by Dave Garb, Legislative Committee Chair
A Debacle with Altice and the PEG Community in New Jersey, and the Surrounding Tri-State Municipalities
Around August 21, all PEG stations that are part of the Altice/Optimum cable system had their channels moved from their normal positions to the 1300-1317 spectrum. To make matters worse, PEG operators, municipal clerks, mayors, and consumers were not notified of this switch. Altice Government Affairs stated they notified everyone. Notifications for the municipal and consumer level were nowhere to be found. This change not only affected us here in New Jersey but also in New York and Connecticut.
This gave all impacted communities no time to communicate with their residents about the switch. Both systemwide and local franchise agreements may have been violated with this unannounced change. Many municipalities questioned if it was allowed by their local franchise agreements or if the customers might need a new piece of equipment to view the channels. JAG Member, Howard Myers of Edison, NJ asked for a copy of this notification from Altice directly and was sent the following, after the switch occurred:
Good morning, Howard. Please see additional information on Edison PEG TV channel relocation:
PEG Channel Relocation:
Beginning August 19th through August 22nd, Optimum will be repositioning the location of our PEG channels (Public, Education, and Government Access) to a centralized location. These new channel assignments will allow for easier customer navigation and a better user experience, as all PEG channels will now be conveniently located within the same range [see chart above].
All customers subscribing to Basic cable or higher will continue to receive these channels in their video package, and there will be no change to any packaging or pricing as a result of this activity.
Customer Notifications:
Customers will receive advanced(30-day) notification regarding the repositioning of these channels via bill messaging—”Starting August 19, 2025, Your Local Access, Public Education, & Government Channels will be moved to a new channel position between 1300 and 1317 please check your local listings.”
Additionally, once the channels have moved, on-air channel slates will direct customers to the new channel positioning. Anyone tuning in to the previous channel numbers will be guided to the updated locations.
Customers can always find Optimum’s current channel lineup on our website at https://www.optimum.net/pages/channel-lineups.html.
Hope this helps explain the channel relocation, our steps to notify customers, and any other questions on channel lineup.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Brian
Brian Quinn
Senior Director, Government Affairs
JAG Takes Action
When JAG heard about this move, we took quick and decisive action to understand what was happening, what it meant, and what actions we could take. JAG notified the NJ BPU Office of Cable Television and our members. We were astonished by the sentence in the letter that stated that “these new channel assignments will allow for easier customer navigation and a better user experience.” Easier for the customer to navigate? Some customers have been watching our stations for 35+ years. They know where to find us. Better customer experience? Those 1300 channels are in the HD Spectrum. We are still in SD format.
JAG President, Bob Duthaler sent a list of items for all affected systems needed to research out immediately:
- Do you have a local franchise agreement or was this under the Systemwide (State) agreement?
If the answer is Local – check your franchise agreement out to make sure they didn’t violate any terms in your agreement by doing this. If it is Systemwide, then not much can be done.
- If you have a local franchise agreement, do you have a stipulation about this?
I put in clauses that if they change, they pay us a fee to help rebrand.
- Have you checked with your municipal clerk’s office to see if they sent a letter stating they were changing your PEG channel location?
If the answer is no letter, then I would file a complaint with the BPU immediately.
- Have you checked any of your cable bills (go back at least 6 months) to see if they state in the bill that they are moving the local PEG channels shortly?
If the answer is again, no notification, then I would file a complaint with the BPU immediately.
- Can you get channels 1300-1317 with a normal cable box, meaning without spending additional fees for beyond basic cable?
If the answer is you need something beyond the basic cable service to see those channels, then they are in violation of the Federal Cable Act and NJ Cable Act, and you should notify the BPU immediately.
For the BPU to act and see if any rules or agreements have been broken, municipalities must file first with them. Any letters you and your towns write to Altice to continue to express your reactions to and thoughts about what happened or any possible future actions should copy the BPU. The BPU needs to receive all formal complaints from the affected municipalities in order for them to investigate and explore further.
