New Jersey faces perhaps the most challenging broadcast environment of all 50 states, and the late Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) used his seat on the Senate Commerce Committee to press the case for his state. The state has a new voice there in the person of Sen. Cory Booker.
The primary challenge is the state’s location between two of America’s largest media markets, New York and Philadelphia, while lacking a similar-sized market of its own.
It is a particular challenge on the television side, and Lautenberg had been keeping Fox Television’s WWOR-TV Secaucus NJ under siege for allegedly focusing its attention on New York City rather than operating for the primary benefit of New Jersey citizens.
Committee Chairman Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) welcomed Booker to the Committee. He said, “I’m delighted to welcome Senator Cory Booker to the Commerce Committee. He brings to this role a keen understanding of several key issues before the Committee, such as the fundamental role communications networks, technological advances, and transportation systems play in people’s lives. These objectives are a perfect fit for a senator with more than a million Twitter followers.
Rockefeller concluded, “As Mayor of Newark, Senator Booker fought to bring the latest technologies to New Jersey’s schools and libraries, and I’m confident he will be a steadfast partner in making sure our students have access to the tools necessary to compete in today’s global economy. We will soon rely on his experience with the successful expansion of the Port of Newark as we work to make the tough decisions about how to make smart, strategic investments in our transportation infrastructure. I look forward to working with Senator Booker to improve the experience of our nation’s students, consumers and passengers.”
