It’s hard to chronicle the best of Steve Adubato because he’s literally interviewed thousands of the most influential, controversial, fascinating, and brilliant people living, working, and making change in the state of New Jersey. On the nightly series, One-on-One, every single interview can be called “best.”
The Emmy Award-winning broadcaster is celebrating the 30th anniversary of One-on-One with Steve Adubato, produced by the not-for-profit production company, Caucus Educational Corporation (CEC), where he anchors four public television series. He turns a mic and shines a light on unsung heroes and household names, the famous and infamous, the old timers and the newcomers.
In the 30th anniversary programming of One-on-One with Steve Adubato, many state and federal government leaders are featured, including United States Senator Cory Booker who says, “Steve Adubato and the Caucus Educational Corporation are in a unique position to produce relevant and timely programming. I know from experience that their television programming and educational outreach initiatives benefit the people of our state and nation.”
Whether he’s sitting down with a head of state, school superintendent, Broadway star, or local CEO, Adubato is always the old school journalist and storyteller, one that’s increasingly hard to find in a vast sea of anything-goes digital content. Always fair and objective, Adubato does his homework, asks tough questions, and isn’t afraid of being wrong.
Adubato sat down with WNET Group President and CEO Neal Shapiro, where CEC airs, to kick off a week of programming looking back on the best of the One-on-One best. After being in this ring for 30 years, he told Shapiro that the always-changing media business never gets easier and has never been more important.
“Our programming is worth watching because of our guests — the people who make a difference every day in the lives of others,” Adubato said.
“Some are well-known, and some are everyday heroes who you’ve never heard of. Our programming is conversational, relevant, and real. Hopefully, it doesn’t ‘feel’ like a TV program, but rather that you’re eavesdropping on two people talking.”
“As we celebrate 30 years, producing and broadcasting programming that matters is more important than ever,” Adubato said.
According to Neal Shapiro, President and CEO of The WNET Group, who led the effort to create NJ PBS, “In public media, it is our job to reach out and find other smart voices in New Jersey…There is no better example than Steve Adubato, someone who’s a smart journalist who has a wealth of experience.”
Elected Officials and New Jersey Governors
Also featured in the 30th anniversary special is Former New Jersey Governor, Tom Kean Sr., who says: “What do you watch if you don’t watch State of Affairs with Steve Adubato on public broadcasting? This is how you learn about your state. For 30 years, Steve and his team at the Caucus Educational Corporation have helped us to learn about New Jersey and what matters most.”
For journalists still in this career for decades, Adubato points to the ever-changing landscape of a field that has never been on “autopilot.” Nor does autopilot apply to creative programming, distribution, or raising money, which is the lifeblood of any nonprofit.
Doing this job is about “… innovation, pivoting, constantly reinventing ourselves,” Adubato said. “… it’s like three-dimensional chess because everything is changing at the same time.”
Originally launched in 1994, partnering with public television expanded the programming capabilities, fundraising arm, and audience reach. The CEC also produces: State of Affairs, a weekly, public policy series about New Jersey issues; Think Tank, featuring leaders, innovators and experts; and Remember Them, with co-anchor Jacqui Tricarico, celebrating the legacies of New Jersey notables who have passed away.
One-on-One has produced more than 2,500 shows in its history – and now reaches more than 10 million households in five states, including New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Maryland.
Broadway, Film, TV Actors & Comedians
About Steve Adubato
Steve Adubato, Ph.D, is a broadcaster, author, syndicated columnist, university professor, lecturer, and motivational speaker. He also served as New Jersey’s youngest state legislator at age 26.
A trainer and coach in leadership and communication skills, he anchors four television series produced by the CEC and is the author of six books on leadership and communication, the most recent being, “Lessons in Leadership 2.0: The Tough Stuff.”
