The New Jersey Civic Information Consortium (NJCIC) has released a groundbreaking draft report calling for a massive expansion of the state’s public media infrastructure. The report argues that New Jersey requires a modern, coordinated statewide system to combat misinformation, strengthen local journalism, and provide residents with essential access to arts, education, and sports programming.
The proposal arrives at a critical juncture following the elimination of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and a pending transition in the state’s own broadcasting system. To address these shifts, NJCIC convened a “Design Team” of experts from journalism, academia, and philanthropy to reimagine a sustainable future for Garden State media.
“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make New Jersey’s public media system the strongest in the country,” says Mike Rispoli, Senior Director at Free Press.
A $55 Million Roadmap for Civic Info
The report outlines a five-year, $55 million investment plan, beginning with an initial public investment of $11.9 million in the first year. This funding would be supplemented by foundations, memberships, and sponsorships to support:
- Statewide Content Production: Reliable news that reflects the full diversity of New Jersey.
- Ecosystem Collaboration: Supporting local creators, educators, and storytellers.
- Grantmaking: Continued funding for local news outlets via the NJCIC.
Building a “Homegrown” System
The framework, developed by consultants including Due East Partners, Public Media Company, and Free Press, focuses on creating a nimble infrastructure capable of high-level investigative reporting and regional coverage. Lisa Sahulka, Executive Director of the NJCIC, emphasized that the ultimate goal is ensuring every community has access to trusted information “that reflects the full diversity of New Jersey”.
Public Comment and Next Steps
The NJCIC is now seeking stakeholder and public input on the draft. Free Press and Due East Partners will host listening sessions through early April 2026 with legislators, journalists, and community leaders. A final version of the report, incorporating this feedback, is expected to be released later this Spring.
