saves time by trimming and arranging clips according to the style we select. It even adjusts the pacing and includes music to enhance the overall impact. While we still fine-tune the final product, Magisto does a lot of the heavy lifting.
Runway: AI-Powered Visual Effects. When we need to add visual effects to a project, Runway is an incredible tool that simplifies what used to be a labor-intensive process. Runway’s AI tools allow us to apply advanced visual effects, such as background removal or automatic color correction, with a few clicks. This has been particularly useful for interviews or on-location shoots where lighting conditions aren’t ideal. It saves us from having to use complex software like Adobe After Effects for every single edit and allows us to produce high-quality videos quickly.
The Importance of Human Oversight
While AI has been a huge asset, I want to stress that it’s not perfect. Like any technology, AI is still evolving, and sometimes it produces results that need to be tweaked or corrected. For example, while ChatGPT is great for drafting content, it’s not always spot-on with local references or the finer details. That’s why we always review and edit everything generated by AI before it goes live.
At Newark TV, we’ve learned to use AI as a tool to assist with efficiency, but we always apply a human touch when it comes to accuracy and relevance. Our team has decades of experience in local television, and we rely on our judgment to ensure the final product reflects our community’s needs and values.
With new AI tools being developed all the time, we’re always learning and adapting. We regularly test out new platforms to see what works best for us, but we never lose sight of the fact that technology is just a tool. The real value comes from how we use it to enhance the work we do for our community.
Conclusion
As the station manager, I’ve seen how AI has transformed the way we run Newark TV. From writing PSAs and brainstorming new content ideas to managing budgets and improving accessibility, AI is helping us operate more efficiently and serve our community better. But, we also understand that these tools aren’t foolproof.
While AI can help us work smarter, we always ensure that human oversight and local knowledge guide everything we produce. It’s the combination of cutting-edge technology and dedicated people that makes Newark TV thrive—and I’m excited to see how these tools will continue to evolve and enhance our programming in the years to come.
In December, we were given a lot to think about as the new administration took charge of our nation’s capital. One of the main focuses we had been following is where the FCC might be directing their attentions. The digital divide (BEAD), big tech scrutiny, national security (TikTok), DEI, and net neutrality, are tops on their list.
From The FCC
At the beginning of January, net neutrality rules began to take one of these directions. The Sixth Circuit overturned the Federal Communications Commission’s net neutrality rules. They found that commercial broadband providers cannot be regulated as telecommunications common carriers. They proclaimed that the FCC “lacks the statutory authority” to impose its net neutrality policies, which are designed to prevent slowing or blocking web traffic.
The appeals court further ruled that internet service providers offer only an “information service” under federal law, “and therefore, the FCC lacks the authority to impose its desired net-neutrality policies through the ‘telecommunications service provision of the Communications Act.”
FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel, in response to this decision, said lawmakers need to finally resolve the issue. The FCC has argued on how to classify broadband under federal law since the early 2000s. “Consumers across the country have told us again and again that they want an internet that is fast, open, and fair. It is clear that Congress now needs to take up the charge for net neutrality and put open internet principles into federal law.” The FCC will be unable to classify broadband providers under the act’s Title II, which covers telecommunications services like phone companies. Instead, they will remain as much more lightly regulated Title I information services.
Andrew Jay Schwartzman, who represented the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society and the Media Alliance as intervenors supporting the FCC, said the panel’s decision “misreads” the act and “deprives the FCC of the power to protect national security, ensure that competitive broadband suppliers can have access to necessary distribution outlets, and endangers wireless access programs for low-income consumers. This is bad for consumers, for businesses that rely on the internet, and for protecting broadband networks from intrusions by nation states.”
From NATOA
On December 31st, the FCC’s Report and Order adopted new rules requiring cable operators and DBS providers to report to the FCC any blackouts of TV stations on their systems that *last more than 24 hours and *are caused by an impasse in retransmission consent negotiations. This also creates a centralized, Commission-hosted database of basic blackout information that can increase the public’s transparency and insight into the frequency and duration of broadcast station blackouts.
Need for the Rules:
Blackouts are the unfortunate result of failed retransmission consent negotiations. We conclude that a reporting requirement is necessary to provide information that will enable the Commission to assess the functioning of the retransmission consent process, including the effects of blackouts on competition and consumers and inform Congress. At the outset, we note that the incidence of and number of subscribers affected by retransmission-consent-related blackouts appear to be increasing. As discussed in the NPRM, over the past decade and a half, anecdotal data suggests that the number of blackouts resulting from unsuccessful retransmission consent negotiations has increased dramatically, and the impact of each individual blackout has increased as more stations are taken off the air for longer periods of time.18 Even in recent years, as broadcast station group mergers and COVID-19- related delays have led to fewer retransmission consent agreements coming up for renewal in any given year, “the impact on subscribers has remained high.”19 S&P Capital IQ reports that “[retransmission consent] agreements impact more video subscribers than ever before, making blackouts a tough pill to swallow for those involved,” and that “[s]ports like NFL football are usually major contention points in negotiations, and many retrans deals are struck before NFL game days or even [before the Super Bowl].”20 For example, in 2023, the dispute Page 4 between Nexstar and DirecTV resulted in a blackout for millions of DirecTV subscribers of “more than 170 local stations across 120 metropolitan areas such as L.A., Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Denver.”21 DirecTV subscribers in markets with Nexstar owned broadcast stations (which includes stations airing ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, and CW network programming) lost access to those stations ’local and national broadcast programming for 76 days.22 The blackout ended “when the two sides agreed to terms just two weeks after the NFL season had begun.
From The ACM:
On January 6, 2025, The Free State Foundation published an article from one of their Adjunct Senior Fellows and former FCC Commissioner, Michael O’Rielly. It is titled “DOGE Shouldn’t’t Overlook the Outdated Video Regulations” DOGE is the new Department of Government Efficiency. Here are some excerpts from this worrisome article:
Comparing today’s video environment to its predecessor is like comparing space travel to a donkey ride. Consumers now have at their fingertips a vast array of video programming choices. Traditional programming includes hundreds upon hundreds of cable channels, over-the-air broadcasters with multiple sub-channels, and the addition of two more television networks. But this pales in comparison to the immeasurable video content available for streaming or downloading.
Part of the reason for the acceleration away from traditional video distribution models of cable or satellite is attributable to the government. Certainly, the ease of technology and Gen Z ’s viewing habits are major culprits, but old government burdens in law and regulation governed by my previous institution, the Federal Communications Commission, make it economically smart to ditch the “cable provider” morass. That ’s why DOGE should focus a target on burning most of this deadwood.
Despite any pushback by narrow constituencies, there can be no justification for keeping current burdens when providers can and should escape to new business models in response. And it would be ridiculous to impose these tedious and expensive burdens on new video offerings. Can anyone imagine policymakers arguing that the space-wasteful and unwatched public access programming must be included on YouTube or Meta’s Reels?
For those of you who are beginning to get agitated by this, the ACM continued by reminding us of three interesting facts about former Commissioner O’Rielly.
He was not renominated by Donald Trump. So it’s not like he’s favored by the Trump administration or by Trump himself.
He got in some trouble, specifically, in 2019 and 2020 for violating the Hatch Act by endorsing Trump during the course of an FCC proceeding.
He’s probably most well known in our field for being one of the key leaders of the 621 order itself that happened in 2019.
Time will tell if anything will ever come of this. But it pays for all of us to keep an eye out for future articles
JAG (Jersey Access Group) is an organization that advocates, promotes, and preserves the right to media production, distribution, civic engagement, and education in support of diverse community voices, through Public, Educational and Government access facilities and other forms of media.
As we step into the New Year, I want to take a moment to reflect on all we’ve accomplished together and to share my excitement for the opportunities ahead. 2025 holds great promise for each of us, and for our organization as a whole. With the fresh start that January brings, we find ourselves not only looking back with pride on our achievements, but also eagerly anticipating what we can achieve together in the months ahead. This year, we’re entering a new chapter for JAG—and it’s a chapter that depends on each of you.
New Year, New JAG
Every new year presents a chance to refresh, to reassess, and to set new goals. But this year, the change we are embarking on is even more profound. JAG is evolving—our programs are expanding, our members are growing, and our impact is deepening. We are excited to launch new initiatives, enhance the programs that already make a difference in the lives of our members, and create new spaces for collaboration, learning, and leadership.
One of the most exciting changes in 2025 is how we’re approaching the future of our community. We are introducing new ways for you to get involved, whether that’s through fresh leadership opportunities, mentoring programs, or committees focused on specific areas of impact. We want each member (whether you’ve been with JAG for years or are new to the community) to feel empowered to shape the direction of our organization.
This is a moment of transformation. With transformation comes shared responsibility. As we build on our successes and create new opportunities, we rely on the energy, ideas, and commitment of our membership. JAG has always been a place of innovation and passion, and I have no doubt that with your involvement, 2025 will be another year of growth, connection, and progress.