Apparently, some municipalities registered complaints. On August 28, JAG member Jan Zachary of Manalapan, NJ forwarded the following letter from Altice about switching us back (note that it was addressed to the BPU):
August 28, 2025
Ms. Lawanda Gilbert, Director
Ms. Sherri L. Lewis, Secretary of the Board
NJ Board of Public Utilities
Office of Cable Television and Telecommunications
44 South Clinton Avenue, 1st Floor
Trenton, NJ 08625
Re: Public, Education & Government (PEG) Channel Relocation
Dear Ms. Gilbert and Ms. Lewis:
Altice USA, Inc. (“Optimum” or “the Company”) hereby notifies the Board of Public Utilities (“BPU”) of the following updates to Optimum TV lineups.
As previously noticed to the BPU, between August 19, 2025, and August 22, 2025, the Company relocated Public, Education & Government (“PEG”) channels to new channel positions. These updated channel assignments were designed to place all PEG content within a dedicated and easily accessible channel block between channels 1300–1317.
Following that notice, the Company received feedback from local municipalities and other stakeholders who expressed concerns regarding the changes. After careful consideration of this input, while Optimum continues to believe that the changes would have provided benefits to customers, the Company has decided to return PEG channels to their prior channel positions, on or about September 16, 2025.
Optimum values the perspectives of its municipal partners and customers and takes the feedback received seriously. The Company will continue to review its channel lineups on an ongoing basis to ensure that lineups are managed in a way that balances customer needs, operational considerations, and the evolving programming landscape, and may revisit channel positioning at a future date.
The Company will issue an email communication to affected customers in the coming days to inform them of the restored channel positions. Once channels are repositioned, on-air channel slates will be activated to direct viewers to the new channel locations, and impacted customers will be notified through bill messages or inserts of these changes.
Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me by email at Brian.Quinn@Optimum.com.
Sincerely,
Brian Quinn
Senior Director, Government Affairs
Please let JAG know if you have not been changed back after this date. Please also review your franchise agreements and be prepared for the likelihood of this happening again soon. JAG highly recommends that your municipality send a letter immediately to Altice and copy the BPU Office of Cable Television on this relocation of PEG channels and the adverse effect it had on your consumers.
JAG Webinar
JAG will be holding a special webinar on Monday, September 29 at 11am to further discuss this, so we may provide insight and further information to our membership and municipalities (details to follow). JAG is also teaming up with New York and Connecticut to understand how we can work together to fight for your consumer rights and consumer protection issues such as this issue.
Posted: October 22, 2025 by Doug Seidel
Spotlight: Ocean County College Supports Television Production
by Mary Granahan, Television Production Director, Ocean County College
I’m Mary Granahan, Director of Television Production, and I’m excited to introduce you to Ocean TV-20, a full-service production studio and 24-hour station operated by Ocean County College. Our full HD studio also functions as an immersive training ground for the next generation of media professionals. So, our operations are a bit different than more traditional PEG operations.
Ocean TV-20 serves Ocean County with a variety of programming, including world news, culture, local stories, live campus events and original programming. For example, our show Shore of Support highlights organizations that enhance the lives of our community through charitable efforts. As a teaching studio, we offer students real-world experience by providing opportunities for them to participate in all aspects of production, from writing and producing to operating equipment and even directing.
Students at Ocean County College have access to our production facilities which include a recently upgraded LED lighting system, 4K cameras, and three working sets: a photo/video backdrop, a news set with removable backgrounds and large monitor, and a recently donated lifestyle set complete with recessed lighting, stonelike walls and monitors. This generous donation elevates our overall space while offering more variety to our students. Our facilities are also available to rent for public use.
In addition to running our studio and station, I’m also the advisor to the Viking Video Club, a welcoming space for students to enhance their creativity, knowledge, and industry experience outside of the classroom. Our members include students and alumni with all levels of experience and areas of study, including those outside of our Digital Mass Media Program. The club meets regularly to work on short films and passion projects, and to share ideas and feedback. Under my leadership, membership has grown tremendously.
A contributing factor to this growth is the very popular Industry Professional Workshop Series. Film, television, and media professionals provide valuable insights and learning opportunities for our students. Past workshops have covered producing, directing, screenwriting, special effects makeup, news reporting, filmmaking and much more. Through my industry connections, I have been able to bring in professionals and alumni with impressive résumés – including those who have worked on productions for Bravo, HBO, NBC Sports, The Olympics, Only Murders in the Building, The Florida Project—as well as professors from the NY Film Academy, Rutgers, Rowan and Rider Universities.
