����vlog, in conjunction with the NYNJ Host Committee, will operate a Global Media Center & Content Creation Hub from July 13–18 to support credentialed media, broadcasters, content creators and federation media officers covering the FIFA World Cup final and related events in the New York/New Jersey region. Located less than 10 miles from NYNJ Stadium, the facility will provide free professional, deadline-driven workspace and broadcast production resources.

The Media Center and Content Creation Hub in Montclair’s College of Communication and Media (CCOM) building is designed to complement the official FIFA Media Centre at NYNJ Stadium by offering flexible workspace and production capabilities for journalists and content creators covering the tournament’s final week.

The facility includes:

• Deadline-style workspace with high-speed connectivity��
• vMix, podcast, tv and live video production studios
• Interview and standup locations
• Live production capabilities
• On-site technical and engineering support
• Professional support from CCOM’s communications team and Broadcast Media Operations engineering
• On-campus parking that is a short walk to the College of Communication and Media building

Unlike a traditional deadline-driven media center, the Hub is designed to also support the evolving needs of today’s sports media landscape, serving reporters, photographers, broadcasters, influencers, podcast producers, social media teams, and federation personnel producing multimedia coverage throughout the tournament, and leverages CCOM’s world-class media and production facilities.��

“Today’s World Cup coverage extends well beyond traditional filing deadlines,” said Dr. Keith Strudler, Dean of Montclair’s College of Communication and Media. “Our goal is to provide a turnkey environment where journalists and content creators from around the world can report, record, livestream, edit, and produce content from one location just minutes from the stadium.”

The facility will be open only to those who are credentialed by FIFA or the NYNJ Host Committee, but Montclair’s hub is not a place for media members to pick up their credentials issued from either organization. Media who are interested in utilizing Montclair’s facilities must complete .��

Hours of operation, which are subject to change based on demand, are as follows:

• Monday, July 13-Friday, July 17: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Saturday, July 18, Noon-9 p.m.��

There is no charge to use the facilities. Parking fees are nominal, and reach a maximum of only�� $12 for 24 hours.��

The Hub will be staffed by CCOM professionals with extensive experience in sports media relations and press facility operations. In keeping with Montclair’s commitment to engaging students beyond the classroom through hands-on experiences, more than ten Sports Communication and Social Media and PR students from CCOM will assist with The Hub’s operation.��

Credentialed media interested in utilizing the facility should complete the form or contact Keith Green with questions via worldcupmedia@montclair.edu or 973-655-3701.

###

Keith Green, Director of Communications and Strategic Operations, College of Communication and Media, greenk@montclair.edu and 973-655-3701.

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 .

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

###

FAQ’s:

What is changing at NJ PBS?
Beginning July 1, 2026, ����vlog 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 ����vlog.

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. ����vlog 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 .

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 .

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 .

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

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 ����vlog 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.

The Folio Awards recognize outstanding work in news and social media and are considered among the industry’s most respected honors. This year, Montclair students received awards in the Best Visual and Multimedia Storytelling and Best Talk Show/Magazine categories.��

Montclair students won in the following categories:

Best Visual & Multimedia Storytelling: Social Media & Campaigning

Part of the College’s coverage of the 2025 elections, the project explored the growing role of social media in political campaigns.

Produced By: Andrew Cooper, Producer; Luciana Martinez, Producer.

Best Talk Show/Magazine (Student):

In this special edition of Montclair NewsLab, a team of 16 New Jersey students traveled to San Francisco to report on critical issues impacting the city, including the fentanyl crisis, LGBTQ+ rights and homelessness.

The student-produced multimedia project previously earned a College Television Award in the News category, further highlighting CCOM’s continued excellence in journalism and storytelling.

Produced/Written By: Izzy Conklin, Senior Producer; Andrew Cooper, Senior Producer; Victoria Smith, Senior Producer; Sean Thrunk, Senior Producer; Adam Acoff, Writer; Emily Chavarria, Writer; Shannon Daly, Producer; Nino DeNino, Producer; Peter Guziejewski, Producer; Bryan Jaimes, Producer; Brandon Lang, Producer; Sophia Lazaridis, Producer; Dani Mazariegos, Producer; Ivana Ragusa, Producer; Jennifer Sanchez, Producer; Julia Slevin, Producer.

“It’s an incredible honor to be recognized with a Folio Award, but what makes this moment even more special is sharing it with such talented peers,” Martinez said. “This isn’t just an award, it’s a proof of the hard work we each poured into our stories and a sign that we’re moving in the right direction as the next generation of journalists. CCOM’s support has given students like us the platform and the tools to tell stories that matter.”

“These projects emphasize the importance of human-centered storytelling that resonates with people all over the country,” Cooper said. “Whether it’s on a national or local level, journalism is about building connection and empathy. I think we did just that. I am so grateful to have collaborated with an amazing group of storytellers. It would not be possible without the support and guidance of CCOM’s amazing faculty.”