Need New Support
While the future looks bright, it is also clear that we cannot move forward without the active support of our members. Whether you’ve been with us for years or are just getting started, we need your involvement now more than ever. Our growth and the impact we have is directly tied to the strength of our community. That means each of you plays a pivotal role in shaping that impact. We are asking for new support across the board in several areas. First and foremost, we need you to help us grow. Our mission continues to expand. We need more hands, more ideas, and more voices at the table. The best way to do this is reaching out to those around you—colleagues, peers, and surrounding communities. Encourage them to join us, to become a part of something bigger than themselves, and to help us continue the work we’ve started.
But perhaps most importantly, we need your expertise and time. Volunteering is at the heart of what makes JAG a unique community. From sharing your insights at a roundtable discussion to mentoring a newer member, your knowledge and experience are invaluable. It’s through these small yet mighty contributions that we build a stronger, more resilient organization. And, these efforts don’t go unnoticed—every hour you contribute and every idea you share strengthens the fabric of the local access community.
Why Your Support Matters
You’ve seen firsthand the incredible work that JAG does. You know that when we come together, we accomplish great things—whether it’s advancing our advocacy initiatives, helping our members reach their goals, or building a stronger network of support. But this kind of impact isn’t something that happens by accident. It’s something we all create through our collective effort.
That’s why I’m asking each of you to think about how you can contribute to JAG’s continued success in 2025. This year, we are striving to achieve more: more members empowered to take on leadership roles, more partnerships that extend our reach, and more opportunities for us to drive change. To do that, we need more than just good intentions—we need active involvement. The success of JAG is not solely dependent on our leadership or our staff—it’s built by the entire membership. Your support (whatever form it takes) is essential.
Looking Ahead: A Year of Bold Action and Impact
The good news is that we are already on a strong path, and as we move forward, I know we will accomplish even greater things together. This year is an opportunity for each of us to contribute in meaningful ways, whether that’s through volunteering, financially supporting JAG, or lending your voice to new projects. Together, we will move forward with purpose, direction, and passion.
In closing, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to all of you who have already given so much to JAG—whether through your time, your energy, or your support. You are the reason why we are here today and you are the key to ensuring that JAG continues to grow, evolve, and thrive. If you’re ready to get involved in a bigger way this year, reach out to us—we’d love to find new ways for you to contribute and engage. Let’s make 2025 a year of bold action, collaboration, and impact. Together, we can strengthen our community, support each other’s growth, and continue to push the boundaries of what we can achieve.
Wishing you all a year filled with growth, purpose, and success. Thank you for being an essential part of the JAG family and local access television!
My journey began with Corel Video Producer when I started editing videos years ago. While it gave me a foundation to experiment and create, it lacked the polish and power of professional-grade software. Later, I tried Adobe Premiere Pro, but the monthly subscription fees didn’t sit well with me. Frustrated and looking for better options, I contacted friends in the film industry. That’s when they introduced me to DaVinci Resolve—and I haven’t looked back since.
The Free Version That Amazes
The moment I downloaded DaVinci Resolve’s free version, I was blown away by how robust and feature-rich it was, all at no cost. Transitioning from Corel Video Producer was surprisingly seamless, and I’ve relied on it ever since. Over time, I upgraded to DaVinci Resolve Studio, but even the free version is a powerhouse packed with tools like professional color grading, seamless editing capabilities, and high-quality exports.
One feature I particularly love is Fairlight Audio, an advanced audio editing tool built into DaVinci Resolve. It’s simple yet powerful—with just a few clicks, you can transform a mono track into a stereo track. Features like this make Resolve stand out as an all-in-one solution for video editing.
Why Upgrade to Studio?
For those looking to take their editing to the next level, DaVinci Resolve Studio is a one-time purchase that unlocks a treasure trove of advanced features, including:
Extensive Color Grading: Enjoy HDR support, luma, HSL, and 3D keyers for intricate color adjustments.
High-Resolution Exports: Export up to 32K and 120 fps, perfect for professional productions.
AI-Powered Tools: The DaVinci Neural Engine brings facial recognition, advanced noise reduction, and automatic object tracking.
Collaborative Editing: Edit simultaneously with teammates using features like timeline locking to prevent workflow conflicts.
Multi-GPU Support: Speed up rendering and playback by tapping into multiple GPUs.
The Power of Fusion
One of my favorite features of DaVinci Resolve is Fusion, its node-based visual effects and motion graphics workspace. Unlike Adobe’s layer-based system, Fusion uses nodes to represent project elements, offering unmatched flexibility and control. While it might feel unfamiliar at first, the creative possibilities are worth the learning curve.
Here’s an example: creating a title in a box using Fusion involves:
Adding a Background Node to set the color or gradient.
Using a Rectangle Mask to define the shape.
Adding a Text Tool to insert your title.
Connecting and merging these components with MediaIn and MediaOut nodes.
Once you get the hang of it, Fusion opens a world of possibilities, from dynamic animations to custom effects.
Why DaVinci Resolve Stands Out
Unlike Adobe Premiere Pro, which often requires additional tools to achieve advanced results, DaVinci Resolve provides an all-in-one editing suite.
Whether you’re a beginner exploring the basics or a seasoned professional looking for precision, the free version is unparalleled, and the Studio upgrade offers incredible value without recurring fees.
My Journey in Education
As someone passionate about technology and education, I teach STEM Electronics for ages 2 through adulthood. If you’re interested in starting or growing your tech skills, visit BelieveMeAchieve.com to check out the JCM Academy, where new understanding electronics classes kick off in January 2025 with new courses each quarter. Did you know we even have a workbook and take-home experiment, too?
Wishing You a Joyous Season
May your holidays this year and always be filled with laughter, peace, and cherished moments. Thank you for reading this article. Keep creating and growing. Let DaVinci Resolve inspire your next masterpiece! Don’t forget to check out my latest JAG Server uploads—these are just a glimpse of the thousands of videos I’ve created and continue to produce.
On October 29th, NATOA held a very interesting webinar pertaining to PEG and the challenges we all will face as we strive to obtain funding for our individual operations and maximize.
Mike Lynch, Legislative & Regulatory Affairs, National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA), started off by affirming that traditional funding for public access, educational and government channels is declining across the country—a fact we are all quite aware of. Transparency is difficult when there isn’t any local journalism. There are news deserts with a lack of local government reporting in many communities across the United States.
PEG services provide essential government transparency so citizens and residents can monitor and give feedback to make sure that we have effective local democracy. A side effect of this is the increase in the efficiency and responsiveness in local government.
Mike Wassenaar, President, the Alliance for Community Media (ACM), emphasized that we also have strong documentation that PEG channels benefit public safety and education. It also provides public health information that benefits communities across the United States. This was most recently demonstrated during the COVID crisis of 2020–2021. We saw documentation across the United States (in both local franchising states and states without local franchising) where community media stepped up to provide people essential information because there were no other outlets providing public health information for the benefit of residents.
Many public access organizations across the United States have been seen as platforms for local political, cultural, and religious expression that should not be undersold. It is a key feature of PEG, even though in many instances, that’s not necessarily the function of community television in that area. Think about the role of our stations in our community as we make the case for continued funding of PEG channels.
Generally, the cable subscription base has been declining about 5% per year since it peaked in 2018. The thing that’s important to note is that this was originally designed as a subsidy for our services. We never anticipated that that model would change over time as technology changes. It’s generally worked for 40 years. Now, we need to think of a new model for funding PEG stations. Broadcasters focus on larger markets. They aren’t focusing specifically on the types of communities that that PEG has been able to target and support.
Mike Bradley of Bradley Werner LLC, continued by saying that we see many of the success stories within the field happening within the exurban or suburban markets across the United States It’s because those are places that have become functional news deserts, even though there may be a broadcaster.
On top of that, there’s a shrinking news window. The amount of news information that a local broadcaster provides has grown smaller and smaller over the course of the last 40 years. So the amount of effort to actually to be able to meet the needs has been decreasing.
Some states have responded to the changing technology landscape by providing new, alternate ways to fund PEG.
Vermont included $1,000,000 to the state budget to support PEG.
Connecticut ended up creating a 5% tax on communication service providers and .25% of that would go towards funding access television.
New York proposed the Community Media Reinvestment Act. Their legislature proposed a 5% tax on satellite and streaming services, and then they proposed to distribute that in three ways.
They would give 1/5 of the money to the state general fund, then 2/5 to local governments, and then another 2/5 to support community media and so you can see this is a way of addressing the decline in franchise fees and pay fees to communities by really taxing the entities that are at least partially responsible for the decline in cable service. So it’s an interesting way of addressing that decline in revenue and it’s absolutely worth considering as we look for alternate funding options.
Massachusetts is proposing to create a peg access Facilities Revenue Advisory Board. That board will recommend an assessment rate and then assess it on gross revenues of streaming operators and that revenue would be used to support access television funding.