These workshops guide students as they produce their own projects (showcased at a short film screening last year). Many of our industry professionals returned to campus to support the Viking Video Club and their creative work.
An important lesson I emphasize is the power of networking. Through past connections, I secured an on-campus location for a feature film. And, even more exciting, several of our students got to work on the production. Opportunities like this are what make our program unique and truly career focused.
Staying current with rapidly evolving industry technology is a challenge we face as a teaching studio. Thanks to recent investments and generous donations, our studio has undergone significant upgrades:
None of this would be possible without support from the Ocean County College Board of Trustees, President Pamela Monaco, Executive Director of College Relations Jan Kirsten, and the Ocean County Board of Commissioners.
At its core, Ocean TV-20 and OCC equip students with the tools, training, and confidence to succeed in the media industry. Whether a student dreams of working in film, television, digital media, or live production, our station serves as a launchpad for developing real skills in a real-world environment.
We’re proud of what we’ve built, and even more excited about where we’re going. To learn more about our facilities and programming, visit ocean.edu.
Posted: October 22, 2025 by Doug Seidel
Live and Unfiltered: What TV Can—and Can’t—Show Now
by John C. Morley, Independent Producer
The world of television is changing faster than ever. Nowhere is that more obvious than with live streaming. With smartphones in every hand and social platforms offering instant broadcasting, the line between traditional TV and online content is blurring. But, as more broadcasters go live, a big question remains: what’s allowed on TV these days—and what’s off-limits?
A New Era, New Challenges
Not long ago, live television meant carefully scripted programs with hefty delays to censor anything unexpected. Today, anyone with a phone can go live, and TV stations are racing to keep up. The demand for instant, unscripted content is enormous, but so are the risks. Just ask any producer who’s seen a slip-up or unexpected moment go viral for the wrong reasons.
What’s Changed in Live TV Content
Recent years have forced regulatory bodies and networks to rethink what’s acceptable on broadcast TV. Decency laws and FCC guidelines still apply, but the sheer speed and volume of live content mean even big networks are double-checking their procedures.
While violence, explicit language, and nudity are typically banned, what constitutes “indecent” is up for debate—especially when something happens in the blink of an eye. One famous example is the “Wardrobe Malfunction” seen during the Super Bowl halftime show years ago, which triggered years of new restrictions and even higher fines for broadcasters.
But it’s not just about what TV can’t show. Many stations are taking advantage of what is possible: more live coverage of community events, instantly responding to breaking news, and bringing real-time reactions from audiences straight into their programming. The immediacy and authenticity of live TV can boost engagement and trust, so long as proper guidelines are in place.
Streaming Platforms Blur the Line
With major cable companies now offering their own streaming services and platforms like YouTube and Twitch carrying their own “channels,” the distinction between traditional TV and streaming grows less clear. Some streaming platforms aren’t bound by the same FCC rules, leading viewers to question—why are some things allowed on Netflix, but not on their local news?
For TV stations, this means walking a tightrope. While they want to keep up with trends and offer the unfiltered experiences digital audiences crave, they also need to avoid lawsuits, fines, or damaging their reputation with inappropriate content. That’s why newsrooms everywhere are holding regular training sessions, updating delay systems, and developing live response playbooks.
The Surprise Dos and Don’ts
Why Guidelines Matter Now More Than Ever
The stakes have never been higher for TV stations. One misstep can be clipped, shared, and go viral in seconds, potentially costing networks millions and eroding viewer trust. Setting clear, transparent standards and communicating them to the public is essential.
Looking Ahead
As live streaming and traditional TV converge, the rules will keep evolving. Networks that adapt quickly, invest in staff training, and keep the audience informed are best positioned to thrive in this new era.
So, next time you tune into a live broadcast, know that there’s a well-coordinated team making split-second decisions to keep you engaged, informed, and safe from the surprises that come with live, unfiltered television.
