Mary Alice Williams to Take Helm of NJTV News; Mike Schneider Named Senior Correspondent

On Jun 13, 2014

NJTV, New Jersey’s public television network, announces that veteran broadcaster Mary Alice Williams will assume the helm of its weeknight news program, NJTV News, starting July 1st.  Current anchor and managing editor, Mike Schneider, will remain a vital part of the network’s journalism team as a Senior Correspondent while playing a key role in other public affairs programming for both NJTV and Thirteen, including Metrofocus.

“The broadcast has grown exponentially during Mike’s tenure. He has further established his legacy as a trusted source of vital news and as being one of the best interviewers in the business. He leaves the desk to another network veteran who is widely respected by both the audience and her colleagues. Mary Alice is a consummate professional who has blazed trails in this business,” said NJTV News Executive Producer Phil Alongi. “The fact that NJTV News has been able to attract such high-level network talent speaks to how much Mary Alice and Mike believe in the mission of public television.”

“The increase in NJTV’s news coverage and live specials necessitates having more than one experienced journalist in charge of these projects,” said NJTV General Manager John Servidio.  “We’re so fortunate to now have the talent of Mary Alice Williams at the news desk each weeknight and Mike Schneider’s expertise in the field and for special event coverage.  It’s a win-win for us and for our viewers.”

Schneider joined NJTV News in September 2011, shortly after the network launched, when the newscast was named NJ Today.  He has since served as the newscast’s anchor and managing editor, while hosting specials like “Superstorm Sandy: A Live Town Hall” and “The State of NJ’s Health: Growing Healthy Kids.”  Schneider’s new role will enable him to host more network specials and puts him in the field doing investigative work for NJTV News.

Williams, a veteran of CNN and NBC’s news teams who has hosted dozens of other cable and public television projects, is no stranger to NJTV News, as she has occasionally filled in for Schneider over the last year.

“I’m looking forward to this exciting chapter in my career,” Williams said.  “I’ve found working in public television, as I often have, always rewarding, and much more is to come.  NJTV News is fueled by a smart, tech savvy, enthusiastic team of journalists and I look forward to helping the news program grow.”

“I could not pass the torch to a better colleague,” said Schneider. “As I take on new responsibilities, accelerate work on new programming I have been developing and get back into the field reporting that I love, I know the newscast I helped cultivate is in good hands with Mary Alice at the desk.”

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