Minnesota has created the Equal Access to Broadband Act. It was introduced in House filing 4180. It’s a piece of legislation that’s broader than access television funding—although it included access to television funding that would allow local governments to franchise broadband.
Mike Wassenaar ended the webinar by stressing that now, more than ever, making the case for why what we’re doing is vital to life in our communities, whether it’s for expression or local business, the proper functioning of local democracy, is important! Each of us must know the best case you can make for your PEG channels. It’s extremely important for people to map out the communities of interest that care about what you do. Find the folks in your community that care about local history and culture, and event religious expression. Build relationships with those communities and begin to think about their interests being our interests. Create that list of people who would care if PEG services are not being provided.
More information on PEG funding and the opportunities that are in front of us will be coming in the months ahead. In the meantime consider jotting down your thoughts on why PEG is important to your community and the people you serve. It will help all of us to prepare for our future goals and community needs.
In November, President-Elect Donald Trump selected current FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr to become the next chairman of the board.
In addition to telecom issues, Carr outlined plans to reinterpret Section 230, the law that protects internet platforms from liability for their users’ posts. “While there has been much discussion about whether or not the scope of Section 230 is appropriate, what everyone agrees on is that the authority lies with Congress, not the FCC.”
From Washington Policy Center: Based on Carr’s past and current statements, a large change in the direction of the FCC should be expected. Here are a few key possibilities:
On Net Neutrality: Carr was part of the initial repeal of the net neutrality rules in 2017 and has continued to denounce their reinstatement. “As I’ve argued in the past, the FCC would be wise to avoid reinstating these rules as they overstep the scope of the FCC and create worse outcomes compared to areas that have similar regulations in effect.”
On Digital Divide: Carr has criticized the BEAD program and advocated for federal agencies to auction off spectrum bands for 5G to private actors. This will also likely shift FCC priorities to making pathways for rural areas to take advantage of wider-range, cost-effective approaches like Starlink in favor of spending more to connect fiber networks to these areas.
Big Tech: Alphabet (Google) and Meta (Facebook, Instagram, etc.) have come under scrutiny over political content censorship and de-prioritization. Can Carr thread the needle to protect First Amendment expression without breaking the balance that allows platforms to create desirable spaces? We will see.
National Security: Carr’ stated skepticism over TikTok and other Chinese technology indicates that he will be a proponent to continue the TikTok ban policy, despite free speech concerns. This would be at odds with President-elect Trump’s campaign promise, so it’s yet to be seen if this will be strongly pursued or not.
DEI: The FCC’s latest budget request set diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility as the second highest priority in regard to digital communication and services. Carr has explicitly stated this will no longer be a priority for the commission. His advocacy for bridging the digital divide indicates that digital accessibility will still be a focus, but is much more likely to be strategically pursued by cost, reach, and need, rather than external factors such as race or “social stigma.”
Current FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel congratulated Commissioner Carr by saying:
“I want to congratulate Commissioner Carr on the announcement by the President-elect that he will serve as the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. From his time here, I am confident that Commissioner Carr is familiar with the staff, the responsibilities of this new role, and the importance of continued U.S. leadership in communications.”
In another statement, Rosenworcel announces her departure from the FCC: “Serving at the Federal Communications Commission has been the honor of a lifetime, especially my tenure as Chair and as the first woman in history to be confirmed to lead this agency. I want to thank President Biden for entrusting me with the responsibility to guide the FCC during a time when communications technology is a part of every aspect of civic and commercial life. Taking the oath of office on the street outside of the agency during the height of the pandemic, when so much of our day-to-day moved online, made clear how important the work of the FCC is and how essential it is for us to build a digital future that works for everyone. “I am proud to have served at the FCC alongside some of the hardest working and dedicated public servants I have ever known. Together, we accomplished seemingly impossible feats like setting up the largest broadband affordability program in history—which led to us connecting more than 23 million households to high-speed internet, connecting more than 17 million students caught in the homework gap to hotspots and other devices as learning moved online, putting national security and public safety matters with communications front and center before the agency, and launching the first-ever Space Bureau to support United States leadership in the new Space Age.”
Also in November, JAG’s Treasurer & Legislative Committee Vice Chair., Linda Besink, was contacted by the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits. They had an urgent request asking everyone to Oppose H.R. 9495.
H.R. 9495, the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act,would empower the U.S. Treasury Secretary to unilaterally designate 501(c) organizations as “terrorist supporting organizations” and revoke their tax-exempt status with minimal due process. It would allow the Secretary to bring such accusations without disclosing the evidence behind them and would place the burden of proof on the organization to disprove the allegations.
The Legislative Committee became very curious about this Act. First because we never heard of H.R. 9495 until we were contacted, and secondly, because what this actually would mean to 501 (c) organizations. We reached out to our partners at NATOA and the ACM who both said this has nothing really to do with us and is not its purpose.
Mike Wassenaar, President of the Alliance for Community Media (ACM), further elaborated by saying: “I think the issue relates to non-profits involved with protest – particularly pro-Palestinian protests. The only possible issue I can think that would relate to your members would be giving airtime to organizations identified by such legislation. It’s meant to squelch anti-Israeli rhetoric. The most important thing you can do for this or any other type of speech legislation would be to make sure your policies regarding non-partisan speech are updated and if you are running public access channels, to make sure you are communicating your role as a civic communicator devoted to free speech principles. Also, if it passes, I have no doubt it will be challenged by groups such as the ACLU and Independent Sector. If that comes to pass, we would let you know.” On November 21st, by a vote of 219-184, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 9495. It is now in the hands of the U.S. Senate.
As we approach the end of 2024, I find myself reflecting on the incredible strides we’ve made together at JAG this year. From advocating for local community media to providing resources and networking opportunities for our members, it’s been a year of growth, collaboration, and positive change. I want to thank each of you for your dedication and hard work.
With the holiday season upon us, it’s the perfect time to look ahead and dream big about the future of community media. So, in the spirit of the season, I’ve put together my Holiday Wish List for 2025—my top 10 hopes for what lies ahead for our members, our communities, and the future of access media in New Jersey.
1. Increased Funding for Local Access Channels
My number one wish is for increased, sustainable funding for local access channels. These channels are critical to our communities and provide an essential platform for diverse voices, local news, and educational programming. More funding will ensure that these services continue to thrive for years to come. The way to ensure this is to market your work with both your local government, administration, and community.
2. Stronger Legislative Support for PEG Media
I wish for continued and increased legislative support at the state- and federal-government levels to protect and enhance the work of public, educational, and government (PEG) access media. It’s crucial that lawmakers understand the value of PEG access and work to ensure these channels operate without barriers. Be part of the Legislative Committee and you too can help JAG keep on top of this and help shape legislation in support of our efforts.
3. Expanded Digital Reach
As technology evolves, so too must our media platforms. I hope for expanded digital streaming capabilities and the ability for our members to deliver content across multiple platforms (social media, mobile apps, OTT, and websites) so that we can reach as many people as possible—whenever and wherever they are. Look for this as a session at our annual conference in May 2025.
4. More Collaborative Partnerships
One of the greatest strengths of JAG is the power of collaboration. In 2025, I wish for even more partnerships with schools, libraries, nonprofits, government agencies, and organizational members to create valuable programming and resources for the community. Working together with both the Alliance for Community Media and NATOA. we can amplify our impact.
5. Access to State-of-the-Art Equipment and Technology
I wish for increased access to state-of-the-art production equipment and technology for all our members. With advances in virtual production, live streaming, and mobile video, it’s more important than ever that our stations are equipped to create high-quality content. Let’s make sure everyone learns about and has the tools they need to succeed.
6. Enhanced Professional Development Opportunities
Training and skill development are key to maintaining high standards of programming. I wish for more professional development opportunities in 2025—from workshops and webinars to hands-on training—that empower our members to continue growing in their craft. JAG plans to provide that through our updated conference with a technology forum on day one and a production/management symposium on day two. Save the date of May 14-15, 2025, for our annual event.
7. Recognition of the Importance of Local Content
In the digital age, local programming is more important than ever. I hope for greater recognition of the unique value of community-produced content, from government meetings to hyper-local news. Local media is a pillar of democracy; we must continue to celebrate and elevate it. As members of JAG, you must make this your mission!
8. Stronger Advocacy for Media Access Rights
I wish for a united and stronger voice in advocating for the rights of community access broadcasters. Whether it’s fighting for fair access to cable systems or protecting the free speech rights of local producers, we must stand together to ensure that local media rights are upheld and that our voices are heard. This is the power of the independent producer, the content they create, and the power of JAG to circulate that content.
9. Growth of Community Engagement
I hope for a continued increase in community engagement with JAG member stations. In 2025, let’s find new and innovative ways to involve our viewers in content creation, feedback, and programming decisions. The more connected we are to our communities, the more relevant and impactful our work will be. This is a key role for station managers and cable boards. Let both your local government and community know and understand the value of local access television. This should be part of your marketing plan for each station.