For station managers and operators of public TV, adapting to this era of live and unfiltered broadcasts means continually balancing innovation with responsibility. Strong guidelines and a well-prepared team aren’t just safeguards, they’re your foundation for building audience trust and leading in the competitive media landscape. By staying proactive, transparent, and responsive, public TV leaders can make the most of new opportunities while protecting both their viewers and their brand. This will ensure that live coverage keeps communities connected, informed, and engaged today and for years to come.
Posted: October 15, 2025 by Doug Seidel
Legislative Update October 2025: News from Trenton & Washington, DC – Changes in the FCC
by Dave Garb, Legislative Committee Chair
A Special Webinar held on September 29th regarding the Altice PEG Channel Switches in New Jersey, and the Surrounding Tri-State Municipalities
Around the 21st of August, all PEG Stations who are part of the Altice/Optimum cable system had their channels switched from their normal positions to the 1300-1317 spectrum. It effected the entire tri-state area and no-one received messages from Altice that this change was coming or had time to re-brand our stations to inform our residents.
After a lot of yelling from the municipalities and other parties, all channels were switched back to their original positions by the 3rd week of September.
Below are a some points that were made from our special webinar to prepare all of us for the future, in the event this channel change is attempted again:
From Gerard Lederer, Attorney – Best, Best and Krieger:
Additional Information about HD and Systemwide Franchises from Gerard Lederer, Attorney – Best, Best and Krieger:
“Dear, …, it has come to our attention or it is our belief that our community, (put your community’s name in it), franchised with Altice, now holds a systemwide franchise for our service area. That being the case, the community would like to request that our PEG channel be elevated to HD as provided by the system-wide franchise negotiated by the BPU.”
JAG Sessions at NJ League of Municipalities Annual Conference November 18-20 Annual NJLM Conference
Speakers: Bob Duthaler, JAG President, Gerard Lederer, Attorney at Law, Best Best & Krieger LLP, and Mayor Brian C. Wahler, Piscataway
Association: Jersey Access Group (JAG) and NJ League of Municipalities
Description: With anticipated changes to the wireless and broadband deployment regulations from Washington, are your municipal codes ready to deal with changes to shot clock regulations and design standards. This panel will tell you what to expect and what you need to do to protect your rights to control the future deployment of wireless transmission equipment in your municipality.
CEUs: CMFO-1.5 Off Mgmt | CCFO-1.5 Off Mgnt | CTC-1.5 Gen/Sec | CPWM-1.5 Mgmt | RMC-1.5 Prof Devel | QPA-1.5 Off Admin | CPR-1.25 PDC | LGLP-5.0 | NJCLE-1.5 | PACLE-1.0 | RPPO/RPPS-1.5 M/S | Planning-1.25 Tech | Land Use-1.25 Tech | Zoning-1.25 Tech
Speakers: Bob Duthaler, President, JAG, Gerard Lederer, Attorney at Law, Best Best & Krieger LLP, Michael Ruger, Committee Member, Hopewell Township, and Nancy Wolf, Coordinator, State & Local Planning NJBPU
Association: Jersey Access Group (JAG), and NJ League of Municipalities
Description: The panel will explore the local and systemwide cable franchise processes and how municipalities can maximize community benefits and ensure effective oversight. CEUs: CMFO-1.5 Off Mgmt | CCFO-1.5 Off Mgmt | CTC-1.5 Gen/Sec | CPWM-1.5 Mgmt | RMC-1.5 Prof Devel | QPA-1.5 Off Admin | CRP-1.25 Classroom | LGLP-5.0 | NJCLE-1.5 | PACLE-1.0 | RPPO/RPPS-1.5 M/S
Posted: September 16, 2025 by Doug Seidel
The New Era: NextGen TV
by John C. Morley, Independent Producer
ATSC 3.0 Brings Us the Future of Television
Remember when watching local TV meant tinkering with fuzzy antennas and hoping for a clear signal? Today, the world of entertainment is evolving at lightning speed, and the most game-changing leap isn’t just happening in your favorite streaming apps—it’s coming from your hometown broadcasters. With the arrival of NextGen TV, better known as ATSC 3.0, the future of television is now free, ultra-interactive, and more immersive than ever—all powered by technology that truly bridges the best of streaming with the community focus of local broadcasting.
