Thirty years is a long time to toil at any craft, yet NJ PBS’s Sr. Political Correspondent David Cruz has reached that benchmark in journalism, with no indication of slowing down. From his earlier days reporting for North Hudson News and WBGO radio to his current roster of work covering the state for NJ PBS’s newsroom, NJ Spotlight News, and fronting two of the network’s weekly public affairs shows, Chat Box and Reporters Roundtable, Cruz has entrenched himself in the New Jersey news cycle with a unique staying power and curiosity to cover pressing issues in his home state.
To celebrate the career milestone, Cruz hosted a special edition of Chat Box with David Cruz series this week, recorded before a live audience at the Agnes Varis NJ PBS Studio in Newark.
Cruz interviewed Former NJ Governor Christine Todd Whitman, who discussed the Forward Party, 2024 Presidential GOP candidates and more. U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D) weighed in on issues including President Biden’s record and the debt ceiling vote. Montclair’s Jazz House Kids’ Founder Melissa Walker and Artistic Dir. Christian McBride shared teaching the next generation of jazz greats, followed by a special student performance. A reception with invited guests followed the taping.
Chat Box with David Cruz livestreams Thursdays at 6:30pm on the NJ Spotlight News YouTube channel, and airs Saturdays at 6:30pm and Sundays at 10:30am on NJ PBS (check local listings). It will stream on MyNJPBS.org after the broadcast.
“This week’s show was such a joy to put together,” says Cruz. “After the toll the last three pandemic-riddled years has taken on all of us in New Jersey, and the extra rigor of keeping the state informed throughout it here at NJ PBS, having an opportunity to host before a live audience, with great guests and live music was an affirmation that we’re all getting back on track. It was fantastic!”
Catch up with Cruz’s other recent reporting, including Former NJ Governor Chris Christie’s recent Presidential candidacy announcement on NJSpotlightNews.org and binge Chat Box and Reporters Roundtable episodes on MyNJPBS.org.
