Bob Duthaler
JAG President
Industry veteran Bob Duthaler's experience includes work for MTV Networks, Fox, NBC, and Comedy Channel. He has developed over a dozen TV game shows, worked on Comedy specials for HBO, Showtime and Lifetime Network, and developed the talk show "Never Too Late", hosted by Dr. Ruth Westhiemer. He earned the "Game Show of the Year" ACE Award for "Turn It Up", a musical trivia game show for MTV.
In 2002, Duthaler founded his production company, Duke Multimedia. Past and present municipal clients include Bloomfield, Metuchen, Sparta, Saddle Brook, Montclair, City of Summit and Summit HomeTowne TV. He is currently the managing partner of DNS Media Group, which operates and consults for several municipal television channels. Productions overseen by Duke have earned 8 Telly Awards, and PEG Stations under Duthaler's guidance have won over ten JAM Video Awards, which recognize excellence and outstanding video for local access television.
Duthaler is again the Chairmen of the Board of Trustees and President for Jersey Access Group, a statewide organization representing New Jersey's local channels, after serving as the organization's president from 2003-2013. He is also the Chairperson of the New Jersey Chapter of NATOA (National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors), and a member of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (The Emmys). He is a graduate of Bloomsburg University.
Legislative Lunch Sponsored by Planet Network
Welcome: Bob Duthaler, President of JAG
Beyond Cable: New Ways to Communicate w/Your Citizens (Roundtable)
Municipal TV is not just cable anymore. We will discuss the various ways a municipality can communicate with their citizens beyond traditional cable television channels. The panel will explore and discuss new video trends in social media, live streaming and how access channels are entering the world of Over The Top (OTT) with their own channels on Apple TV, Roku and more. Panelists: Gina Forbes, Station Manager, Woodbridge TV; Jesse Lerman President/CEO, TelVue Corporation; Joe Fernandes, Assistant Supervisor, Woodbridge TV; Brandon Uhlig, Station Manager, Metuchen Media; ; Rudy Ellis, CEO, Switchboard, Panelists/Moderator: Bob Duthaler, Managing Partner, DNS Media Group
JAG’s 25th Anniversary Banquet and JAG Awards Sponsored by Varto Technologies
Tonight JAG’s celebrates its 25th Anniversary. We will reflect on our history and all that we have accomplished. Joining us will be some of the key people that helped JAG find its way in developing relationships with vendors and establishing JAG as a major player in the development and protection of community Media. Welcome: Bob Duthaler, President, JAG; Presentation of JAG Recognition Awards and President’s Ovation Award Anniversary Program Host: Rich Desimone, Managing Director, JAG Guest Speakers: Gina Forbes, Founding Member; Stehpanie Gibbons, Founding Board Member; Mayor Brian Wahler, Sharon Colucci, Founding Board Member; Ed Cologna, Original member and Other Guests: Dave Ambrosy, Founding Board member; with videos from original members & past presidents Cindy O’Connor and Lee Beckerman
Technology Lunch
Welcome: Bob Duthaler, President of JAG
Real-time Video Updates and Information During Critical Situations Sponsored by LiveU
Respond faster and make informed tactical decisions, the key factors for all Police, Fire and OEM Situations. A panel of experts will discuss mission critical elements such as real-time video surveillance, bonded cellular technology, using drones in the field, along with The National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal 2024 that includes the American Security Drone Act, which prohibits the government from using federal funds to purchase drones made in China or certain other countries. Plus, we will discuss the collaboration between Local Government Access TV and the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) being highly effective in disseminating important messages to the community. Will include a live equipment demonstration. Panelist: Alex Joice, VP of Solution Sales Engineering, LiveU; John Centanni, OEM Director of East Hanover; Louis Venezia, Bloomfield Fire Chief; Luis Figueiredo, Detective Elizabeth Police Dept.; Yervant Keshishian, Sales Engineer, Authorized Trainer & Technical Director, Varto Technologies; Moderator: Bob Duthaler, President of JAG
Building, Expanding or Updating Facilities (Roundtable)
As public access channels and community media networks evolve to meet the demands of a digital-first world, building, expanding, or updating PEG (Public, Education, and Government) facilities has become a critical focus for municipalities, non-profits, and local broadcasters. This round table session aims to bring together experts, facility managers, media professionals, and policy makers to discuss the strategic, technical, and operational challenges of developing modern PEG facilities that can effectively serve their communities. Panelists: Yervant Keshishian, Sales Engineer, Authorized Trainer & Technical Director, Varto Technologies; Paul DeStefano, Northeast Regional Sales Manager, DeSisti Lighting Moderator: Bob Duthaler, President of JAG
Partners Dinner Sponsored by Switchboard
JAG realized early that we needed to partner with as many towns as possible to deal with all the obstacles that were keeping stations from reaching their potential. That concept of partners continued to be a main focus in developing JAG. This included JAG joining organizations that were battling legislative controls that would have a negative impact on community media distribution in NJ. We also recognize the need to develop relationships with vendors for assistance in building and updating our facilities. This evening key representatives responsible for JAG’s development will share their thoughts about their partnership with JAG and our future together. Thank you to our guests for their support and believing in JAG’s mission. Welcome: Bob Duthaler, President of JAG; Host: Rich Desimone, Managing Director, JAG; Guest speakers: Jesse Lerman, President/CEO, TelVue Corporation; Rudy Ellis, CEO, Switchboard, Mike Wassenaar, President & CEO, Alliance for Community Media, Paul DeStefano, Northeast Regional Sales Manager, DeSisti Lighting; Varto Keshishian, Owner, President, Varto Technologies