Montclair State Adds NJ Spotlight To Its Public News Network

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The passing of the torch continues for the Garden State's public news network.

NJ PBS recently announced that Montclair State University is acquiring the assets of NJ Spotlight from The WNET Group.

Subscribe

NJ Spotlight is a statewide news organization that has reported on New Jersey policy and government since 2010. Its assets will be integrated with NJ PBS, which is operated by Montclair State University within its College of Communication and Media.

Montclair State recently took over as the programming and management operator of NJ PBS, which includes New Jersey's four public television stations. The announcement followed months of uncertainty about the future of the state's public media network – largely due to budget cuts.

• Related: NJ PBS Says It Will Shut Down After Losing Federal, State Funding
• Related: NJ College Is Taking Over State's Public TV Stations

NJ PBS will keep NJ Spotlight's archive of more than 26,000 articles publicly available without a paywall, and preserve existing article links "where technically feasible," the university said.

In addition, NJ PBS has retained NJ Spotlight's founding editor, John Mooney.

"Spotlight started from the premise that New Jersey needs somebody at the Statehouse, the school board, and the budget hearings to provide critical information and insight on their state's policies and politics," Mooney said.

"We are thrilled that our award-winning coverage will continue uninterrupted, and now has a new permanent home in New Jersey," Mooney added.

Keith Strudler, dean of Montclair's College of Communication and Media, said NJ Spotlight has built a record of "accountability journalism" that New Jersey relies on over the years.

"Integrating this tradition into the NJ PBS News team under one New Jersey-based operator ensures our state and its residents get the news and information they deserve, reaching the broadest possible audience," Strudler said.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.