Montclair’s News Lab coordinator Prof. Mark Effron said, “Winning an award like a Folio Award means that our students’ journalism content is being judged by respected professionals at the highest level as best in class. It’s a high-water mark for our students and another indicator that the College of Communication and Media at Montclair is among an elite group of media and communications programs nationally. These students all put in the work, and the media industries are taking notice.”

“We couldn’t be prouder of these students receiving these prestigious awards,” said Prof. Steve McCarthy. “It’s a testament to their hard work and dedication. It also recognizes that the College of Communication and Media is committed to helping students create award winning journalism and media projects.”

The Folio Awards recognize quality journalism at the hyperlocal, regional and national levels and are considered among the industry’s most respected honors. The awards are presented by the , a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that advocates for quality news and media literacy.

Montclair students have earned Folio Awards every year since 2021, receiving recognition for work spanning news, culture, public affairs and multimedia storytelling.��

Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

Prospective Students and Parents:��Plan your visit��and����in applying to become a Red Hawk. Learn more about our��seven undergraduate programs��including��Journalism and Digital Media major��at the��College of Communication and Media.

About the College of Communication and Media:��The College of Communication and Media (CCOM) offers a range of dynamic programs to a talented and diverse student population of over 2,000. Offering degrees in advertising, animation and visual effects, communication and media studies, film and television, journalism and digital media, social media and public relations, sports communication and an online, asynchronous MA devoted to strategic communication and media, the College prepares the next generation of communication and media practitioners and leaders. Founded in 2012 and housed in world-class, state-of-the-art facilities just 12 miles from New York City, the College is the only program in the country that offers the following opportunities for students: a radio station (WMSC), newspaper (The Montclarion), strategic communications agency (Hawk Communications), sports network (Red Hawk Sports Network) streaming platform (Hawk+), digital newsroom (News Lab) and studio, and a social media listening center (Joetta DiBella and Fred C. Sautter III Center for Strategic Communication). The College also has a Student Success team, including dedicated Career Services and Advising professionals who prepare students for the internship and job search process. Student projects and programs have recently received national recognition from PRSSA’s Bateman Competition, an Edward R. Murrow Award, several Marconi Award nominations, and College Television Awards (“Student Emmy” awards) from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. The College is also home to the Center for Cooperative Media, which serves the public by working to grow and strengthen local journalism and media. Through $7.1M in grants awarded over the last five years, the Center focuses on collaboration in journalism, media equity, media coaching and training, civic science and research. The Center is also home to the NJ Civic Information Consortium, the largest funder of media and journalism in�� New Jersey, granting more than $10M over the last five years to support independent local media, journalism and training initiatives.

The contract between the New Jersey Public Broadcasting and the University will be submitted to the Legislature for their review. The Legislature, which has stressed its desire and strong support for public television to continue in New Jersey, has 15 days to review the contract.

The agreement is for five years with two five-year extensions. Montclair is responsible for programming the stations and has committed to providing at least six hours of New Jersey-centric programming a week, including a weekday nightly news cast and other public affairs programming, live broadcasts of the Governor’s State of the State address, the Governor’s Budget Message, and live coverage of New Jersey elections.

The new contract follows months of uncertainty over the future of NJ PBS and effectively ensures that public television will thrive in New Jersey for the long-term. Cuts to federal funding had put the future in doubt, however Governor Mikie Sherrill’s commitment to transparency makes public broadcasting an integral part of the state’s media landscape.

“Public broadcasting is a vital public service that ensures New Jersey families have access to trusted news, educational programming, and information about their communities. At a time when local journalism faces growing challenges, today’s action keeps this essential service alive in New Jersey,”��said Governor Sherrill. “I’m excited that ����vlog has been selected to lead the next chapter of public broadcasting in New Jersey. With its expertise in journalism and public media, strong community partnerships, and commitment to innovation, Montclair is uniquely positioned to expand local storytelling and help build a strong, sustainable future for public media across our state.”

“Public broadcasting is a critical pillar of New Jersey media, ensuring all residents – particularly those in underserved areas – have access to quality educational and community-focused content,”��said State Treasurer Aaron Binder. “Given the ever-evolving nature of modern media, and recent devasting funding cuts at the federal level, protecting and supporting public broadcasting has never been more important. Treasury was pleased to play a role in ushering in the next chapter of public media in New Jersey, and we look forward to seeing this vital institution grow for many years to come.”

