NJN Wants Out
Out of New Jersey’s government. I applaud that.
New Jersey Network (NJN) is the Garden State’s public broadcasting station. It is an entity that sees its budget slashed yearly. This year, $4.3 million tax dollars will fund the 150 employees. One hundred fifty employees to produce a nightly newscast, a couple public affairs shows, and broadcast a radio station? That’s the government for you!
But compared to 20 years ago, it is but 20% of the then $20 million taxpayers forker over.
But NJN thinks it can do better without government oversight. If it leaves the taxpayer rolls, it will be free of the burden of government mandates, not to mention the budget mess.
What worries me is the plan:
Executives want the 39-year-old taxpayer-funded network to become a community licensed entity, run by a non-profit foundation. That would free the network of onerous bureaucracy, improve its ability to raise private money and allow taxpayer support to be phased out over several years.
The phase out would take several years? Why? Cut them loose right now. I say spin NJN off come 1 July. There’s another $4.3 saved. That would help keep the state parks open, eh?
Don’t get me wrong, I like Michael Aron and think he’s worth his $124,000 salary. But I would prefer a news station to be independent and not government run. Since it thinks the same, let’s work together for the benefit of all.
Haste makes waste.
Also blogged on this date . . .
- Sheesh - 2008
- Hunt's Theater - 2008
- A Sincere Thank You - 2008
- What Am I Listening to Now? - 2008
- Schools Are Suing for More Tax Dollars - 2007
- Stephen, Pack Your Knives and Go - 2006
- It's NJ, That's Why - 2006
- Holly Child Family Center Grand Opening - 2005
Tags: government, Media, New Jersey, NJN, Politics