10. A Thriving and Supportive JAG Network
Finally, my biggest wish for 2025 is that JAG continues to grow as a network of support and inspiration for all of us. A thriving JAG means more resources, more collaboration, and more opportunities for our members to succeed. I look forward to seeing our organization and community access television continue to flourish.
As we celebrate this holiday season, I want to take a moment to thank each of you for your unwavering dedication to public access media. Together, we’ve accomplished so much. I’m excited to see what we can achieve in the year ahead. May your holidays be filled with joy, peace, and time spent with those you cherish. Here’s to a bright and successful 2025!
In my journey through various projects, I’ve always believed in the transformative power of media to connect people, foster understanding, and share stories that truly matter. From my earliest endeavors, it became clear that meaningful communication can bridge gaps, spark dialogue, and inspire action. When I discovered JAG’s mission—supporting local communities and preserving access to critical public information—it immediately struck a chord with me. JAG’s steadfast commitment to public, educational, and government (PEG) media aligns perfectly with my passion for creating platforms that amplify diverse voices and foster a sense of unity.
My introduction to JAG happened during a visit to the Oakland TV Group in Oakland, NJ. There, I was not only introduced to their mission, but also witnessed the tangible impact of PEG media on the community. As a content creator submitting to PEG channels, the Oakland TV Group’s team encouraged me to join JAG, highlighting how it could deepen my involvement and enhance my contribution to promoting local media initiatives.
The importance of local media cannot be overstated. It serves as the glue that holds communities together, shaping how they learn, interact, and grow. For nearly eight years as a member of The International Press, I’ve had the honor of engaging with diverse audiences, uncovering compelling stories, and delivering narratives that inspire and motivate. My approach to journalism is grounded in the pursuit of truth. Before my pen hits paper or my camera rolls, I ensure that every fact is thoroughly vetted and every perspective considered. In a media landscape where sensationalism often reigns, with the mantra “if it bleeds, it leads” dominating headlines, I’ve committed myself to champion a different narrative—one that uplifts, instills hope, and encourages people to live their best lives.
JAG is much more than a repository of media resources; it’s a dynamic collective of passionate individuals who are actively shaping the future of local communication. I recently attended my first live JAG meeting, and the experience was nothing short of inspiring. The enthusiasm and dedication of the members were evident. Their collective energy demonstrated a clear commitment to making a meaningful impact on their communities. During the meeting, the president posed an important question: “What would you like to see from JAG in the coming year?” This sparked a lively discussion, with members quickly brainstorming ideas. One standout suggestion was increasing youth involvement in JAG’s initiatives. In real-time, plans were set in motion to engage a local youth organization—a testament to JAG’s proactive and action-oriented approach.
Through my work, I’ve seen firsthand how local media can empower individuals and bring communities closer together. It’s a platform that elevates unheard voices and sheds light on stories that might otherwise go unnoticed. This is why I’m so excited about the opportunity to collaborate with JAG. Together, we can amplify the impact of local media and continue to foster stronger connections within our communities through accessible, engaging, and inspiring content.
As a serial entrepreneur, national talk show host, journalist, and video producer, I’ve worn many hats—and continue to do so. Reflecting on my journey, I could never have imagined that starting my first company over 31 years ago would set the stage for a lifelong serial entrepreneurial path. My focus has always been on solving challenges—whether by launching innovative business ventures or creating impactful media content. Today, as the host of Inspirations for Your Life, a daily talk show with over 175,000 downloads, and The JMOR Tech Talk Show with close 15,000 downloads I am privileged to share powerful insights that help individuals unlock their full potential. My content is widely shared by schools and cable stations, offering a blend of value, truth, and inspiration with the power to transform lives. If you, too, are passionate about the power of media to create positive change and want to elevate your own life and the lives of others, I invite you to visit believemeachieve.com. There, you’ll find a wealth of motivational content and insightful nuggets designed to inspire growth and success. Much of this content will become available on the JAG server soon. I hope you will be able to add it to your program line up.
How Your Town Can Access Federal Broadband Improvement Funds
Federal Broadband improvement money is now being distributed to municipalities. To apply, towns must supply maps of underserved or unserved areas. Once these maps are established, towns may apply for the funds needed to bring broadband to all.
At the 2024 League of Municipalities Conference, JAG co-hosted (along with the League) a session on this important issue to let New Jersey’s municipalities know how they can access these funds. The panel included Gerard Lederer, Attorney at Law from Best, Best & Krieger LLP; Valarry Bullard, Director, Broadband Office NJ BPU; Joseph Rivera, Manager of Broadband Access, NJ BPU; and Robert Boyle, President and CEO of Planet Networks. The session was moderated by Brian Wahler, Mayor of Piscataway.
Mr. Lederer started off by calming concerns people currently have on if New Jersey is already behind. Mr. Lederer related “Are we behind in giving out the broadband money compared to other states. And the answer is absolutely not. You’re exactly on track and in fact New Jersey has been a little bit at the front of the pack. Every time the announcement is made from the NTIA (which is part of the Department of Commerce) the folks the people giving the money out, they have to approve each of the plans first. There was a preliminary plan and then there was a five year plan and on each of those, New Jersey was at the front.”
He stated that “we’re in the middle of the challenge process now.” The challenge process began when the federal government created this whole procedure. They knew that both the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) and NTIA (National Telecommunications and Information Administration), and then each individual state would establish the programs, but they wanted to make sure that local governments voices were not lost in that process. Mayor Brian Wahler worked with NJ Congressman Frank Pallone to ensure that states were part of the challenge process.
So states get the money, but they are vulnerable to a challenge from local governments and public interest groups, if in fact the plan doesn’t address all unserved, underserved or traditionally left behind communities.
So New Jersey is in the process of that right now. But, what if the map and the program don’t match what’s happening in your community? It’s not their fault. It’s ours because we didn’t make the case! If you used any of your ARPA money at all and left some of it unspent, it’s will be lost! It all must be obligated and you must use it by the deadline: 12/31/24.
The BEAD program is the infrastructure program. Its $42.45 billion and $263.7 million are coming to New Jersey now. That ratio doesn’t sound right, but New Jersey in a lot of ways is being punished for having done its job correctly. This number was based upon the number of unserved locations that were found in each state and New Jersey has significantly fewer than most states.
“New Jersey is a fairly well connected state where we have just about 7% of our households that actually do not have access to devices,” added Valarry Bullard, Director, Broadband Office NJ BPU. “That means that when it comes to the technology and access, we are equally connected and we know that’s not the case.”
Ms. Bullard continued “Beyond that need infrastructure wise, we can get creative. We can do some non-deployment activities, making sure we’re focusing on workforce development on education. There are objectives that are needed to make sure everyone’s connected. Let’s make sure that people have devices and they have the digital skills. Because if you don’t know how to use a computer, while we can focus on teaching you that, it doesn’t help if you don’t actually have one. Or you can have a computer, but it doesn’t help if the infrastructure is not there.”
The FCC gives you the map and tells you how much funding you have. But then they come back and determine where that funding can be spent at the local level. The process was started, and the messages went out to make sure everyone’s aware of just how this program is going to work. Understanding that you have the ties to your communities, nonprofits, and utilities to help identify and spread that word.
So we’re in this process now. All responses need to be submitted by 12/31/24 and then we have our final determination. It’s not until this entire process is done in February that we will have our final map.
Next, Joseph Rivera, Manager of Broadband Access, NJ BPU, remarked that “We want to make sure that digital equity means a goal of every resident having the confidence and competence to harness the power of the Internet devices and digitally accessible services. Digital equity can help New Jersey bridge economic and achievement disparities among all residents and enabling them to lead fulfilling lives with dignity. What we’re planning to do is help people access affordable, high speed Internet and give people efficient, effective digital experiences with confidence and competence in accessing devices.”
We’re doing a lot of things to ensure that we’ve reach out to different agencies and see where their needs are, where they’re covering populations, how they’re affecting the covered populations that they represent. But we also want to do this community of practice. Mr. Rivera continued by commenting on how they are going to put more committees together. They want to make the state websites more accessible and visit more towns because they want to hear from everyone.
President and CEO of Planet Networks, Robert Boyle rounded out the session by suggesting how municipalities, providers and community organizations can help this process. “So, one of the things that we need to do with this big money is to make sure that it is spent in areas where it’s needed, where people are underserved. First thing is providing access to New Jersey broadband offices, the BEAD challenge portal and registering using register.broadband.nj.gov. Remember, they don’t know every street in your municipality and they don’t specifically know which areas are served and which areas are unserved they only have, a general idea from the FCC’s database.
You may need to challenge the addresses that show an area is already served, that are not actually being served. This allows the Broadband Office to allocate funds to provide service at that address. Also, you must challenge addresses that show as underserved, but are actually served. You don’t want money to go into things where there’s already service instead using that money in the places where they really need it.”