“New Jersey has one of the most extraordinary media landscapes in the country, and we will fully leverage and highlight the breadth of voices and storytellers across the state,”��said Dr. Keith Strudler, Dean of Montclair’s College of Communication and Media. “This includes universities across New Jersey, countless news organizations, cultural and arts centers, and sports leagues and organizations. We look forward to building a media ecosystem that resembles and is accountable to the people of New Jersey, one that provides unique educational and workforce development opportunities to our state’s future leaders and media creators. We are grateful for the opportunity to ensure New Jersey’s public media is truly the public’s media.”

“New Jersey’s public television stations exist to serve every resident of this state, and this selection reflects our commitment to ensuring that mission continues on a sustainable, long-term foundation,”��said Rick Williams, Executive Director of the New Jersey Public Broadcasting Authority. “����vlog brings broadcast-ready infrastructure, deep community ties, and a demonstrated commitment to New Jersey journalism. We look forward to working with the University and the Legislature as this transition moves forward.”

In this role, Montclair plans to reimagine public media and expand the value public broadcasting can provide to New Jersey residents. Central to that mission is building a network that fully represents New Jersey, drawing on the state’s 300-plus news organizations, its colleges and universities, and its diverse communities to create and inform programming made stronger through collaboration and shared expertise. In addition to a robust broadcast presence with daily newscast and discussion programming, NJ PBS will focus significant efforts on digital and social media content as well as in-person events and public engagement, meeting New Jersey residents where and how they consume information.

Montclair’s proposal leverages existing university assets to create an operational budget that recognizes the current fiscal environment for public media. This includes $1.2 million annually of in-kind contributions from the University, including studio access, engineering expertise, IT infrastructure, human resources, finance, legal, and facilities management. It also includes teaching and internship opportunities for students, helping to train future media professionals while also infusing a dynamic perspective into station programming.

The station will be housed in Montclair’s College of Communication and Media, one of the nation’s leading academic hubs for media education and innovation. The College has a world-class production facility, complete with professional broadcast studios and film stages, multiple control rooms, a multimedia newsroom, and engineering infrastructure built for network-level production. Faculty and staff bring extensive professional experience in the New Jersey and national media landscapes, and the College has been nationally recognized for its work while preparing the next generation of New Jersey media professionals.

The Center for Cooperative Media, housed within Montclair’s College of Communication and Media, will help build the backbone of NJ PBS’s statewide journalism model. The Center’s longstanding relationships with hundreds of New Jersey news organizations provide NJ PBS with an existing statewide journalism ecosystem capable of supporting collaborative reporting and community-informed storytelling across all regions of the state. Montclair’s operation of NJ PBS will include robust content partnerships across the state, including collaborative agreements with a range of other New Jersey colleges and universities as well as civic, arts, and news organizations, ensuring network content reflects the diversity and talents of New Jersey’s residents and communities.

Montclair plans to produce a daily newscast and discussion program, a weekly public affairs roundtable, and sports coverage, including a formal partnership with the New Jersey Athletic Conference. The University has also committed to a code of journalism ethics, an independent ethics committee with external appointments, and a Community Advisory Board, with additional public accountability in being subject to the New Jersey Open Public Records Act as a public university.

More than 20 full-time employees will initially operate NJ PBS, including three reporters and a production team of 11. Students will also participate through internships and supervised experiential learning opportunities. Employment opportunities with NJ PBS will be posted��.

For more information/media contact:

����vlog:��Keith Green, Director of Communications and Strategic Operations, College of Communication and Media. greenk@montclair.edu, 973-655-3701.

New Jersey Public Broadcasting Authority:��Danielle Currie, Deputy Director of Communications Danielle.Currie@treas.nj.gov

###

About the New Jersey Public Broadcasting Authority:��The New Jersey Public Broadcasting Authority (NJPBA) is a State authority holding four FCC noncommercial educational television licenses, collectively branded as NJ PBS. The Authority’s stations, WNJS, WNJN, WNJT, and WNJB, serve all regions of New Jersey with public media programming. The NJPBA operates in, but not of, the New Jersey Department of the Treasury under the New Jersey Public Broadcasting Authority Act of 1968, as amended by the 2010 New Jersey Public Broadcasting System Transfer Act. For more information, visit https://www.nj.gov/treasury/njpba/.

����vlog State University:��Building on a distinguished history dating back to 1908, ����vlog has evolved from an institution that was a recognized leader in teacher education to an R2 research institution ranked as one of the 100 best public doctoral universities in the nation. The University serves 23,000 undergraduate and graduate students with more than 300 doctoral, master’s and baccalaureate programs provided by 13 colleges and schools. Situated on a beautiful 252-acre campus just 12 miles from New York City, Montclair delivers the instructional and research resources of a large public university while retaining the supportive and personalized academic environment that provides a feeling of community more typical of smaller institutions.