Imagine enjoying cinematic 4K picture, theater-quality surround sound, and the freedom to rewind, pause, or instantly replay live shows—all with only a simple antenna, no monthly bill required. NextGen TV brings interactive features directly to viewers’ living rooms: want to vote live during your favorite talent contest, customize your weather or news alerts, or access on-demand local content? It’s now possible, and it all feels as seamless as streaming—except it comes straight from your local station, for free.
For stations and viewers, this isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a revolution. Powered by the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC), this new IP-based broadcast standard is turning the dial up on everything, adding real-time engagement, personalized programming, and ultra-reliable reception to the local TV experience. Local markets can now captivate new audiences with smart features like viewer-controlled camera angles, instant local updates, and emergency notifications that go beyond traditional alerts. With stunning 4K/HDR visuals, Dolby-quality sound, mobile-friendly signals, and gaming or shopping interactivity, NEXTGEN TV makes your hometown channel the most advanced screen in the house.
Stations wondering “why should we care?” will find NextGen TV opens up not just better audience engagement, but innovative revenue opportunities through targeted, interactive ads, premium on-demand content, and even local sponsorships tailored in real time. This technology is future-ready, too: it paves the way for 8K broadcasts, AI-powered news, and whatever the next decade of interactive TV will bring, keeping local communities at the heart of media innovation.
In a time when local news and traditional programming are sometimes struggling to keep attention, NextGen TV brings a new sense of excitement, relevance, and possibility back to free, over-the-air television. It invites stations to become centers of both information and interaction while empowering viewers to participate, customize, and truly connect with their local content. Ready or not, the NextGen TV era has arrived—bringing the power of streaming, the reliability of broadcast, and the magic of community all together in one. Now every living room can be a front-row seat to the most innovative, interactive, and inspiring chapter of local television yet.
Posted: September 16, 2025 by Doug Seidel
Smarter Broadcast Workflows – Audio & Comms Tools for PEG Stations Demo at September 24 meeting
by Yervant Keshishian Sales Engineer, Authorized Trainer & Technical Director, Varto Technologies, Inc
Varto Technologies is proud to welcome the Jersey Access Group (JAG) to our East Rutherford facility on September 24. This year, we are highlighting solutions that address two of the most common challenges PEG broadcasters face: delivering consistently clear audio and keeping production crews connected in real time.
Allen & Heath’s QU and SQ digital mixers give stations a smarter path to audio clarity. In studio control rooms, these mixers simplify complex productions and provide reliable, professional sound for multi-camera shows, news-style programming, and live-to-tape workflows.
Out in the field, their portable form factors and Dante-enabled options make them a strong fit for sports coverage, graduations, and community events where crews need flexibility without sacrificing quality.
For government or council sessions, QU and SQ can complement existing DSP systems by managing multi-mic situations with built-in Automatic Mic Mixing, ensuring a polished result for both in-room audiences and viewers at home. With Dante support, these mixers also provide a straightforward path into IP-based workflows, making audio routing more flexible and future-ready.
Audio is only one part of the equation. Behind the scenes, successful productions depend on crews staying connected and coordinated. Clear-Com’s EQUIP wireless intercom system is designed for exactly that.
In the studio, EQUIP delivers full-duplex, hands-free communication between directors, operators, and stage staff. In the field, it provides reliable coverage in tough RF environments, with rugged headsets and quick NFC pairing that make deployment simple even for lean volunteer crews. Whether producing a live show from the control room or a football game from the sidelines, EQUIP ensures communication never gets in the way of content.
At Varto, we do not just provide gear. We help stations design complete workflows, train staff at every level, and support productions long after installation. It is about giving PEG broadcasters confidence, not just equipment. By combining smarter audio, IP-ready workflows, and dependable crew communication, stations can improve production quality, reduce stress on their teams, and serve their communities with stronger, more engaging broadcasts. We look forward to demonstrating these solutions at the JAG meeting and showing how the right tools can transform both studio and field productions for PEG broadcasters.