To reiterate, the onus is now at the state and governments levels. the goal is to ensure everyone is accounting for not just where those needs are, but also to ensure that the faces behind these funds are being carefully considered and know where to get help. We have until 12/31/24 to make this happen! JAG (Jersey Access Group) is an organization that advocates, promotes, and preserves the right to media production, distribution, civic engagement, and education in support of diverse community voices, through Public, Educational and Government access facilities and other forms of media. JAG continues to help its communities stay informed about these infrastructure projects.
News & Events
Posted: January 29, 2025 by Doug Seidel
Spotlight: YMCA State Alliance – Raising the Next Generation of Leaders: A Message from the CEO of the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance
by Julie Gallanty, Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance
Supporting young people today, creates a stronger, more vibrant tomorrow
At the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance, our mission is simple yet powerful: to strengthen our communities by bringing people together to improve lives and inspire positive change. We lead a coalition of 30 independent YMCAs associations to advocate for the funding, programs, and resources that allow local Ys across the state to thrive. Through our collective efforts, we can amplify our impact, ensuring that communities throughout New Jersey have access to services that foster youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
One of the Alliance’s key priorities is nurturing the potential of young people by providing them with opportunities to grow as engaged citizens and future leaders. Our Youth and Government (YAG) program is a prime example of how we bring this commitment to life through hands-on experiential learning. YAG is a civic engagement initiative designed to inspire and equip high school and middle school students with the tools they need to understand and participate in the democratic process. Each year, students take on the roles of elected officials, judges, lobbyists, journalists, and more as they come together to debate and pass mock legislation.
The experience cultivates essential skills such as public speaking, critical thinking, and collaboration. Beyond that, it empowers young people to find their voice and recognize their capacity to effect change in their communities. This program is transformative, but access has not always been equitable. That is why I am especially proud to share that the Alliance secured funding in the state budget to expand YAG. Thanks to this support, we can ensure that more students from underserved communities have the opportunity to participate in this enriching experience.
In addition to funding for YAG, we successfully advocated for continued support of our Safety Around Water program, which teaches critical water safety and swimming skills to children and people of all ages. This program addresses a serious public health issue—drowning remains one of the leading causes of death for children. By equipping young people with lifesaving skills, we help protect them and foster confidence both in and out of the water.
Students from across the New Jersey are preparing for this year’s YAG pre-legislation conference: March 23, 2025 at Rider University and the main conference April 25–27, 2025 at the East Brunswick Hilton. We expect up to 425 student participants—each bringing unique perspectives and a shared dedication to public service. The main conference is a culminating event where students put months of preparation into action, presenting their ideas, debating policy, and building lifelong connections.
We are also excited to welcome our new Youth Engagement Director, Jessica Mulkey, who will oversee and strengthen this statewide initiative. Her leadership will be instrumental in expanding the reach of YAG and other civic programs that encourage young people to take an active role in shaping the future of their communities.
At the Y, we believe that when we support young people today, we create a stronger, more vibrant tomorrow. But we cannot do this work alone. We invite members of the Jersey Access Group to join us in raising awareness of the invaluable role local YMCAs play in strengthening communities. Your ability to connect with your audiences through local programming and outreach is a vital tool in amplifying our message and extending our reach.
There are many ways you can support our efforts. By advocating for your local YMCA and our statewide programs, you help secure the partnerships and funding needed to sustain our work. We also encourage you to explore volunteer opportunities at your local Y. Whether serving as a mentor, assisting with programs, or sharing your expertise, your involvement can have a profound impact on the lives of others. Together, we can empower young people to lead with integrity, inspire healthy lifestyles, and foster strong, resilient communities. Thank you for your partnership in this important mission.
For more information about the YMCA or to learn how you can get involved, please visit our website at www.njymca.org, or reach out to your local YMCA. Our new Youth Engagement Director Jessica is also happy to answer any questions about the upcoming YAG pre-legislation conference and main conference (registration for both begins Jan. 20.) She can be reached at jmulkey@njymca.org.
Let’s work together to ensure every young person in New Jersey has the chance to thrive and realize their full potential.
Posted: January 29, 2025 by Doug Seidel
How AI is Helping Newark TV Stay Ahead of the Game: A Station Manager’s Perspective
by Edward Cologna, Station Manager, Newark TV
To be honest, this is written with help from Chat GPT 4.0
Friends and colleagues, two years ago a famous producer and director, Luis Santos from Argentina, told me that artificial intelligence (AI) in video production is not going to make video people obsolete, but those that don’t embrace AI, will become obsolete. At first, I fought hard against using AI. I still avoid being lazy and letting AI make all the creative decisions for me. But, similar to how a word processor with dictionary and grammar check made the typewriter a tool of the past, AI is like a smart assistant that doesn’t know all the answers, but can help in many ways.
At Newark TV, our mission is to serve New Jersey’s largest city by providing the community with local news, public service announcements (PSAs), education, and government information. As a PEG station, we operate on a tight budget and every decision we make must count. So, when AI became a viable option for streamlining our operations, we didn’t hesitate to dive in. From creating PSAs to managing budgets and even coming up with new content ideas, AI has been a time-saver.
As the station manager, I’ve seen firsthand how tools like ChatGPT and other AI-powered platforms have transformed the way we work. These tools are somewhat affordable, easy to use, and incredibly powerful—helping us produce content faster and more efficiently without sacrificing quality. But while they’re useful, I also know that AI is still evolving, so we always double-check the work to ensure it’s accurate. Here’s a look at how AI is helping Newark TV get things done.
AI for Writing PSAs: Speed, Simplicity, and Impact
One of the main functions of Newark TV is creating PSAs that keep our residents informed about local events, public health, safety, and citywide initiatives. Writing these announcements used to be a long process that involved multiple drafts, reviews, and reworking the message to get it just right. But since we started using AI, particularly ChatGPT, things have moved much faster.
Let’s say we need to write a PSA about a local vaccination clinic or a change in trash pickup schedules. Instead of starting from scratch, we can input some basic info into ChatGPT, and it generates a draft in minutes. Of course, we still review it, tweak the tone, and make sure the message is clear and concise, but the bulk of the work is done. And the best part is we can easily generate different versions of the same message to see which one resonates best with our audience.
We’ve even used AI to help us come up with fresh ideas for PSAs. Sometimes we hit a creative wall, but with ChatGPT, we can throw in a few keywords related to community events or public health and get a variety of angles we can work with. It’s like having a brainstorming partner who’s available 24/7.
Brainstorming Content Ideas: AI Sparks Creativity
One of the trickiest parts of working in local TV is coming up with new content ideas. What will grab the audience’s attention? What are people talking about? At Newark TV, we’re always looking for ways to make our programming fresh and relevant. That’s where AI has also been helpful.
For example, we often need to develop content around local issues like education, community outreach, or city government. Using ChatGPT, we can input general topics (like “Newark schools” or “local arts initiatives”) and get a list of show ideas and story angles in seconds. Sometimes it’s as simple as asking AI for a few ideas, then it gives us prompts that we would never have thought of on our own.
We also use AI for research. Let’s say we’re working on a segment about local housing issues. Instead of spending hours researching, we can ask AI to summarize articles, pull up statistics, and even suggest interview questions based on what’s trending. It doesn’t replace the hard work of real investigative journalism, but it helps speed up the research process and gives us a strong foundation to build on.
Streamlining Budgets: AI Keeps Us on Track
Running a PEG station means managing tight budgets, and every penny counts. AI is making it easier to track expenses and allocate resources efficiently. We’ve been using AI-powered tools for everything from calculating production costs to forecasting upcoming expenses. For instance, AI helps us figure out where we can cut costs without affecting the quality of our content. It looks at things like equipment use and staffing levels then it offers suggestions for improvement. This has been especially useful for ensuring we stay within budget without sacrificing production quality.
AI also helps with scheduling and resource management. We track how long it typically takes to produce different types of shows or PSAs. AI uses that data to recommend more efficient workflows. It’s like having an assistant who always knows the best way to prioritize projects to maximize our time and resources.
Improving Accessibility: AI-Driven Captioning
Another area where AI has been indispensable is accessibility. PEG Stations are committed to making our content accessible to all, including those with hearing impairments. AI-driven captioning tools have been a huge help in ensuring that edited programs are fully captioned. These tools have come a long way, and while they’re not perfect, they’re a significant improvement over manual captioning, which could take hours.
The heart of AI captioning is the software that transcribes and synchronizes the audio with the video. AI-driven captioning tools typically use speech recognition models to transcribe dialogue and sync it with the visual feed in real time or post-production.
