The New Jersey Society of Professional Journalists is calling on Montclair State University to establish a strong editorial firewall and uphold journalistic ethics as it assumes management of NJ PBS on July 1.

The New Jersey Society of Professional Journalists (NJ-SPJ) is urging Montclair State University to prioritize editorial independence and statewide news coverage as the university prepares to take over management of NJ PBS next week.

In an open letter addressed to Dr. Keith Strudler, dean of Montclair State University’s College of Communication and Media, the organization’s board outlined recommendations aimed at preserving public trust in New Jersey’s public television network when the transition takes effect July 1.

The letter acknowledges concerns raised by some observers about a university taking over management of the state’s public television station while noting that university-operated public media organizations are common across the country.

Editorial independence tops recommendations

The organization’s primary recommendation calls for a clear separation between the newsroom and university leadership.

“Therefore, we insist on a strong editorial firewall between the newsroom, station managers and university administration to ensure transparency and the trust of the audience for the new network,” the board wrote.

The letter points to examples from other states where public media organizations have faced criticism over allegations of political or institutional influence, including controversies involving public broadcasting organizations affiliated with universities in Illinois, Arizona, and West Virginia.

SPJ urges adherence to ethics code

The board also encouraged NJ PBS under Montclair State’s management to follow the Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics.

“Our national organization’s code of ethics has been the moral compass of our industry for decades,” the board wrote. “We believe that any newsroom, let alone individual journalists, is ensuring high standards in their work by adhering to these principles.”

The letter also recommends using the “Editorial Integrity for Public Media” guidelines as an additional resource.

Statewide coverage emphasized

NJ-SPJ also urged the university to ensure news coverage extends across all 21 New Jersey counties.

The organization noted that New Jersey’s media landscape is heavily influenced by the New York and Philadelphia television markets, making statewide reporting by public television particularly important.

“We would be doing an injustice if we did not advocate for all 21 counties to receive attention from the new network,” the board wrote.

The letter concludes by wishing Montclair State University success as it becomes the home of New Jersey’s public television network.

“We wish Montclair State University the best of luck as it prepares to be the home of public television in the Garden State once again,” the board wrote.

Key Points

• The New Jersey Society of Professional Journalists issued an open letter ahead of Montclair State University’s July 1 takeover of NJ PBS.

• The organization called for a strong editorial firewall between the newsroom, university administration, and station management.

• NJ-SPJ also urged adherence to the Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics and comprehensive news coverage across all 21 New Jersey counties.

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