BLOOMFIELD, NJ -- Bloomfield NJ TV (WBMA-TV) has been recognized by the JAG Awards for its exceptional broadcasting work over the past year. The JAG Awards are annual awards, facilitated by the Jersey Access Group that honors excellence in local & regional Public Education Government (PEG) cablecast programming.
“Bloomfield TV is a critical resource for members of our community and I am thrilled to see them recognized for their outstanding work,” said Mayor Venezia. “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, they have assisted us in getting information out to residents and helping us to keep everyone informed. I look forward to seeing this station continue to be at the forefront of local government programming.”
WBMA-TV Executive Director Bob Duthaler and Bloomfield IT Director Jean-Guy Lauture and their operations have become a model for sharing and providing information to Bloomfield residents. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they had to make changes to provide broadcasting and emergency information to the public.
The TV station along with the IT Department stepped up to the plate and implemented a state of art system that is now being looked at as a model for future broadcasting for local stations and municipalities. 
"When I heard about the nomination my first thought was wow they have done it again! Navigating through the COVID-19 crisis and the unique challenges we face, Bob and his WBMA-TV team are instrumental in providing us with informative and instructional programing to help keep us safe,” said Karen Lore, Director of Health and Human Services
I am thrilled that they have received this nomination acknowledging all of their hard work and commitment excellence. I am extremely grateful to the Township and the station for providing us with this treasured resource.”
Bloomfield IT Department and WBMA-TV found creative ways to broadcast live from multiple locations and multiple platforms, including being able to broadcast hybrid remote and in person meetings as well, bring in live press conferences from the Governor of New Jersey on a daily basis and continuing their tradition of being one of the first in the State of New Jersey to do so.
Not only did WBMA-TV meet the needs of the municipality and community during a pandemic, they also continued to provide quality award winning local coverage and broadcasting. Collaborating with the Board of Education, Health Dept. and Recreation Dept. and the community to achieve the following state recognition awards:
Award of Excellence
- Community Development: Pulaski Park Inclusive Playground
- Public Meeting: Bloomfield Township Council Reorganization Meeting January 2020
Award of Distinction
- Ceremonies and Parades: Fiesta Latina Day 2020
- PSAs/Series: Bloomfield Board of Education COVID-19 Updates
Award of Recognition
- Instructional Videos: Bloomfield Township Back to Work Video (COVID Safety)
"We can not thank Bloomfield TV enough for helping us get the word out during a very crucial time for the Bloomfield Schools community,” said Joseph Fleres, Assistant Superintendent, Bloomfield School District. “Their staff were always there when we needed them and not only were we able to get the word out there, but we were able to get it out in a concise, professional and timely manner. The videos provided the community with comfort, information and at times great hope.”
“WBMATV has been instrumental in assisting our department in promoting the various programs and events we administer throughout the year,” said Michael L. Sceurman,
Director of Bloomfield Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs. “Bob Duthaler and his crew are great to work with and always go above and beyond for our community. Their professionalism and expertise are evident in the finished product.”
WBMA-TV, located on the second floor of the Bloomfield Civic Center at 84 Broad Street, is the township’s municipal access television station. The station is dedicated to meeting the community’s interests in the arts, education, community events, local government and informational programming.
Found on Comcast’s channel 35 and Verizon FiOS channel 30, the station regularly broadcasts township council, planning, zoning and board of education meetings and offers a state-of-the-art bulletin board that provides municipal and non-profit community organizations with an opportunity to publicize meetings and fundraising events. It also provides emergency announcements and important township phone numbers and notices.