����vlog’s College of Communication and Media:��The College of Communication and Media (CCOM) offers a range of dynamic programs to a talented and diverse student population of approximately 2,000. Offering degrees in advertising, animation and visual effects, communication and media studies, film and television, journalism and digital media, social media and public relations, sports communication and an online, asynchronous MA devoted to strategic communication and media, the College prepares the next generation of communication and media practitioners and leaders. Founded in 2012 and housed in world-class, state-of-the-art facilities just 12 miles from New York City, the College is the only program in the country that offers the following opportunities for students: a radio station (WMSC), newspaper (The Montclarion), strategic communications agency (Hawk Communications), sports network (Red Hawk Sports Network) streaming platform (Hawk+), digital newsroom (News Lab) and studio, and a social media listening center (Joetta DiBella and Fred C. Sautter III Center for Strategic Communication). The College also has a Student Success team, including dedicated Career Services and Advising professionals who prepare students for the internship and job search process. Student projects and programs have recently received national recognition from PRSSA’s Bateman Competition, an Edward R. Murrow Award, several Marconi Award nominations, and College Television Awards (“Student Emmy” awards) from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. The College is also home to the Center for Cooperative Media, which serves the public by working to grow and strengthen local journalism and media. Through nearly $10M in grants awarded over the last decade, the Center focuses on collaboration in journalism, media equity, media coaching and training, civic science and research. The Center is also home to the NJ Civic Information Consortium, the largest funder of media and journalism in New Jersey, granting more than $10M over the last five years to support independent local media, journalism and training initiatives.

Notable insights into the San Diego shooters’ manifesto include:

-38 references to mass shooters who also posted manifestos; Payton Gendron and Brenton

-Tarrant were noted as “the biggest catalyst towards my radicalization.”

-The “Great Replacement” conspiracy was mentioned 11 times in the document.

-The San Diego Mosque shooters’ manifesto mimics the form and content of previous extremist attackers’ manifestos; particularly Gendron’s text.

-Content from spaces such as 4chan, 8kun, and fringe extremist sites are integrated, repurposed, and plagiarized throughout the document (consistent with other recent extremist manifestos).

“Our previous research has shown extremist manifestos are derivative documents, with the Gendron manifesto plagiarizing more than 80% of its content,” said Dr. Daniela Peterka-Benton, Professor of Justice Studies at ����vlog. “Material from extremist sites and platforms can be the pieces that make up such rationales for attacks,” she added.

“The extensive references made to the manifestos of other mass shooters is concerning,” said Dr. Bond Benton, Professor of Strategic Communication at ����vlog. “Such repetition shows that these documents inspire imitation and are created to place the attacker within a lineage of violent actors they look up to.”

Peterka-Benton and Benton’s published research on radicalization to violence in the online space can be found .��

Media Contact: Keith Green, greenk@montclair.edu, 973-655-3701

About the College of Communication and Media:��The College of Communication and Media (CCOM) offers a range of dynamic programs to a talented and diverse student population of over 2,000. Offering degrees in advertising, animation and visual effects, communication and media studies, film and television, journalism and digital media, social media and public relations, sports communication and an online, asynchronous MA devoted to strategic communication and media, the College prepares the next generation of communication and media practitioners and leaders. Founded in 2012 and housed in world-class, state-of-the-art facilities just 12 miles from New York City, the College is the only program in the country that offers the following opportunities for students: a radio station (WMSC), newspaper (The Montclarion), strategic communications agency (Hawk Communications), sports network (Red Hawk Sports Network) streaming platform (Hawk+), digital newsroom (News Lab) and studio, and a social media listening center (Joetta DiBella and Fred C. Sautter III Center for Strategic Communication). The College also has a Student Success team, including dedicated Career Services and Advising professionals who prepare students for the internship and job search process. Student projects and programs have recently received national recognition from PRSSA’s Bateman Competition, an Edward R. Murrow Award, several Marconi Award nominations, and College Television Awards (“Student Emmy” awards) from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. The College is also home to the Center for Cooperative Media, which serves the public by working to grow and strengthen local journalism and media. Through $7.1M in grants awarded over the last five years, the Center focuses on collaboration in journalism, media equity, media coaching and training, civic science and research. The Center is also home to the NJ Civic Information Consortium, the largest funder of media and journalism in�� New Jersey, granting more than $10M over the last five years to support independent local media, journalism and training initiatives.

The��one-year, 30-credit program is designed to immerse students in modern journalism through hands-on coursework in writing, reporting, podcasting, multimedia storytelling and personal brand development. Students also gain��international reporting��experience��by telling real stories in the United States.

Originally from southwestern France and now studying in Paris at the EFAP International School of Communication, Depaire said the program helped her��fulfill a long-held dream.

“Since I started my studies, I have dreamed��of going abroad to study for a year in the U.S.,”��Depaire said.��“When I discovered this program, I knew it would be a perfect fit for me and my goals.”

