Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 04/03/2026
The partnership between ONNJ and Rider University kicked off at the Eggscellent Egg Hunt, a perfect reflection of the energy, community, and hands-on opportunities the collaboration is all about.
(NUTLEY, NJ) -- On New Jersey (ONNJ), the state's only 24/7 streaming television network dedicated to New Jersey news, talk, sports, and entertainment, announced a new strategic partnership with Rider University, naming the university as the presenting sponsor of its flagship morning program, ONNJ Mornings with Ken Rosato.
As part of the six-month agreement, the program will be branded as: “ONNJ Mornings with Ken Rosato, presented by Rider University.”
The partnership was formed following Rider University’s involvement in ONNJ’s recent gubernatorial debate coverage, where the two organizations aligned around a shared commitment to civic engagement, education, and impactful storytelling across New Jersey.
“This partnership with Rider University is exactly what ONNJ was built for,” said Gerald D’Ambra, co-founder of ONNJ. “It started with a shared commitment to serving the public during our debate coverage and quickly became something more, a true alignment of values. Rider understands the power of storytelling, and together, we are creating content that not only informs, but elevates the conversation across New Jersey.”
“What stood out to me immediately about Rider was their willingness to show up, not just as a sponsor, but as a participant in the stories that matter to this state,” said Lisa Marie Falbo, co-founder of ONNJ. “This partnership allows us to bring real voices, real perspectives, and real impact to our audience every single morning. It’s authentic, meaningful, and exactly the kind of collaboration ONNJ is proud to lead.”
“Rider University is proud to partner with ONNJ in a way that reflects our shared commitment to civic engagement and the communities we serve across New Jersey,” said John R. Loyack, president of Rider University. “This collaboration creates new opportunities to elevate voices from our campus and contribute meaningfully to conversations shaping our state, as we continue to reimagine Rider’s role and expand our impact on the communities we serve and the students we prepare every day.”
Seven-time Emmy Award-winning journalist Ken Rosato, host of ONNJ Mornings, emphasized the impact of the collaboration: “As someone who has spent decades connecting with viewers across this region, I know how powerful local storytelling can be. This partnership with Rider University brings a new depth to what we do every morning, introducing our audience to voices, ideas, and stories that are shaping the future right here in New Jersey.”
Through this collaboration, Rider University will be integrated across ONNJ’s broadcast and digital platforms, creating meaningful opportunities to connect with audiences statewide. The partnership will also feature recurring on-air conversations with Rider’s leadership, faculty, students, and alumni, along with original produced segments highlighting the university’s programs, innovation, and community impact.
ONNJ continues to expand its reach across broadcast and streaming platforms, delivering approximately 20,000 viewers per hour in its morning daypart, alongside a growing digital footprint that includes more than 170,000 monthly website impressions and a subscriber base of over 30,000.
By aligning ONNJ’s growing media footprint with Rider University’s mission, the partnership represents a new model for how institutions and media organizations can work together to elevate local voices and tell stories that matter.
On New Jersey is a 24/7 streaming television network delivering original programming focused entirely on New Jersey. From news and politics to lifestyle and sports, ONNJ is committed to telling the stories that matter most to the people of the Garden State.
Founded in 1865, Rider University is a private university located in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. Rider is a First-Gen Forward institution, recognized for its commitment to supporting first-generation college students, and an experiential learning hub of New Jersey. The University offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs across disciplines including business, liberal arts, education, science, and the performing arts. Through real-world experiences, individualized support, and strong industry connections, Rider prepares students to lead and succeed in a rapidly changing world.
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