WNET, operator of New Jersey public television network NJTV, is acquiring online news site NJ Spotlight from the Community Foundation of New Jersey, it announced Tuesday morning.
The national flagship PBS affiliate said its news division, NJTV News, will combine with NJ Spotlight to create a multiplatform journalism entity. NJ Spotlight will maintain its brand and site.
“These two successful and respected news entities are joining forces to create a far greater whole, a natural fit that brings together NJTV News’ breadth and NJ Spotlight’s depth,” John Servidio, NJTV’s general manager, said in a prepared statement. “The result: furthering both entities’ public service missions.”
Servidio will become general manager for NJ Spotlight, in addition to his duties with NJTV and as vice president of subsidiary stations for WNET.
“This move strengthens both NJ Spotlight and NJTV News, but the biggest winners are the residents of New Jersey,” NJ Spotlight Founding Editor John Mooney said in a statement. “They will benefit from the increased focus and resources covering issues important to them.”
NJTV and NJ Spotlight have worked together in the past on projects, their news release said, including the 2018 congressional debates.
