Controversy concerning the New Jersey State Lottery’s decision to stop televising drawings is growing by the day. Bonnie Watson Coleman, a New Jersey Assemblywoman, stated that she will put forth a bill forcing NJTV to broadcast lottery drawings. As you might already know, the New Jersey State Lottery started broadcasting its drawings over the Internet since July 1. Bonnie Watson Coleman will accept nothing less than complete lottery availability on New Jersey’s state TV network. Lottery numbers
“Not everyone owns or has access to a computer, so limiting live drawings to the Internet would leave many residents who play the lottery in the dark,” Watson Coleman stated as she was announcing her bill. “NJTV said it was committed to providing New Jersey content. This is a perfect opportunity for them to do just that.”
Meanwhile, Kellie Castruita Specter from WNET, the operator of NJTV, stated that talks with lottery authorities have already begun, and the network will do everything possible to get the draws back on TV. Lottery checker
“We are interested in running the drawing,” Kellie Castruita Specter, WNET director of communication, stated. “We don’t know when, but we’re hoping as soon as possible.”
Jacque Fiorito, a spokesperson for the New Jersey State Lottery, stated that the lottery heads hope more than just NJTV will express a desire to broadcast the lottery drawings. She added that the lottery is already holding talks with more than 1 media organizations, for gaining access to the TV ready Internet stream. State lottery
“We would love to see the public call whatever station they’re watching and tell them to run the numbers,” Fiorito stated. “We’re all for it.”
The New Jersey State Lottery used to pay $1.2 million to New Jersey Network if they wanted their daily draws televised. The lottery decided against renewing the contract earlier this year, and go for an internet streaming option instead. However, even though the live streams are getting more viewers than the TV broadcasts ever had, there are plenty of complaints against the lottery’s modernization. They come mainly from old people, who never have and never will use a computer.
However, pressure to return to TV is being applied from many sides, so it might become a reality in the near future. A compromise must be reached if the lottery hopes to please all of their customers.