Layoff Notices Sent Out At NJN

TRENTON, NJ (CBS) -- More than a hundred staffers at the New Jersey Network have received layoff notices, in light of plans by the Christie administration to cut off funding for the public broadcasting entity in about a month and a half.

Their fate is very much in limbo right now. There's been no action on Christie's plan to make NJN an independent entity, nor on the legislature's recommandations to make that happen.

Janice Selinger is the network's acting executive director.

"The mood is difficult, but I do have to say our staff has just been unbelievably professional," she said on Wednesday.

Kevin Roberts, a spokesman for Governor Christie, says they're working on it at the capitol.

"The administration is working with the legislature to implement the transition process," he said.

But time is running out to keep the four television stations and Trenton-based radio station on the air. Selinger is confident that will happen, but how -- and who will be in charge -- are questions left unanswered.

Reported by David Madden, KYW Newsradio 1060.

Photo courtesy of NJN.net