During her time on campus, she said the��program’s hands-on approach��stood out most.

“What surprised me the most was how practical the approach is,” she said. “We have access to professional equipment and opportunities to work on real projects, with a lot of freedom on what we want to talk about and what stories we want to tell.”

One of her��favorite academic projects��came in a multimedia storytelling course, where she produced a feature��focused��on live theatre.

“Through this project, I was able to meet incredible people with amazing stories to tell,”��she said. “I��also��had the opportunity to talk to theatre professionals and understand their perspectives.��It was a very enriching experience.”

She also embraced the opportunity to bring an international lens to the classroom, saying that sharing��a worldly��perspective��helped classmates “see things from new angles.”

“This is a tremendous accomplishment for Roxane, and we are proud she chose Montclair’s College of Communication and Media to help launch her international journalism career,” said Dr. Keith Strudler, Dean of the College of Communication and Media. “We are excited to watch her journey from afar and hope her work inspires other students around the world to choose this program.”

Depaire��echoed Dr. Strudler’s sentiment. “It’s something I’m really proud of,” she said. “I hope it encourages other international students to take this opportunity, and shows that it’s possible to succeed in a completely different academic environment than what we’re used to.”

Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

Prospective Students and Parents:��Plan your visit��and����in applying to become a Red Hawk. Learn more about our��seven undergraduate programs��including��Journalism and Digital Media major��at the��College of Communication and Media.

About the College of Communication and Media:��The College of Communication and Media (CCOM) offers a range of dynamic programs to a talented and diverse student population of over 2,000. Offering degrees in advertising, animation and visual effects, communication and media studies, film and television, journalism and digital media, social media and public relations, sports communication and an online, asynchronous MA devoted to strategic communication and media, the College prepares the next generation of communication and media practitioners and leaders. Founded in 2012 and housed in world-class, state-of-the-art facilities just 12 miles from New York City, the College is the only program in the country that offers the following opportunities for students: a radio station (WMSC), newspaper (The Montclarion), strategic communications agency (Hawk Communications), sports network (Red Hawk Sports Network) streaming platform (Hawk+), digital newsroom (News Lab) and studio, and a social media listening center (Joetta DiBella and Fred C. Sautter III Center for Strategic Communication). The College also has a Student Success team, including dedicated Career Services and Advising professionals who prepare students for the internship and job search process. Student projects and programs have recently received national recognition from PRSSA’s Bateman Competition, an Edward R. Murrow Award, several Marconi Award nominations, and College Television Awards (“Student Emmy” awards) from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. The College is also home to the Center for Cooperative Media, which serves the public by working to grow and strengthen local journalism and media. Through $7.1M in grants awarded over the last five years, the Center focuses on collaboration in journalism, media equity, media coaching and training, civic science and research. The Center is also home to the NJ Civic Information Consortium, the largest funder of media and journalism in�� New Jersey, granting more than $10M over the last five years to support independent local media, journalism and training initiatives.

The Bateman Competition, organized annually by the , challenges student teams to research, plan, implement, and evaluate a public relations campaign on behalf of a real client. This year’s client was , a global technology and communications company whose Professional Education Program provides college professors free access to its press release distribution and media outreach platform.

About the Campaign

Operating under the name , the Bateman team developed and executed a campaign with two primary objectives: to drive adoption of ACCESS Newswire’s platform among professors nationwide and to increase brand awareness as a trusted partner for universities. Campaign elements included faculty and student workshops, classroom platform integrations, and hands-on activities designed to demonstrate the value of professional PR tools in an academic setting.

The team was composed of the following Social Media and Public Relations students and campaign roles:

Emma Haskell, Communications Lead

Sarah Potter, Event Chair

Riley Silvester, Creative Director

Jennifer Barrales-Solis, Social Media Manager

Matthew McDonald, Director of Outreach

“I’m immensely proud of what our Bateman team accomplished and the collaborative spirit they demonstrated in delivering a successful campaign for PRSSA and their client,” said Professor Erin Weinberg, PRSSA and Bateman Faculty Advisor at ����vlog. “This competition provides students with invaluable hands-on experience in developing and executing a public relations campaign, an essential opportunity as they prepare to launch their professional careers.”

“This success reflects what happens when talented students are given the tools, resources and support to perform at the highest level,” said Dr. Bond Benton, Chair of CCOM’s Department of Strategic Communication. “This recognition affirms what we already know: our Social Media and Public Relations program is among the strongest in the nation, and these students are its finest example.”

Before the Tassel Turns

For the students, the national recognition represented the culmination of meticulous planning and the defining experience of their academic careers.

“This win was the final chapter in my story at Montclair,” Haskell said. “CCOM helped me develop the skills, confidence, and mindset I needed to be a successful team player throughout this campaign. Walking away with a win just six days before graduation was more than I could have ever imagined. This achievement is something I will carry with me long after graduation.”

