Last night, New Jersey Network ended its 40-year run of providing state news and information.

Due to budgetary concerns, NJN’s days were numbered. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie announced last month that WNET, the parent company of Channel 13 and Channel 21/WLIW would handle all programming and services under a five-year deal. The broadcast license continues to be maintained by the state.

“WNET is uniquely qualified to maintain and grow the network for New Jersey and its cititzens,” Christie said. “WNET brings a wealth of resources to the table, including an award-winnning education department that provides video and other materials to teachers; an innovative interactive department with a solid technology infrastructure and other back-office functions that will help NJN strive. I am confident that WNET will continue to provide the excellent local and national public television programming that New Jersey residents have relied on for more than 40 years.”

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Channel 13 WNET’s new nonprofit goup created to operate New Jersey’s public television network won’t have to pay for management rights. But NJ.com reports, WNET is set to receive $4 million in fees and grants as part of the deal.

The new WNET subsidiary gets a $2 million grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, previously awarded to the struggling New Jersey Network.  NJ.com says it will also get to keep about $2 million in tower rental fees that private companies pay to NJN.

The state will retain the licenses to the television network, and the New Jersey Public Broadcasting Authority will continue to oversee it.

A formal announcement of the agreement is expected this week.

NJN, the state-owned-and-operated agency in place for 43 years, will be shut down when the new agreements take effect July 1.