Rider University has entered a statewide media partnership with On New Jersey (ONNJ), becoming the presenting sponsor of the network’s flagship program, ONNJ Mornings with Ken Rosato.
The agreement expands Rider’s visibility across a growing broadcast and digital platform while creating new opportunities for the university to contribute to public conversations across New Jersey.
The partnership builds on earlier collaboration between Rider University and ONNJ during the network’s gubernatorial debate production last fall.
“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.
“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 impact,” Loyack said.
As part of the agreement, Rider’s leadership, faculty, students and alumni will participate in recurring on-air conversations, along with original segments highlighting academic programs, innovation and campus life.
The partnership formally launched March 31 with ONNJ coverage of Rider’s annual Eggscellent Egg Hunt in collaboration with 107.7 The Bronc.
“This partnership with Rider University is exactly what ONNJ was built for,” said Gerald D’Ambra.
“It started with a shared commitment to serving the public during our debate coverage, and quickly became something more — a true alignment of values,” D’Ambra said.
“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.
“This partnership allows us to bring real voices, real perspectives and real impact to our audience every single morning,” Falbo said.
Seven-time Emmy Award-winning journalist Ken Rosato, host of “ONNJ Mornings,” said the collaboration strengthens the network’s local storytelling focus.
“As someone who’s spent decades connecting with viewers across this region, I know how powerful local storytelling can be,” Rosato said.
“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,” Rosato said.
ONNJ reports it is reaching about 20,000 viewers per hour during its morning programming, alongside more than 170,000 monthly website impressions and an email subscriber base exceeding 30,000.
By aligning ONNJ’s expanding media platform with Rider’s institutional mission, officials said the partnership reflects a broader model for collaboration between higher education and local media organizations.
The entrance to Rider University on Route 206 in Lawrence Township. (Photo by Peter G. Borg, Rider University.),