Posted: September 12, 2025 by JAG News
Legislative Update September 2025: News from Trenton & Washington, DC – Changes in the FCC
by Dave Garb, Legislative Committee Chair
A Debacle with Altice and the PEG Community in New Jersey, and the Surrounding Tri-State Municipalities
Around August 21, all PEG stations that are part of the Altice/Optimum cable system had their channels moved from their normal positions to the 1300-1317 spectrum. To make matters worse, PEG operators, municipal clerks, mayors, and consumers were not notified of this switch. Altice Government Affairs stated they notified everyone. Notifications for the municipal and consumer level were nowhere to be found. This change not only affected us here in New Jersey but also in New York and Connecticut.
This gave all impacted communities no time to communicate with their residents about the switch. Both systemwide and local franchise agreements may have been violated with this unannounced change. Many municipalities questioned if it was allowed by their local franchise agreements or if the customers might need a new piece of equipment to view the channels. JAG Member, Howard Myers of Edison, NJ asked for a copy of this notification from Altice directly and was sent the following, after the switch occurred:
Good morning, Howard. Please see additional information on Edison PEG TV channel relocation:
PEG Channel Relocation:
Beginning August 19th through August 22nd, Optimum will be repositioning the location of our PEG channels (Public, Education, and Government Access) to a centralized location. These new channel assignments will allow for easier customer navigation and a better user experience, as all PEG channels will now be conveniently located within the same range [see chart above].
All customers subscribing to Basic cable or higher will continue to receive these channels in their video package, and there will be no change to any packaging or pricing as a result of this activity.
Customer Notifications:
Customers will receive advanced(30-day) notification regarding the repositioning of these channels via bill messaging—”Starting August 19, 2025, Your Local Access, Public Education, & Government Channels will be moved to a new channel position between 1300 and 1317 please check your local listings.”
Additionally, once the channels have moved, on-air channel slates will direct customers to the new channel positioning. Anyone tuning in to the previous channel numbers will be guided to the updated locations.
Customers can always find Optimum’s current channel lineup on our website at https://www.optimum.net/pages/channel-lineups.html.
Hope this helps explain the channel relocation, our steps to notify customers, and any other questions on channel lineup.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Brian
Brian Quinn
Senior Director, Government Affairs
JAG Takes Action
When JAG heard about this move, we took quick and decisive action to understand what was happening, what it meant, and what actions we could take. JAG notified the NJ BPU Office of Cable Television and our members. We were astonished by the sentence in the letter that stated that “these new channel assignments will allow for easier customer navigation and a better user experience.” Easier for the customer to navigate? Some customers have been watching our stations for 35+ years. They know where to find us. Better customer experience? Those 1300 channels are in the HD Spectrum. We are still in SD format.
JAG President, Bob Duthaler sent a list of items for all affected systems needed to research out immediately:
If the answer is Local – check your franchise agreement out to make sure they didn’t violate any terms in your agreement by doing this. If it is Systemwide, then not much can be done.
I put in clauses that if they change, they pay us a fee to help rebrand.
If the answer is no letter, then I would file a complaint with the BPU immediately.
If the answer is again, no notification, then I would file a complaint with the BPU immediately.
If the answer is you need something beyond the basic cable service to see those channels, then they are in violation of the Federal Cable Act and NJ Cable Act, and you should notify the BPU immediately.
For the BPU to act and see if any rules or agreements have been broken, municipalities must file first with them. Any letters you and your towns write to Altice to continue to express your reactions to and thoughts about what happened or any possible future actions should copy the BPU. The BPU needs to receive all formal complaints from the affected municipalities in order for them to investigate and explore further.
Apparently, some municipalities registered complaints. On August 28, JAG member Jan Zachary of Manalapan, NJ forwarded the following letter from Altice about switching us back (note that it was addressed to the BPU):
August 28, 2025
Ms. Lawanda Gilbert, Director
Ms. Sherri L. Lewis, Secretary of the Board
NJ Board of Public Utilities
Office of Cable Television and Telecommunications
44 South Clinton Avenue, 1st Floor
Trenton, NJ 08625
Re: Public, Education & Government (PEG) Channel Relocation
Dear Ms. Gilbert and Ms. Lewis:
Altice USA, Inc. (“Optimum” or “the Company”) hereby notifies the Board of Public Utilities (“BPU”) of the following updates to Optimum TV lineups.