“The effort, the trust, and the energy everyone brought throughout this entire campaign is what made this win possible,” Potter said. “����vlog and the College of Communication and Media gave me a foundation I’ll be building on for years to come, and this win feels like the first proof of that.”

“The Bateman Competition demands strong strategy, creativity and flawless execution, and this team delivered at every stage,” said Dr. Keith Strudler, Dean of the College of Communication and Media. “This award reflects their talent and professionalism, and reinforces how CCOM students are prepared to lead once they graduate. Congratulations to this incredible group and Professor Weinberg on this achievement.”��

Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

Prospective Students and Parents:��Plan your visit��and����in applying to become a Red Hawk. Learn more about our��seven undergraduate programs��including Social Media and Public Relations program��at the��College of Communication and Media.

About the BATEMAN CASE STUDY COMPETITION and Public Relations Student Society of America
The Bateman Case Study Competition originated in 1973 as a national case study allowing PRSSA members to exercise the analytical skills required for public relations problem-solving. The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) is the foremost organization for students interested in public relations and communications. Founded in 1968 by its parent organization, the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), PRSSA includes nearly 9,000 student members and advisers, and is active on nearly 375 colleges and university campuses, including in Argentina, Colombia, Peru and Puerto Rico.

About the College of Communication and Media:��The College of Communication and Media (CCOM) offers a range of dynamic programs to a talented and diverse student population of over 2,000. Offering degrees in advertising, animation and visual effects, communication and media studies, film and television, journalism and digital media, social media and public relations, sports communication and an online, asynchronous MA devoted to strategic communication and media, the College prepares the next generation of communication and media practitioners and leaders. Founded in 2012 and housed in world-class, state-of-the-art facilities just 12 miles from New York City, the College is the only program in the country that offers the following opportunities for students: a radio station (WMSC), newspaper (The Montclarion), strategic communications agency (Hawk Communications), sports network (Red Hawk Sports Network) streaming platform (Hawk+), digital newsroom (News Lab) and studio, and a social media listening center (Joetta DiBella and Fred C. Sautter III Center for Strategic Communication). The College also has a Student Success team, including dedicated Career Services and Advising professionals who prepare students for the internship and job search process. Student projects and programs have recently received national recognition from PRSSA’s Bateman Competition, an Edward R. Murrow Award, several Marconi Award nominations, and College Television Awards (“Student Emmy” awards) from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. The College is also home to the Center for Cooperative Media, which serves the public by working to grow and strengthen local journalism and media. Through $7.1M in grants awarded over the last five years, the Center focuses on collaboration in journalism, media equity, media coaching and training, civic science and research. The Center is also home to the NJ Civic Information Consortium, the largest funder of media and journalism in�� New Jersey, granting more than $10M over the last five years to support independent local media, journalism and training initiatives.

Throughout her time at Montclair, several professors made a significant impact. Professors Effron, Gantt, Franklin and Green stood out the most for her as they helped her with writing techniques, showcasing work, as well as gave her and other students a platform to share their work on which she can use outside of the classroom.��

In addition to support from faculty, another notable thing for her was CCOM’s Mentoring Program, which became an essential resource for her especially for preparing for life post-grad. “My mentor Al Prieto helped me with interview prep and reel, and kept in touch even when I moved for work!”

Upon gaining hands-on experience in news and television production, she learned more about the industry and how to be proactive and resourceful. Learning about new software and tools was also a plus and something that helped her grow more as a journalist.��

This path ultimately led her to where she is now, The Walt Disney Company. Starting out as an intern and eventually going back to the company for a full-time position, Gomez says “she always knew she wanted to work for the company again.” She is currently an Associate Producer of Creative and Account Services and Disney Entertainment.��

For current students looking for a future career in television, digital media, or entertainment, one of the critical skills she notes is forming a strong foundation in writing as well as technical production skills. She also advises, “I think consistency, being open to feedback, and being a reliable person are all good ways to make the most of your internships,” for students who are currently in an internship or will in the future during their time at Montclair.��

Her main advice for students however, is simple yet impactful: by being persistent and open to every opportunity, students can build the experience and connections that shape their path to success in the industry. ”Apply for a lot of internships and be willing to take jobs that give you the skills you need. Sometimes being willing to do any job will lead you closer to where you want to be.”��

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Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

Prospective Students and Parents:��Plan your visit��and����in applying to become a Red Hawk. Learn more about our��seven undergraduate programs��including��Journalism and Digital Media major��at the��College of Communication and Media.

