Montclair State University Officially Assumes Operations of NJ PBS

MONTCLAIR, N.J. July 1, 2026– Starting today, Montclair State University has officially assumed operations of NJ PBS, marking a new chapter in New Jersey public television. The transition became official today after New Jersey State Treasurer Aaron Binder and Montclair State University announced on June 3 that Montclair was selected as the new programming and management operator of New Jersey’s four FCC-licensed public television stations.

During the next three months, Montclair will hire staff, set up systems, and prepare new programming that informs, connects, and educates residents across the Garden State.

For viewers, programming will continue uninterrupted during the transition. NJ PBS viewers can continue watching the channel, and eligible members retain their PBS Passport benefit while Montclair and its College of Communication and Media set up the next phase of operations.

PBS Passport access will continue uninterrupted for all qualifying NJ PBS members through at least July 31, 2026. Members with access to Passport due to expire on or after Aug. 1, 2026, will receive an email with renewal options.

Existing gifts, including one-time and recurring donations, ended on June 30, 2026. Members who want to continue a monthly recurring gift to NJ PBS will need to reinitiate that monthly gift. NJ PBS will contact members by email in July to start that process. The new donation portal can be found here.

Have questions? Please see the FAQ’s below,  email njpbs@montclair.edu or call 800-882-6622 with any questions, and visit njpbs.org for more updates.

Media inquiries (not station questions) can be directed to Keith Green, Director of Communications and Strategic Operations, College of Communication and Media, 973-655-3701 or greenk@montclair.edu.

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FAQ’s:

What is changing at NJ PBS?
Beginning July 1, 2026, Montclair State University is the new operator of NJ PBS. During the next three months, Montclair will be hiring staff, setting up systems, and preparing new programming that informs, connects, and educates residents across the Garden State.

Who is the new operator of NJ PBS?
The new operator of NJ PBS is Montclair State University.

What was WNET’s role?
WNET operated NJ PBS from July 1, 2011, until June 30, 2026.

Is anything changing immediately for viewers?
Nothing will change immediately for viewers during the transition phase. NJ PBS viewers can continue watching the channel, and eligible members retain their PBS Passport benefit while Montclair sets up the next phase of NJ PBS operations.

Why is this transition happening?
WNET’s contract to operate NJ PBS ended on June 30, 2026. Montclair State University is the new operator of NJ PBS as of July 1, 2026. Montclair will be hiring staff, setting up systems, and preparing new programming during the summer. We appreciate the patience and support of NJ PBS members during this transition phase.

Does my existing access to PBS Passport continue without interruption?
Members with access to Passport will continue to have access, without interruption, through July 31, 2026. Members whose access to Passport is due to expire starting on Aug. 1, 2026, will be contacted to create a new account to renew through our new donation form.

Do I need to do anything right now?
Not for immediate viewing or streaming with PBS Passport through July 31, 2026. There is one important update: existing gifts, including one-time and recurring donations, ended on June 30, 2026. All NJ PBS members will need to set up a new monthly recurring gift or one-time donation through our new donation portal here.

What happens to recurring donations?
Existing gifts, including one-time and recurring donations, ended on June 30, 2026. Members who want to continue a monthly recurring gift to NJ PBS will need to sign in to the new NJ PBS system and re-initiate that monthly gift through our new donation portal here.

Where can I renew or make a donation?
The new donation portal is here.

Will donors need to re-enter payment information?
Yes. Donors will need to re-enter payment information in the new system.

What happens to prior giving history and tax receipts?
WNET maintains giving history and tax receipts for all donations to NJ PBS before July 1, 2026.

Who processes NJ PBS donations now?
The Montclair State University Foundation will process NJ PBS donations this summer. Once the new Friends of NJ Public Media nonprofit is fully set up and functioning, that organization will take over processing NJ PBS donations.

How is personal and payment information handled?
Personal and payment information is kept secure using PBS’s proprietary membership system.

Will communication preferences and opt-outs carry over automatically?
No. Communication preferences and opt-outs will need to be resubmitted as the new NJ PBS sets up new membership, alerts, and newsletter systems. NJ PBS will reach out to members and viewers with these new choices in the coming months.

Where should I go for help?
Email njpbs@montclair.edu or call 800-882-6622.

Where should members go for updates?
Go to njpbs.org for updates.