President’s Message: Summer Strategy: What’s Yours?

by Bob Duthaler

As summer sets in, many of us naturally start thinking about vacations, community events, and a slightly slower pace. While it’s important to take some time to recharge, the summer months also offer a valuable opportunity for JAG members and stations to look ahead, plan strategically, and strengthen both their operations and community engagement. Here are a few key areas every member station should consider focusing on this summer:

1. Review and Refresh Programming

Summer tends to have a different viewing rhythm. It’s a great time to introduce lighter, more community-driven content—like coverage of local parades, festivals, farmers markets, and summer concerts. Use this time to:

• Highlight community voices and local events
• Rotate in fresh programming or special series
• Re-air popular shows with updated intros or local commentary
• Go live when you can

2. Update Equipment and Systems

Take advantage of the slightly reduced programming demands during the day to assess your technology. Whether it’s upgrading outdated gear, reorganizing your control room, or testing remote broadcasting setups, summer is the perfect time to tackle these projects before both nighttime events and the busy fall season returns:

• Clean out your equipment racks
• Update software and firmware
• JAG’s vendor presentations throughout the year offer insight into new tools. Summer is the perfect time to review those and start planning.

3. Offer Internships and Training

Many students are home for the summer—and eager to gain experience. Create internship opportunities to give back to the community while also increasing your station’s production capacity. It’s also an excellent time to:

• Train your volunteers and staff on new equipment
• Cross-train team members to strengthen operational resilience

4. Strengthen Community Partnerships

Summer is packed with community events—parades, concerts, festivals, and outdoor town meetings. These events are golden opportunities for outreach.  Use this time to build relationships:

• Attend town council meetings or community forums
• Meet with local non-profits or schools to develop new partnerships

• Promote your station at outdoor events with booths, giveaways, or live coverage
• Every handshake or question is a reminder to residents that their local PEG station is there for them.

5. Plan for the Fall

Use this time to start planning your fall content, budget, and grant applications. Reconnect with JAG resources—from shared programming to policy guidance. Be proactive in attending upcoming JAG meetings and workshops. Start laying the groundwork for fall initiatives, including:

• Election coverage planning
• Back-to-school content
• Strategic content campaigns or series
• Budgets and grants

6. Tell Your Story

Summer is a great time to work on the behind-the-scenes story of your station. Highlight your team, your history, and your mission on social media and in your programming. JAG members do incredible work—don’t forget to showcase it.

7. Engage with JAG Resources

Don’t forget: JAG is here to support you. Over the summer, stay connected:

• Revisit virtual meetings and workshops
• Share best practices with fellow members
• Reach out to fellow members and the board if you need guidance on technical or policy matters

Final Thoughts

Summer is not just a break; it’s a bridge. It connects what we’ve accomplished in the first half of the year to what’s ahead. Use this time to innovate, collaborate, and prepare. Whether you’re upgrading your gear, covering a summer concert, or mentoring a future media professional, your station plays a vital role in connecting and informing your community.

Stay cool, stay creative—and stay connected with JAG.

Sincerely,

Bob Duthaler President, Jersey Access Group