About the College of Communication and Media:��The College of Communication and Media (CCOM) offers a range of dynamic programs to a talented and diverse student population of over 2,000. Offering degrees in advertising, animation and visual effects, communication and media studies, film and television, journalism and digital media, social media and public relations, sports communication and an online, asynchronous MA devoted to strategic communication and media, the College prepares the next generation of communication and media practitioners and leaders. Founded in 2012 and housed in world-class, state-of-the-art facilities just 12 miles from New York City, the College is the only program in the country that offers the following opportunities for students: a radio station (WMSC), newspaper (The Montclarion), strategic communications agency (Hawk Communications), sports network (Red Hawk Sports Network) streaming platform (Hawk+), digital newsroom (News Lab) and studio, and a social media listening center (Joetta DiBella and Fred C. Sautter III Center for Strategic Communication). The College also has a Student Success team, including dedicated Career Services and Advising professionals who prepare students for the internship and job search process. Student projects and programs have recently received national recognition from PRSSA’s Bateman Competition, an Edward R. Murrow Award, several Marconi Award nominations, and College Television Awards (“Student Emmy” awards) from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. The College is also home to the Center for Cooperative Media, which serves the public by working to grow and strengthen local journalism and media. Through $7.1M in grants awarded over the last five years, the Center focuses on collaboration in journalism, media equity, media coaching and training, civic science and research. The Center is also home to the NJ Civic Information Consortium, the largest funder of media and journalism in�� New Jersey, granting more than $10M over the last five years to support independent local media, journalism and training initiatives.

For Montclair students and faculty, the event showcased their academic strengths and the collaborative environment fostered within CCOM.

Two students presented on behalf of . PRSSA President Noelia Aguirre Reyes and Vice President Grace Velazquez were among five students on the 2025 Bateman Competition team, which is a national public relations contest for students across the country.�� Montclair’s “EveryLibrary, EveryVoice” campaign for that competition highlighted the importance of advocating for libraries and access to information while also fighting against the rise of censorship in schools and communities.

Reyes and Velazquez attended the conference to showcase one of the initiatives from their campaign, “Public Libraries: An Overlooked Resource for Multicultural Communities?” Their presentation highlighted the importance of accessibility and awareness of public library resources, particularly for diverse communities.

Reyes shared how impactful the conference was for her. “Presenting at NJCA was an unforgettable experience,” she said. “It gave me a platform to reflect on how my local library shaped my journey as a first-generation Mexican-American college student.”

Events like the NJCA conference give students valuable opportunities to step outside the classroom and apply what they’ve learned in a real-world, professional setting, in addition to providing networking opportunities.��

Velazquez described the experience as “empowering,” noting that one of her highlights was meeting Kean’s PRSSA chapter members and taking photos with them. “I’m thankful for the opportunity and the continuous support from our CCOM professors,” she said.

CCOM Professor Bond Benton contributed to two presentations for the panel “Investigating Media Coverage.” Benton presented a study from the Joetta Di Bella and Fred C. Sautter III Center for Strategic Communicationtitled, “Term Frequency Analysis of Reduced Moderation and Influencer Amplification of the R-Word on Twitter/X.” The study found that there was more than a 200% increase in posts containing the slur on X after Elon Musk used it on Jan. 6, 2025, underscoring the power of influential voices and how hateful language has become normalized and amplified in online spaces.

Benton also discussed a second study from the center, “A Social Media Analysis of the Bad Bunny and Turning Point USA 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Shows,” which examined social media reactions to the 2026 Super Bowl halftime performances. The findings indicated that despite concerns that a Spanish-language performance might alienate viewers, there was significantly higher online interest in Bad Bunny’s performance.

Together, these studies highlight how digital platforms both reflect and shape public discourse, emphasizing the growing influence of online narratives in shaping cultural and social perceptions.

Reflecting on the significance of the conference, Benton said, “Being accepted and having an academic project included in the event is a real honor. Being able to share on behalf of the College of Communication and Media and ����vlog and to see our students present at a prestigious event like this was a wonderful experience.”

Montclair’s presence at the NJCA conference reflects the meaningful impact both students and faculty are making in the public relations and communication fields, while also engaging in broader conversations that continue to shape the industry.

Written by,

Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

Prospective Students and Parents:��Plan your visit��and����in applying to become a Red Hawk. Learn more about our��seven undergraduate programs including��Social Media and Public Relations at the College of Communication and Media.

