President’s Message: February 2025 JAG Turns Twenty-Five

by Bob Duthaler

The Jersey Access Group (JAG) is celebrating a significant milestone in 2025 – its 25th anniversary. For two and a half decades, JAG has served as a vital organization dedicated to advancing community media, local access television, and the vital work of cable access stations across New Jersey. As technology and media consumption continue to evolve, JAG remains a pillar in ensuring that communities stay connected, informed, and empowered through local access television. This year’s anniversary marks not only a time of reflection but also an opportunity to look forward to the future of local media.

To commemorate this remarkable achievement, JAG is hosting its Annual Conference: A Technology Forum and Production/Management Symposium on May 14th and 15th, 2025, at the Crowne Plaza in Edison, NJ. This event is particularly important, as it provides members with an opportunity to gather, learn, and exchange ideas while focusing on the latest developments in media technology. The conference will feature a diverse range of topics, from cutting-edge broadcasting tools to innovative solutions that support the growth of local media.

The Technology Forum on the first day is an invaluable opportunity for attendees to explore the newest tools and equipment available to improve their operations. Whether it’s new broadcasting software, production equipment, or emerging technologies that promise to revolutionize the local media landscape, the showcase offers a firsthand look at the future of technology in the industry. For those who want to stay competitive and keep their stations up to date with industry advancements, this event is essential.

Meanwhile on the second day, the Production/Management Symposium will provide an in-depth focus on the operation of local access TV stations. The symposium’s sessions are tailored to professionals who are responsible for the managing of local access channels, offering practical solutions, case studies, and workshops that cover everything from budgeting to staffing requirements. It’s a perfect opportunity for managers to refine their skills and learn new techniques to better run their stations and improve their service to the community.

Attending this event is also an excellent chance for JAG members to network with industry peers, exchange best practices, and foster partnerships that will drive innovation in local access television. The symposium’s networking opportunities are invaluable, offering a platform to build relationships with vendors, professionals, and thought leaders who share a passion for the future of local media. Collaboration and knowledge-sharing are at the heart of this event, making it a must-attend for anyone involved in community media.

In addition to the professional development opportunities, JAG’s Annual Conference will also provide members with the chance to celebrate the organization’s 25-year legacy. It’s a time to honor the contributions of past and present members and to recognize the hard work that has gone into making JAG a cornerstone of New Jersey’s local media landscape. The anniversary celebrations will include reflections on past achievements, as well as a look toward the future, highlighting the continued importance of JAG in empowering communities through access to media.

For JAG members, attending this conference is a unique opportunity to gain insights that will directly benefit their stations and communities. The conference covers a wide range of topics that are crucial for staying current with the technological advancements impacting the local media space. Whether you are looking to streamline station operations, explore new technologies, or connect with like-minded professionals, this event has something for everyone. To ensure you don’t miss out on this exciting event, visit the official JAG Conference website at www.jagconference.com to learn more and register. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of the industry or new to local media, this conference is an essential part of continuing the work of building strong, connected communities through local access television. Don’t miss the chance to be part of JAG’s 25th anniversary celebration and contribute to the future of local media!