As previously noticed to the BPU, between August 19, 2025, and August 22, 2025, the Company relocated Public, Education & Government (“PEG”) channels to new channel positions. These updated channel assignments were designed to place all PEG content within a dedicated and easily accessible channel block between channels 1300–1317.
Following that notice, the Company received feedback from local municipalities and other stakeholders who expressed concerns regarding the changes. After careful consideration of this input, while Optimum continues to believe that the changes would have provided benefits to customers, the Company has decided to return PEG channels to their prior channel positions, on or about September 16, 2025.
Optimum values the perspectives of its municipal partners and customers and takes the feedback received seriously. The Company will continue to review its channel lineups on an ongoing basis to ensure that lineups are managed in a way that balances customer needs, operational considerations, and the evolving programming landscape, and may revisit channel positioning at a future date.
The Company will issue an email communication to affected customers in the coming days to inform them of the restored channel positions. Once channels are repositioned, on-air channel slates will be activated to direct viewers to the new channel locations, and impacted customers will be notified through bill messages or inserts of these changes.
Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me by email at Brian.Quinn@Optimum.com.
Sincerely,
Brian Quinn
Senior Director, Government Affairs
Please let JAG know if you have not been changed back after this date. Please also review your franchise agreements and be prepared for the likelihood of this happening again soon. JAG highly recommends that your municipality send a letter immediately to Altice and copy the BPU Office of Cable Television on this relocation of PEG channels and the adverse effect it had on your consumers.
JAG Webinar
JAG will be holding a special webinar on Monday, September 29 at 11am to further discuss this, so we may provide insight and further information to our membership and municipalities (details to follow). JAG is also teaming up with New York and Connecticut to understand how we can work together to fight for your consumer rights and consumer protection issues such as this issue.
Posted: August 29, 2025 by Doug Seidel
Spotlight: Clifton Cable Channel – Raising the Bar for Local Broadcasting: Clifton Cable Channel’s Journey of Growth and Creativity
by Mike Solomon, Station Manager, Clifton Cable Channel
When the world shut down in 2020 during the COVID-19 crisis, many people found themselves searching for ways to help their communities. For me, that journey began as a volunteer at the City of Clifton’s public-access television station (Clifton Cable Channel). At the time, I simply wanted to lend my skills to help keep residents informed during an unprecedented period of uncertainty. What I didn’t know then was that this volunteer effort would become a career I now deeply love.
The City of Clifton recognized my contributions early on. In 2021, the city created a part-time position for me so I could continue to improve the station’s programming. A year later, in 2022, I was offered the role of Station Manager—an honor that came with both responsibility and opportunity. Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to enhancing the technical quality, cinematic value, and community relevance of all our productions.
From the start, my goal has been to elevate the way our city meetings (including council, zoning, and planning board sessions) are presented to the public. These meetings are essential to transparency and civic engagement, and I believe they should be captured with clarity, professionalism, and production values that keep viewers engaged. The same philosophy applies to supplementary programming, from concerts and parades to cultural festivals and community fairs.
A major part of this improvement has been modernizing our equipment. When I began, the station relied on basic consumer-grade “soccer mom” handheld camcorders. Since then, I’ve led a complete upgrade to professional-level tools, including the latest Sony DSLR cameras and studio production cameras for in-studio work. These advancements have allowed us to produce programming with crisp visuals, rich color, and a more cinematic feel—raising the standard for what local public-access television can be.
Behind every success story is a strong team, and I am grateful to have one of the best.
My assistant station manager, Anthony Bartlett, has been an invaluable partner in keeping our productions running smoothly. His dedication, technical know-how, and willingness to go above and beyond have made my job easier and more enjoyable. I truly appreciate the teamwork and mutual respect we share. I am also grateful to my boss, John Ricca. John’s support, guidance, and trust were instrumental in the station’s transformation. He gives me the freedom to be creative while providing steady leadership that ensures our projects align with the city’s mission. Without his vision, the Clifton Cable Channel wouldn’t be what it is today.
Our station’s operations run on TelVue products across the board — from live broadcasts to pre-recorded programming. TelVue’s reliability and versatility have helped us streamline production and improve our broadcast quality, making it easier to deliver timely, polished content to our viewers.
