After more than a decade of operating New Jersey’s public television network, The WNET Group announced Tuesday that it will not renew its contract with the state beyond June 30, 2026.
WNET — which manages NJ PBS under an agreement reached in 2011 when Gov. Chris Christie and the Legislature decided the state should no longer directly run a television station — cited significant state and federal funding cuts as a factor in its decision.
“Regrettably, we were not able to reach an agreement with the New Jersey Public Broadcasting Authority to continue beyond June 2026,” WNET said in a statement.
What’s Next for NJ PBS
Until the contract expires, NJ PBS programming and its flagship broadcast, NJ Spotlight News with Briana Vannozzi, will continue on NJ PBS, THIRTEEN, and digital platforms. After June 2026, WNET says it will keep producing the newscast, airing it on THIRTEEN and online, and making it available to other outlets.
The network emphasized it remains “a willing partner to collaborate” and said it looks forward to working with New Jersey–based institutions interested in operating the state’s public television network in the future.
A 14-Year Run
Over the past 14 years, WNET has rebranded the network as NJ PBS and expanded its New Jersey–focused news and programming to highlight issues and communities across the state.
In its statement, WNET expressed pride in its stewardship and gratitude to the NJ PBS Board of Trustees, the state, and the station’s viewers and members for their support.
“We have been proud to serve the state of New Jersey with content that inspires, educates and informs,” the organization said.
