CWA Local 1032 Fights Privatization of NJN

The following is an article by CWA Local 1032 Staff Rep Dudley Burdge.  It was originally posted here.

Communications Workers of America Local 1032 and the union represented staff of New Jersey Network oppose the proposal for changes in NJN operations, privatization of NJN, and cutting state support for NJN. We believe that this proposal will result in a significant downgrading of the journalistic product provided by NJN at a time when news coverage in New Jersey is already in crisis.

Some recent reports have indicated staff support for the privatization of NJN. This is not the case.

Additionally, proposals for privatization put the reasons for NJN's existence — coverage of news, public affairs, and cultural affairs and the provision of educational services with a distinct New Jersey content — at risk of future merger with or takeover by Philadelphia or New York broadcasters with a corresponding watering down of New Jersey content. This likelihood is illustrated by the 10 television stations that are licensed in New Jersey but actually are Philly or NYC stations.

The position of the union and staff of NJN can be summarized as follows:

• NJN brings New Jersey together as a state; we need to make sure that it's always there.
• Philly and New York stations have historically ignored New Jersey. The state needs to hold NJN's broadcast licenses to make sure we have coverage of New Jersey news and public affairs. This was the reason NJN was established; this need still exists.
• Without state funding, NJN coverage of news and legislative affairs will be slashed.
• Taxpayers have invested hundreds of millions of dollars in NJN, we need to continue with modest annual investments rather than give it away.

Additional information on NJN, its budget, history and alternatives to privatization are available at SaveNJN.wordpress.com.