In 2024, I was recognized by the Jersey Access Group (JAG) with their Multiple Camera Concert Award of Excellence for our coverage of Super Trans Am 2023. This recognition meant a great deal to me, not only because it validated the hard work we put into that production, but also because it came from an organization that does so much to support public-access stations like ours. JAG provides invaluable resources, networking opportunities, and professional development for its members. I am proud to be part of that community.
As I look to the future, my focus remains on growth. The Clifton Cable Channel has come a long way since 2020, but in many ways, our journey is just beginning. Thanks to the support of the City of Clifton, my colleagues, and organizations like JAG, the possibilities are brighter than ever. We keep building, keep improving, and keep telling the stories of our community—one broadcast at a time. We are focused not just in improving technology and production values, but also in how the Clifton Cable Channel connects with its audience. Our programming continues to inform, inspire, and reflect our city’s diversity. With continued investment in our team, equipment, and creative vision, I’m confident that we will keep raising the bar for local broadcasting.
Posted: August 29, 2025 by Doug Seidel
Navigating the Tech Jungle: QLED vs OLED Which TV is Right for You?
by John C. Morley, Independent Producer
Shopping for a new TV can feel like stepping into a tech jungle—especially when every screen promises to be the best. Whether you’re upgrading your living room or outfitting a professional studio, the choice often comes down to two heavy hitters: QLED and OLED. Without understanding the technology, picking the right TV can feel overwhelming, like wandering through dense underbrush without a map. This guide cuts through the jargon, breaks down the differences, and helps you find the TV that fits your space, viewing habits, and budget.
Today’s two main TV technologies are QLED (quantum dot light-emitting diode) and OLED (organic light-emitting diode). QLED builds on traditional LED/LCD TVs by adding a layer of quantum dots, producing brighter colors, sharper contrast, and a more vivid picture. Samsung led the charge in QLED research starting in 2001, creating the first cadmium-free quantum dots in 2004, with the first consumer models launching in 2015. Brands like Hisense and TCL have also adopted QLED and even formed a QLED Alliance with Samsung in 2017 to advance the technology.
Why QLED shines: Quantum dots allow a broader and more accurate range of colors than traditional LEDs. Enhanced high dynamic range (EHDR) improves contrast, delivering brighter whites and deeper blacks. QLED is ideal for bright rooms, multi-purpose viewing, and content with static images because it reduces glare and carries a lower risk of burn-in. Modern QLED TVs often use mini-LED backlighting, which allows for precise dimming, enhancing brightness and contrast even further.
QLED Pros: Bright, vivid colors; reduced glare; low burn-in risk; affordable.
QLED Cons: Blacks aren’t as deep as OLED; contrast is lower; dark-room performance is less immersive.
How OLED works: Unlike QLED, OLED is self-emissive. Each pixel produces its own light, allowing perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and wide viewing angles. OLED panels can be ultra-thin and even flexible. Professional studios increasingly rely on OLED for color-critical tasks like color grading and visual effects, thanks to its precise color accuracy and superior contrast.
OLED Pros: Perfect blacks; infinite contrast; wide viewing angles; excellent color accuracy; thin, flexible panels.
OLED Cons: Higher cost; lower peak brightness in very bright rooms; potential burn-in with static images.
Choosing the right TV:
For home use: QLED works best in bright living rooms, multi-purpose setups, or budget-conscious households. OLED excels in dark home theaters or cinematic experiences where deep blacks and stunning contrast matter most.
For professional studios: OLED is preferred for tasks requiring precise color reproduction and detailed visuals, while QLED is better for multi-monitor setups or content with static graphics where burn-in is a concern.
Other practical considerations include room lighting, screen size, HDR support (EHDR vs Dolby Vision), connectivity (HDMI, USB, audio outputs), and smart TV features.
Ultimately, both QLED and OLED deliver exceptional picture quality, but each shines in different scenarios. QLED offers brightness, vividness, and affordability, making it ideal for bright rooms and everyday viewing. OLED provides perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and accurate colors, making it the go-to for cinematic home theaters or professional studio work. Understanding these trade-offs ensures you pick a TV that fits your space and needs—turning the overwhelming tech jungle into a clear path toward the perfect screen.
QLED vs OLED: Quick Comparison