Some popular AI captioning software solutions for PEG TV stations include:
• Rev: Rev is an AI-powered transcription service that offers automated captioning and human-edited captions for greater accuracy. The platform supports both live captions and captions for recorded content. It’s ideal for PEG TV stations looking to serve a variety of content types. Rev provides affordable options for smaller stations and allows for quick integration with video production software.
• Descript: Descript is a powerful tool that not only offers transcription, but also lets you edit video by editing the transcript. It’s useful for creating captions for pre-recorded content. Descript’s AI-driven platform can also help with real-time captions when integrated with live streaming platforms.
• Otter.ai: Otter.ai is known for its speech-to-text capabilities and can provide real-time captions for live broadcasts. This platform is popular for its accuracy and ease of use It allows users to quickly edit transcriptions and captions. It’s a good solution for stations with limited resources that want an affordable, reliable AI-powered captioning option.
• Enco: Enco is a highly regarded AI-powered captioning solution designed specifically for broadcast and live TV environments. Enco’s EnCaption system uses automatic speech recognition (ASR) to generate real-time captions for live broadcasts. It’s especially popular among PEG stations due to its reliable, real-time captioning capabilities and cost-effective solutions. Enco also integrates seamlessly with broadcast equipment and supports caption embedding for TV signals. Its EnCaption4 system offers cloud-based captioning that enables flexibility and scalability for stations with varying needs. Enco’s solutions are noted for high accuracy. It also offers features like multilingual captioning, which is essential in diverse communities.
• StreamText: For live broadcasts, StreamText is a leading solutions that provides real-time captioning. It is widely used by broadcast stations to ensure accessibility for live streaming, including government meetings and public service events. The system integrates with live video feeds and provides accurate captions in real time.
• AI-Media: AI-Media provides both real-time captioning for live content and post-production captioning services. It’s designed for broadcast, streaming, and on-demand content. This makes it a solid option for PEG stations with high-volume live programming. AI-Media is particularly useful in local government and educational settings where real-time communication is crucial.
AI for Video Production: Enhancing the Creative Process
In addition to ChatGPT, we’ve also embraced other AI tools that have helped us streamline video production, automate tasks, and enhance our creativity. Here are a few examples:
The Importance of Human Oversight
While AI has been a huge asset, I want to stress that it’s not perfect. Like any technology, AI is still evolving, and sometimes it produces results that need to be tweaked or corrected. For example, while ChatGPT is great for drafting content, it’s not always spot-on with local references or the finer details. That’s why we always review and edit everything generated by AI before it goes live.
At Newark TV, we’ve learned to use AI as a tool to assist with efficiency, but we always apply a human touch when it comes to accuracy and relevance. Our team has decades of experience in local television, and we rely on our judgment to ensure the final product reflects our community’s needs and values.
With new AI tools being developed all the time, we’re always learning and adapting. We regularly test out new platforms to see what works best for us, but we never lose sight of the fact that technology is just a tool. The real value comes from how we use it to enhance the work we do for our community.
Conclusion
As the station manager, I’ve seen how AI has transformed the way we run Newark TV. From writing PSAs and brainstorming new content ideas to managing budgets and improving accessibility, AI is helping us operate more efficiently and serve our community better. But, we also understand that these tools aren’t foolproof.
While AI can help us work smarter, we always ensure that human oversight and local knowledge guide everything we produce. It’s the combination of cutting-edge technology and dedicated people that makes Newark TV thrive—and I’m excited to see how these tools will continue to evolve and enhance our programming in the years to come.
Posted: January 29, 2025 by Doug Seidel
Legislative Update January 2025: News from Trenton & Washington, DC – Changes in the FCC
by Dave Garb, Legislative Committee Chair
Happy New Year Everyone!!
In December, we were given a lot to think about as the new administration took charge of our nation’s capital. One of the main focuses we had been following is where the FCC might be directing their attentions. The digital divide (BEAD), big tech scrutiny, national security (TikTok), DEI, and net neutrality, are tops on their list.
From The FCC
At the beginning of January, net neutrality rules began to take one of these directions. The Sixth Circuit overturned the Federal Communications Commission’s net neutrality rules. They found that commercial broadband providers cannot be regulated as telecommunications common carriers. They proclaimed that the FCC “lacks the statutory authority” to impose its net neutrality policies, which are designed to prevent slowing or blocking web traffic.
The appeals court further ruled that internet service providers offer only an “information service” under federal law, “and therefore, the FCC lacks the authority to impose its desired net-neutrality policies through the ‘telecommunications service provision of the Communications Act.”
FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel, in response to this decision, said lawmakers need to finally resolve the issue. The FCC has argued on how to classify broadband under federal law since the early 2000s. “Consumers across the country have told us again and again that they want an internet that is fast, open, and fair. It is clear that Congress now needs to take up the charge for net neutrality and put open internet principles into federal law.” The FCC will be unable to classify broadband providers under the act’s Title II, which covers telecommunications services like phone companies. Instead, they will remain as much more lightly regulated Title I information services.
Andrew Jay Schwartzman, who represented the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society and the Media Alliance as intervenors supporting the FCC, said the panel’s decision “misreads” the act and “deprives the FCC of the power to protect national security, ensure that competitive broadband suppliers can have access to necessary distribution outlets, and endangers wireless access programs for low-income consumers. This is bad for consumers, for businesses that rely on the internet, and for protecting broadband networks from intrusions by nation states.”
From NATOA
On December 31st, the FCC’s Report and Order adopted new rules requiring cable operators and DBS providers to report to the FCC any blackouts of TV stations on their systems that *last more than 24 hours and *are caused by an impasse in retransmission consent negotiations. This also creates a centralized, Commission-hosted database of basic blackout information that can increase the public’s transparency and insight into the frequency and duration of broadcast station blackouts.
Need for the Rules:
From The ACM:
On January 6, 2025, The Free State Foundation published an article from one of their Adjunct Senior Fellows and former FCC Commissioner, Michael O’Rielly. It is titled “DOGE Shouldn’t’t Overlook the Outdated Video Regulations” DOGE is the new Department of Government Efficiency. Here are some excerpts from this worrisome article:
For those of you who are beginning to get agitated by this, the ACM continued by reminding us of three interesting facts about former Commissioner O’Rielly.
It appears that O’Rielly doesn’t like local government at all! Please click on this link to read this article in its entirety: “DOGE Shouldn’t’t Overlook the Outdated Video Regulations”
Time will tell if anything will ever come of this. But it pays for all of us to keep an eye out for future articles
JAG (Jersey Access Group) is an organization that advocates, promotes, and preserves the right to media production, distribution, civic engagement, and education in support of diverse community voices, through Public, Educational and Government access facilities and other forms of media.
Posted: December 21, 2024 by Doug Seidel
Why DaVinci Resolve Should Be Your Go-To for Video Editing
by John Morley, Independent Producer
My journey began with Corel Video Producer when I started editing videos years ago. While it gave me a foundation to experiment and create, it lacked the polish and power of professional-grade software. Later, I tried Adobe Premiere Pro, but the monthly subscription fees didn’t sit well with me. Frustrated and looking for better options, I contacted friends in the film industry. That’s when they introduced me to DaVinci Resolve—and I haven’t looked back since.
The Free Version That Amazes
The moment I downloaded DaVinci Resolve’s free version, I was blown away by how robust and feature-rich it was, all at no cost. Transitioning from Corel Video Producer was surprisingly seamless, and I’ve relied on it ever since. Over time, I upgraded to DaVinci Resolve Studio, but even the free version is a powerhouse packed with tools like professional color grading, seamless editing capabilities, and high-quality exports.
One feature I particularly love is Fairlight Audio, an advanced audio editing tool built into DaVinci Resolve. It’s simple yet powerful—with just a few clicks, you can transform a mono track into a stereo track. Features like this make Resolve stand out as an all-in-one solution for video editing.
Why Upgrade to Studio?
For those looking to take their editing to the next level, DaVinci Resolve Studio is a one-time purchase that unlocks a treasure trove of advanced features, including:
The Power of Fusion
One of my favorite features of DaVinci Resolve is Fusion, its node-based visual effects and motion graphics workspace. Unlike Adobe’s layer-based system, Fusion uses nodes to represent project elements, offering unmatched flexibility and control. While it might feel unfamiliar at first, the creative possibilities are worth the learning curve.
Here’s an example: creating a title in a box using Fusion involves:
Once you get the hang of it, Fusion opens a world of possibilities, from dynamic animations to custom effects.
Why DaVinci Resolve Stands Out
Unlike Adobe Premiere Pro, which often requires additional tools to achieve advanced results, DaVinci Resolve provides an all-in-one editing suite.
Whether you’re a beginner exploring the basics or a seasoned professional looking for precision, the free version is unparalleled, and the Studio upgrade offers incredible value without recurring fees.
My Journey in Education
As someone passionate about technology and education, I teach STEM Electronics for ages 2 through adulthood. If you’re interested in starting or growing your tech skills, visit BelieveMeAchieve.com to check out the JCM Academy, where new understanding electronics classes kick off in January 2025 with new courses each quarter. Did you know we even have a workbook and take-home experiment, too?
