NJ PBS Chair Trustees Resign Ahead 2026 Shutdown

NJ PBS is scheduled to cease operations on June 30, 2026, due to significant state and federal budget cuts, leading to the resignation of several board members including Chairman Scott Kobler. WNET, the operator of NJ PBS since 2011, will continue to air a half-hour New Jersey weeknight newscast on its channel THIRTEEN and digital platforms after the shutdown. The resigning trustees expressed disappointment over the lack of cooperative support from the State of New Jersey for renewing the public broadcasting network. Despite the shutdown, the news program "NJ Spotlight News" will continue to be produced and potentially broadcast on other outlets. WNET has indicated willingness to assist any new entity interested in relaunching public television in New Jersey. Political figures, including Senator Andy Kim, have expressed concern over the cuts' impact on public media in New Jersey, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a public television presence in the state.