NJBA Weekly Newsletter, Friday, May 11, 2007

NJ Radio Station Threatened By State Trooper

It all started when one of NJ 101.5’s afternoon hosts, Craig Carton, learned that a State Trooper Web Site was advocating a ticketing blitz, because the troopers were angry at press coverage on the Governor’s State Trooper Driver, who was reportedly driving 93 miles per hour, when the SUV crashed. Carton had the story, exclusively, from the web site and broadcasted. The head of the State Police immediately issued orders, to all his commanders, to ensure that a ticketing blitz did not take place. That was the end of it, until Trooper David Jones, President of the Troopers Union and an active trooper, held a news conference in Trenton. He attacked Carton and his on air partner, Rossi, called them names, which he would have every right to do, as a private citizen, but not as a State Trooper and then stepped over the line.  He disclosed Carton’s home address and his car license plate number. Further, he threatened to disclose the same information about co-host, Ray Rossi and all the executives at the station. This invasion of privacy was met with swift rebuke by the State Police and the head of the Troopers, Superintendent Fuentes who met with the radio cop-hosts and executives at the station. Meanwhile, Trooper Jones publicly stated, “he would do what his superintendent requested and would hold no further news conferences about this subject.”  An investigation regarding Trooper Jones’ action, by the Office of The Attorney General, is ongoing.  When asked for comment, they refused.  NJBA President, Philip H. Roberts called for the immediate firing of Trooper Jones because he used his position to abuse his power and tried to intimidate the radio station executives and on air talent.  Jones has refused all further comments.  Roberts stated, “it’s a matter of free speech to him and was protecting the broadcaster’s first amendment rights from any intimidation or coercion.  He added, “We hang together or surely we will hang alone.” 

Petition To Deny, Filed Against WWOR-TV

A coalition, “Voice for New Jersey”, has filed a petition to deny the license renewal for WWOR-TV, Secaucus. The group charged the station with catering to a New York City audience and not a New Jersey audience. Interestingly enough, its web site is my9ny.com.  The Group charged the station with covering New York City, with more news about Mayor Bloomberg, than Governor Corzine.

When the FCC granted a license to the station, it said, ‘the station would be required to move to New Jersey and operate for the benefit of the people of New Jersey.” Originally, the station had a Trenton News Bureau and a very New Jersey orientation.  When the station was purchased by Fox, they announced that they were moving to Manhattan.  Senator Frank Lautenberg, a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, which deals with broadcast issues, persuaded the station not to move. The station is a member of the New Jersey Broadcasters Association.   

Attention All Stations:  We need your help!  It’s prize time again.  We are looking for prizes for the convention.  We are especially interested in Theatre Tickets, Restaurant Gift Cards and others.  Please contact Debbie, 1-888-657-2346 to let her know you have gifts for this event.  Thanks very much!   

2007 Mid-Atlantic Broadcasters Conference

Registration is open to attend the 2007 Mid-Atlantic Broadcasters Conference being held at Caesars Atlantic City.  Members of the NJBA can register on-line.  Non-members wishing to attend can contact the NJBA office at 1-888-657-2346 and request a registration form.  The Opening Reception will be held at Game On, located on the Pier at Caesars. Speakers to include: David K. Rehr, Senator Robert Menendez, Paul Weyland, Jeffrey M. Haley and the FCC.  Join us at the Closing Reception, Club BoomBox featuring an array of delicious food, cash drop, games of chance for a chance to win an HD TV, HD Radios, Nintendo Wii’s, I-pods and more.  Plus a 9-Night Royal Caribbean Cruise for two.  Must be present to win! 

Reminders: Keep your FCC inspection up to date.  It’s the cheapest insurance you can get.

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