About the College of Communication and Media:��The College of Communication and Media (CCOM) offers a range of dynamic programs to a talented and diverse student population of over 2,000. Offering degrees in advertising, animation and visual effects, communication and media studies, film and television, journalism and digital media, social media and public relations, sports communication and an online, asynchronous MA devoted to strategic communication and media, the College prepares the next generation of communication and media practitioners and leaders. Founded in 2012 and housed in world-class, state-of-the-art facilities just 12 miles from New York City, the College is the only program in the country that offers the following opportunities for students: a radio station (WMSC), newspaper (The Montclarion), strategic communications agency (Hawk Communications), sports network (Red Hawk Sports Network) streaming platform (Hawk+), digital newsroom (News Lab) and studio, and a social media listening center (Joetta DiBella and Fred C. Sautter III Center for Strategic Communication). The College also has a Student Success team, including dedicated Career Services and Advising professionals who prepare students for the internship and job search process. Student projects and programs have recently received national recognition from PRSSA’s Bateman Competition, an Edward R. Murrow Award, several Marconi Award nominations, and College Television Awards (“Student Emmy” awards) from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. The College is also home to the Center for Cooperative Media, which serves the public by working to grow and strengthen local journalism and media. Through $7.1M in grants awarded over the last five years, the Center focuses on collaboration in journalism, media equity, media coaching and training, civic science and research. The Center is also home to the NJ Civic Information Consortium, the largest funder of media and journalism in�� New Jersey, granting more than $10M over the last five years to support independent local media, journalism and training initiatives.

“After touring Montclair for the first time, I immediately knew it would be a great fit for me to pursue a BA in Communication and Media Studies,” she said.����

During her time at Montclair, Challender immersed herself in academic and extracurricular experiences that helped shape her career path. She credits the faculty and staff in the College of Communication and Media (CCOM), including academic advisor Jill Siroty, with helping her build a strong foundation in workplace culture and professional communication.

Outside the classroom, Challender balanced academics with the demands of being a college athlete on the university’s field hockey team, an experience she said strengthened her time management skills and reinforced the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Hands-on coursework also played a key role in her career development. Through Hawk Communications, a student-run public relations and strategic communications agency led by Professor Keith Green, she gained real-world experience working directly with clients.

“I helped manage social media and execute targeted outreach for a nonprofit client, which taught me how to collaborate effectively, understand audience needs, and produce meaningful, results‑driven storytelling.”��

Challender said she prioritized gaining professional experience early, applying for internships well before her senior year to build her resume and portfolio. That preparation ultimately led to a full-time opportunity with , where she now works on the marketing and communications team.

She describes the role as “fast-paced, innovative and impactful,” with responsibilities ranging from drafting employee communications to writing articles and collaborating across teams.

“No two days are the same, and that variety has allowed me to grow tremendously, from intern to a full‑time communications professional in the energy industry.”��

Reflecting on her experience, Challender emphasizes that success in the communications field goes beyond technical ability.

She encourages students to focus on building strong professional relationships, noting that connections and collaboration often play a key role in long-term career growth. Staying informed on emerging tools, including artificial intelligence platforms, is also becoming increasingly important to keep with industry trends.

Her advice to students is to gain experience as early as possible and be intentional about building their professional portfolios.

“My biggest piece of advice is to prioritize internships, co‑ops, or contract work as early as possible. Start building your resume before you graduate so you can clearly speak to the impact you’ve made.”��

From balancing academics and college athletics to building real-world experience through client-based coursework, Challender’s journey reflects the value of taking initiative and fully engaging in opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. The foundation she built at Montclair serves as a reminder to start early, stay adaptable and make the most of all opportunities to succeed.��

Written by,��

Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

Prospective Students and Parents:��Plan your visit��and����in applying to become a Red Hawk. Learn more about our��seven undergraduate programs including Communication and Media Studies College of Communication and Media.

About the College of Communication and Media:��The College of Communication and Media (CCOM) offers a range of dynamic programs to a talented and diverse student population of over 2,000. Offering degrees in advertising, animation and visual effects, communication and media studies, film and television, journalism and digital media, social media and public relations, sports communication and an online, asynchronous MA devoted to strategic communication and media, the College prepares the next generation of communication and media practitioners and leaders. Founded in 2012 and housed in world-class, state-of-the-art facilities just 12 miles from New York City, the College is the only program in the country that offers the following opportunities for students: a radio station (WMSC), newspaper (The Montclarion), strategic communications agency (Hawk Communications), sports network (Red Hawk Sports Network) streaming platform (Hawk+), digital newsroom (News Lab) and studio, and a social media listening center (Joetta DiBella and Fred C. Sautter III Center for Strategic Communication). The College also has a Student Success team, including dedicated Career Services and Advising professionals who prepare students for the internship and job search process. Student projects and programs have recently received national recognition from PRSSA’s Bateman Competition, an Edward R. Murrow Award, several Marconi Award nominations, and College Television Awards (“Student Emmy” awards) from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. The College is also home to the Center for Cooperative Media, which serves the public by working to grow and strengthen local journalism and media. Through $7.1M in grants awarded over the last five years, the Center focuses on collaboration in journalism, media equity, media coaching and training, civic science and research. The Center is also home to the NJ Civic Information Consortium, the largest funder of media and journalism in�� New Jersey, granting more than $10M over the last five years to support independent local media, journalism and training initiatives.