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Big Bird Gets the Ax: NJ PBS Hit by Massive State and Federal Funding Cuts

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

NEW JERSEY — Beloved public television characters — including Big Bird — are facing an uncertain future as New Jersey’s PBS station, NJ PBS, announces layoffs amid deep state and federal funding cuts.

The shakeup comes after New Jersey lawmakers slashed $750,000 from NJ PBS’s state budget allocation during June budget negotiations. Adding to the financial blow, Congress approved legislation supported by former President Donald Trump that eliminated funding for the technologically obsolete Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which he accused of having a “far left-leaning bias”.

Funding Loss Forces Layoffs

NJ PBS CEO Neal Shapiro, who also heads parent company WNET, confirmed that the combined funding cuts have created a “financial situation that requires us to make painful decisions to reduce the size of the NJ Spotlight News team.”

“This is not a reflection of anyone’s performance or dedication,” Shapiro wrote. “The scope of the funding loss simply leaves us no choice.”

NJ Spotlight News, the digital arm of NJ PBS, merged with NJTV in 2020 and has become a key source for statewide political and investigative reporting.

Millions in Lost Support

According to Politico New Jersey, NJ PBS previously received $1.5 million annually from the CPB and $1 million in state funding. The latest state budget has reduced that support to just $250,000.

The most recent public records from 2023 show NJ PBS had $11.5 million in revenue but still ran a $56,000 deficit.

No Word on How Many Staff Will Be Laid Off

NJ PBS spokesperson Deb Falk declined to say how many employees are being let go or which positions are affected. She also refused interview requests with station officials.

With fewer resources and less manpower, NJ PBS’s ability to produce in-depth local journalism and children’s programming — including iconic Sesame Street segments — may be severely impacted.

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5 thoughts on “Big Bird Gets the Ax: NJ PBS Hit by Massive State and Federal Funding Cuts

  1. Let me grab a tissue.
    NJ is broke.
    US is broke.

  2. BINGO
    Who’s next?

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  3. Finally. Even putting aside their Democrat propaganda, it was absurd that the taxpayers were paying for a news service.

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  4. I have over 1000 channels on my TV, and several streaming options. No one will miss PBS. If their programming is in demand, and some will be, it will be picked up by someone who will broadcast it. It was, and is, a waste of taxpayer money. Next target?

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  5. Big Bird does not depend on taxpayer funding so he is safe.

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