Wishing You a Joyous Season
May your holidays this year and always be filled with laughter, peace, and cherished moments. Thank you for reading this article. Keep creating and growing. Let DaVinci Resolve inspire your next masterpiece! Don’t forget to check out my latest JAG Server uploads—these are just a glimpse of the thousands of videos I’ve created and continue to produce.
Posted: December 21, 2024 by Doug Seidel
PEG, Franchising & Legislative Opportunities from NATOA’s Webinar
by Dave Garb, Legislative Committee Chair
On October 29th, NATOA held a very interesting webinar pertaining to PEG and the challenges we all will face as we strive to obtain funding for our individual operations and maximize.
Mike Lynch, Legislative & Regulatory Affairs, National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA), started off by affirming that traditional funding for public access, educational and government channels is declining across the country—a fact we are all quite aware of. Transparency is difficult when there isn’t any local journalism. There are news deserts with a lack of local government reporting in many communities across the United States.
PEG services provide essential government transparency so citizens and residents can monitor and give feedback to make sure that we have effective local democracy. A side effect of this is the increase in the efficiency and responsiveness in local government.
Mike Wassenaar, President, the Alliance for Community Media (ACM), emphasized that we also have strong documentation that PEG channels benefit public safety and education. It also provides public health information that benefits communities across the United States. This was most recently demonstrated during the COVID crisis of 2020–2021. We saw documentation across the United States (in both local franchising states and states without local franchising) where community media stepped up to provide people essential information because there were no other outlets providing public health information for the benefit of residents.
Many public access organizations across the United States have been seen as platforms for local political, cultural, and religious expression that should not be undersold. It is a key feature of PEG, even though in many instances, that’s not necessarily the function of community television in that area. Think about the role of our stations in our community as we make the case for continued funding of PEG channels.
Generally, the cable subscription base has been declining about 5% per year since it peaked in 2018. The thing that’s important to note is that this was originally designed as a subsidy for our services. We never anticipated that that model would change over time as technology changes. It’s generally worked for 40 years. Now, we need to think of a new model for funding PEG stations. Broadcasters focus on larger markets. They aren’t focusing specifically on the types of communities that that PEG has been able to target and support.
Mike Bradley of Bradley Werner LLC, continued by saying that we see many of the success stories within the field happening within the exurban or suburban markets across the United States It’s because those are places that have become functional news deserts, even though there may be a broadcaster.
On top of that, there’s a shrinking news window. The amount of news information that a local broadcaster provides has grown smaller and smaller over the course of the last 40 years. So the amount of effort to actually to be able to meet the needs has been decreasing.
Some states have responded to the changing technology landscape by providing new, alternate ways to fund PEG.
They would give 1/5 of the money to the state general fund, then 2/5 to local governments, and then another 2/5 to support community media and so you can see this is a way of addressing the decline in franchise fees and pay fees to communities by really taxing the entities that are at least partially responsible for the decline in cable service. So it’s an interesting way of addressing that decline in revenue and it’s absolutely worth considering as we look for alternate funding options.
Mike Wassenaar ended the webinar by stressing that now, more than ever, making the case for why what we’re doing is vital to life in our communities, whether it’s for expression or local business, the proper functioning of local democracy, is important! Each of us must know the best case you can make for your PEG channels. It’s extremely important for people to map out the communities of interest that care about what you do. Find the folks in your community that care about local history and culture, and event religious expression. Build relationships with those communities and begin to think about their interests being our interests. Create that list of people who would care if PEG services are not being provided.
More information on PEG funding and the opportunities that are in front of us will be coming in the months ahead. In the meantime consider jotting down your thoughts on why PEG is important to your community and the people you serve. It will help all of us to prepare for our future goals and community needs.
Posted: December 21, 2024 by Doug Seidel
Legislative Update December 2024: News from Trenton & Washington, DC – Changes in the FCC
by Dave Garb, Legislative Committee Chair
In November, President-Elect Donald Trump selected current FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr to become the next chairman of the board.
In addition to telecom issues, Carr outlined plans to reinterpret Section 230, the law that protects internet platforms from liability for their users’ posts. “While there has been much discussion about whether or not the scope of Section 230 is appropriate, what everyone agrees on is that the authority lies with Congress, not the FCC.”
From Washington Policy Center: Based on Carr’s past and current statements, a large change in the direction of the FCC should be expected. Here are a few key possibilities:
On Net Neutrality: Carr was part of the initial repeal of the net neutrality rules in 2017 and has continued to denounce their reinstatement. “As I’ve argued in the past, the FCC would be wise to avoid reinstating these rules as they overstep the scope of the FCC and create worse outcomes compared to areas that have similar regulations in effect.”
On Digital Divide: Carr has criticized the BEAD program and advocated for federal agencies to auction off spectrum bands for 5G to private actors. This will also likely shift FCC priorities to making pathways for rural areas to take advantage of wider-range, cost-effective approaches like Starlink in favor of spending more to connect fiber networks to these areas.
Big Tech: Alphabet (Google) and Meta (Facebook, Instagram, etc.) have come under scrutiny over political content censorship and de-prioritization. Can Carr thread the needle to protect First Amendment expression without breaking the balance that allows platforms to create desirable spaces? We will see.
National Security: Carr’ stated skepticism over TikTok and other Chinese technology indicates that he will be a proponent to continue the TikTok ban policy, despite free speech concerns. This would be at odds with President-elect Trump’s campaign promise, so it’s yet to be seen if this will be strongly pursued or not.
DEI: The FCC’s latest budget request set diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility as the second highest priority in regard to digital communication and services. Carr has explicitly stated this will no longer be a priority for the commission. His advocacy for bridging the digital divide indicates that digital accessibility will still be a focus, but is much more likely to be strategically pursued by cost, reach, and need, rather than external factors such as race or “social stigma.”
Current FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel congratulated Commissioner Carr by saying:
“I want to congratulate Commissioner Carr on the announcement by the President-elect that he will serve as the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. From his time here, I am confident that Commissioner Carr is familiar with the staff, the responsibilities of this new role, and the importance of continued U.S. leadership in communications.”
In another statement, Rosenworcel announces her departure from the FCC: “Serving at the Federal Communications Commission has been the honor of a lifetime, especially my tenure as Chair and as the first woman in history to be confirmed to lead this agency. I want to thank President Biden for entrusting me with the responsibility to guide the FCC during a time when communications technology is a part of every aspect of civic and commercial life. Taking the oath of office on the street outside of the agency during the height of the pandemic, when so much of our day-to-day moved online, made clear how important the work of the FCC is and how essential it is for us to build a digital future that works for everyone. “I am proud to have served at the FCC alongside some of the hardest working and dedicated public servants I have ever known. Together, we accomplished seemingly impossible feats like setting up the largest broadband affordability program in history—which led to us connecting more than 23 million households to high-speed internet, connecting more than 17 million students caught in the homework gap to hotspots and other devices as learning moved online, putting national security and public safety matters with communications front and center before the agency, and launching the first-ever Space Bureau to support United States leadership in the new Space Age.”
Also in November, JAG’s Treasurer & Legislative Committee Vice Chair., Linda Besink, was contacted by the New Jersey Center for Nonprofits. They had an urgent request asking everyone to Oppose H.R. 9495.
H.R. 9495, the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act, would empower the U.S. Treasury Secretary to unilaterally designate 501(c) organizations as “terrorist supporting organizations” and revoke their tax-exempt status with minimal due process. It would allow the Secretary to bring such accusations without disclosing the evidence behind them and would place the burden of proof on the organization to disprove the allegations.
The Legislative Committee became very curious about this Act. First because we never heard of H.R. 9495 until we were contacted, and secondly, because what this actually would mean to 501 (c) organizations. We reached out to our partners at NATOA and the ACM who both said this has nothing really to do with us and is not its purpose.
Mike Wassenaar, President of the Alliance for Community Media (ACM), further elaborated by saying: “I think the issue relates to non-profits involved with protest – particularly pro-Palestinian protests. The only possible issue I can think that would relate to your members would be giving airtime to organizations identified by such legislation. It’s meant to squelch anti-Israeli rhetoric. The most important thing you can do for this or any other type of speech legislation would be to make sure your policies regarding non-partisan speech are updated and if you are running public access channels, to make sure you are communicating your role as a civic communicator devoted to free speech principles. Also, if it passes, I have no doubt it will be challenged by groups such as the ACLU and Independent Sector. If that comes to pass, we would let you know.” On November 21st, by a vote of 219-184, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 9495. It is now in the hands of the U.S. Senate.
