Public access television, such as Central New Jersey Network, gives plenty to the communities that it serves. But it needs help from its viewers to support its mission of providing unique, high-quality programming.
Financial support from viewers is a lifeblood for CNJN, which ensures its ability to create new opportunities for learning, education and expression.
Four years ago, Phyllis Haynes made the decision to financially support CNJN.
“This is a profound opportunity,” she said. “Sure, I’ve been part of ABC Evening News. I was on with Peter Jennings. I was on Good Morning America. I loved it. But I actually have more control and more freedom to take a look at unsung heroes and the hidden bits of information.”
Haynes produces her own show, Profonde.TV, on CNJN. Her work creates a platform for unsung thought leaders, inventors and creatives to build their profiles in the new world of digital media.
“We are part of a broadcast revolution,” she said. “You will find that curated information is actually more powerful and more useful than blanket, quick Instagram kind of bits. I am entertained by social media but being able to really have a longer conversation and look deeply into a subject is a gift.”
That’s a big reason why she continues to financially support CNJN TV.
Playwright/filmmaker Frederick Olessi started donating money to CNJN TV about six years ago.
“CNJN is a cornucopia of marvelous information, especially for older people,” said the 88-year-old artist. “It is a mainstay of my life. I wake up very early in the morning, and they show this classical art series that’s on from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. where they have clips of famous artists from the last 30 to 40 years. It’s just marvelous.”
Olessi’s films, which range from Whitman, Francis of Assisi, Marguerite Yourcenar to Apocalypse, can be seen on CNJN, which is a huge departure from mainstream television.
“There is no comparison to commercial television,” he said. “They have programming from around the world in every language in every subject. It’s an intelligent service for intelligent people.”
These days, Haynes said she works for her audience without constraints from corporate expectations.
“I love talking about things that no one else is talking about,” she said. I enjoy the freedom I have by just being an independent producer. I keep achieving my goal every time I broadcast. It is very satisfying to be part of a meaningful conversation.”
Funding for CNJN ensures that communities throughout New Jersey receive quality programming that will make their lives richer. Choose a television channel that helps everyone grow. (Donate today!)
CNJN programming includes new talk shows and a lineup including: The Gab, R & B Bistro, Open Source, The Geeta Chopra Show, Cafe Improv, Empathy in Action, New Beginnings, Positive Energy, I Am Not Cancer, Storyline, Back Story, Profonde TV, Clear Speak, The Tom & Doug Show, Eric Mintel Investigations, Real Talk on Racism, a program on wealth management, as well as local, national and international news.
All CNJN programming is featured on its website at www.cnjn.org and may be accessed over Comcast Channels 28 and 30 in Princeton and Channels 43 and 45 on Verizon FIOS throughout Mercer County. Programs are also carried by streaming organizations Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire, reaching a potential audience of over 100 million viewers.
“Find your curated information, the person who speaks to you, and you’ll be ahead of the game,” Haynes said. “That’s the purpose of Profunde.TV to go deep and find the things that make your life more meaningful.”
Olessi concurs: “If you want an active mind, you must watch this channel. There is nothing like it—especially in this area.”
CNJN’s different, unique, quality programming pays us all back, so why not support a public-access channel that supports you.