Posted: December 6, 2024 by Doug Seidel
Spotlight: John Morley – Connecting Communities with JAG The Power of Media
by John Morley, Independent Producer
In my journey through various projects, I’ve always believed in the transformative power of media to connect people, foster understanding, and share stories that truly matter. From my earliest endeavors, it became clear that meaningful communication can bridge gaps, spark dialogue, and inspire action. When I discovered JAG’s mission—supporting local communities and preserving access to critical public information—it immediately struck a chord with me. JAG’s steadfast commitment to public, educational, and government (PEG) media aligns perfectly with my passion for creating platforms that amplify diverse voices and foster a sense of unity.
My introduction to JAG happened during a visit to the Oakland TV Group in Oakland, NJ. There, I was not only introduced to their mission, but also witnessed the tangible impact of PEG media on the community. As a content creator submitting to PEG channels, the Oakland TV Group’s team encouraged me to join JAG, highlighting how it could deepen my involvement and enhance my contribution to promoting local media initiatives.
The importance of local media cannot be overstated. It serves as the glue that holds communities together, shaping how they learn, interact, and grow. For nearly eight years as a member of The International Press, I’ve had the honor of engaging with diverse audiences, uncovering compelling stories, and delivering narratives that inspire and motivate. My approach to journalism is grounded in the pursuit of truth. Before my pen hits paper or my camera rolls, I ensure that every fact is thoroughly vetted and every perspective considered. In a media landscape where sensationalism often reigns, with the mantra “if it bleeds, it leads” dominating headlines, I’ve committed myself to champion a different narrative—one that uplifts, instills hope, and encourages people to live their best lives.
JAG is much more than a repository of media resources; it’s a dynamic collective of passionate individuals who are actively shaping the future of local communication. I recently attended my first live JAG meeting, and the experience was nothing short of inspiring. The enthusiasm and dedication of the members were evident. Their collective energy demonstrated a clear commitment to making a meaningful impact on their communities. During the meeting, the president posed an important question: “What would you like to see from JAG in the coming year?” This sparked a lively discussion, with members quickly brainstorming ideas. One standout suggestion was increasing youth involvement in JAG’s initiatives. In real-time, plans were set in motion to engage a local youth organization—a testament to JAG’s proactive and action-oriented approach.
Through my work, I’ve seen firsthand how local media can empower individuals and bring communities closer together. It’s a platform that elevates unheard voices and sheds light on stories that might otherwise go unnoticed. This is why I’m so excited about the opportunity to collaborate with JAG. Together, we can amplify the impact of local media and continue to foster stronger connections within our communities through accessible, engaging, and inspiring content.
As a serial entrepreneur, national talk show host, journalist, and video producer, I’ve worn many hats—and continue to do so. Reflecting on my journey, I could never have imagined that starting my first company over 31 years ago would set the stage for a lifelong serial entrepreneurial path. My focus has always been on solving challenges—whether by launching innovative business ventures or creating impactful media content. Today, as the host of Inspirations for Your Life, a daily talk show with over 175,000 downloads, and The JMOR Tech Talk Show with close 15,000 downloads I am privileged to share powerful insights that help individuals unlock their full potential. My content is widely shared by schools and cable stations, offering a blend of value, truth, and inspiration with the power to transform lives. If you, too, are passionate about the power of media to create positive change and want to elevate your own life and the lives of others, I invite you to visit believemeachieve.com. There, you’ll find a wealth of motivational content and insightful nuggets designed to inspire growth and success. Much of this content will become available on the JAG server soon. I hope you will be able to add it to your program line up.
Posted: December 6, 2024 by Doug Seidel
Legislative Update December 2024: News from Trenton & Washington, DC
by Dave Garb, Legislative Committee Chair
League Session:
How Your Town Can Access Federal Broadband Improvement Funds
Federal Broadband improvement money is now being distributed to municipalities. To apply, towns must supply maps of underserved or unserved areas. Once these maps are established, towns may apply for the funds needed to bring broadband to all.
At the 2024 League of Municipalities Conference, JAG co-hosted (along with the League) a session on this important issue to let New Jersey’s municipalities know how they can access these funds. The panel included Gerard Lederer, Attorney at Law from Best, Best & Krieger LLP; Valarry Bullard, Director, Broadband Office NJ BPU; Joseph Rivera, Manager of Broadband Access, NJ BPU; and Robert Boyle, President and CEO of Planet Networks. The session was moderated by Brian Wahler, Mayor of Piscataway.
Mr. Lederer started off by calming concerns people currently have on if New Jersey is already behind. Mr. Lederer related “Are we behind in giving out the broadband money compared to other states. And the answer is absolutely not. You’re exactly on track and in fact New Jersey has been a little bit at the front of the pack. Every time the announcement is made from the NTIA (which is part of the Department of Commerce) the folks the people giving the money out, they have to approve each of the plans first. There was a preliminary plan and then there was a five year plan and on each of those, New Jersey was at the front.”
He stated that “we’re in the middle of the challenge process now.” The challenge process began when the federal government created this whole procedure. They knew that both the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) and NTIA (National Telecommunications and Information Administration), and then each individual state would establish the programs, but they wanted to make sure that local governments voices were not lost in that process. Mayor Brian Wahler worked with NJ Congressman Frank Pallone to ensure that states were part of the challenge process.
So states get the money, but they are vulnerable to a challenge from local governments and public interest groups, if in fact the plan doesn’t address all unserved, underserved or traditionally left behind communities.
So New Jersey is in the process of that right now. But, what if the map and the program don’t match what’s happening in your community? It’s not their fault. It’s ours because we didn’t make the case! If you used any of your ARPA money at all and left some of it unspent, it’s will be lost! It all must be obligated and you must use it by the deadline: 12/31/24.
The BEAD program is the infrastructure program. Its $42.45 billion and $263.7 million are coming to New Jersey now. That ratio doesn’t sound right, but New Jersey in a lot of ways is being punished for having done its job correctly. This number was based upon the number of unserved locations that were found in each state and New Jersey has significantly fewer than most states.
“New Jersey is a fairly well connected state where we have just about 7% of our households that actually do not have access to devices,” added Valarry Bullard, Director, Broadband Office NJ BPU. “That means that when it comes to the technology and access, we are equally connected and we know that’s not the case.”
Ms. Bullard continued “Beyond that need infrastructure wise, we can get creative. We can do some non-deployment activities, making sure we’re focusing on workforce development on education. There are objectives that are needed to make sure everyone’s connected. Let’s make sure that people have devices and they have the digital skills. Because if you don’t know how to use a computer, while we can focus on teaching you that, it doesn’t help if you don’t actually have one. Or you can have a computer, but it doesn’t help if the infrastructure is not there.”
The FCC gives you the map and tells you how much funding you have. But then they come back and determine where that funding can be spent at the local level. The process was started, and the messages went out to make sure everyone’s aware of just how this program is going to work. Understanding that you have the ties to your communities, nonprofits, and utilities to help identify and spread that word.
So we’re in this process now. All responses need to be submitted by 12/31/24 and then we have our final determination. It’s not until this entire process is done in February that we will have our final map.
Next, Joseph Rivera, Manager of Broadband Access, NJ BPU, remarked that “We want to make sure that digital equity means a goal of every resident having the confidence and competence to harness the power of the Internet devices and digitally accessible services. Digital equity can help New Jersey bridge economic and achievement disparities among all residents and enabling them to lead fulfilling lives with dignity. What we’re planning to do is help people access affordable, high speed Internet and give people efficient, effective digital experiences with confidence and competence in accessing devices.”
We’re doing a lot of things to ensure that we’ve reach out to different agencies and see where their needs are, where they’re covering populations, how they’re affecting the covered populations that they represent. But we also want to do this community of practice. Mr. Rivera continued by commenting on how they are going to put more committees together. They want to make the state websites more accessible and visit more towns because they want to hear from everyone.
President and CEO of Planet Networks, Robert Boyle rounded out the session by suggesting how municipalities, providers and community organizations can help this process. “So, one of the things that we need to do with this big money is to make sure that it is spent in areas where it’s needed, where people are underserved. First thing is providing access to New Jersey broadband offices, the BEAD challenge portal and registering using register.broadband.nj.gov. Remember, they don’t know every street in your municipality and they don’t specifically know which areas are served and which areas are unserved they only have, a general idea from the FCC’s database.
You may need to challenge the addresses that show an area is already served, that are not actually being served. This allows the Broadband Office to allocate funds to provide service at that address. Also, you must challenge addresses that show as underserved, but are actually served. You don’t want money to go into things where there’s already service instead using that money in the places where they really need it.”
To reiterate, the onus is now at the state and governments levels. the goal is to ensure everyone is accounting for not just where those needs are, but also to ensure that the faces behind these funds are being carefully considered and know where to get help. We have until 12/31/24 to make this happen! JAG (Jersey Access Group) is an organization that advocates, promotes, and preserves the right to media production, distribution, civic engagement, and education in support of diverse community voices, through Public, Educational and Government access facilities and other forms of media. JAG continues to help its communities stay informed about these infrastructure projects.