Welcome To
The Central Jerseyan
Hi, I’m Chris Howell. I’m a veteran journalist who’s spent most of my career reporting at the national level, but my roots have always been local. I studied journalism at Columbia and Rutgers, just across the river from my hometown of Edison. I launched The Central Jerseyan because I believe democracy can’t thrive without strong, independent local journalism. If you see me out on the beat, I hope you’ll say hello.
When I was a kid, my mother subscribed to two local newspapers: The Star-Ledger and the Home News Tribune. One day I asked her why she spent so much money on newspapers when we didn’t have much to spare. Her answer was powerfully simple:
“They let me know what’s happening in the area.”
That value—being informed, staying connected—has stuck with me throughout my life and career.
Today, local journalism is in crisis. Print newspapers have nearly vanished, replaced by corporate-owned websites or part-time blogs. Too much gets missed. The vibrant stories, civic decisions, and cultural life of Central Jersey are overlooked or reduced to crime reports and generic headlines.
The Central Jerseyan was created to change that.
This site delivers timely, meaningful, and accurate stories about our lives, our neighborhoods, and our local culture—told by someone who knows this region and cares deeply about it.
Journalism Is My Passion
I’ve been a journalist for two decades. I’ve spent most of my career at a major national broadcast network, where I’ve contributed to multiple Edward R. Murrow Awards for excellence in reporting.
I earned journalism honors from Rutgers University, where I founded the WRSU News Team, and later received honors in reporting from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.
These experiences shaped my belief that good reporting doesn’t just inform, it strengthens democracy.
Why Central Jersey?
After college, I traveled extensively—from Alaska to South Korea. But the more places I saw, the more I realized: there’s no place I’d rather be than here.
I was raised in Edison and spent part of my childhood in South River and Old Bridge, playing Pop Warner football for the Sayre Woods South Rebels.
My wife grew up here too and now works in Central Jersey. Our kids attend school here. These are our streets, our schools, our communities. This is home.
What You Can Expect
• Multiple original stories each week focused on local government, community life, and human interest
• A weekly newsletter (coming soon) delivering top stories and updates straight to your inbox
• A real community presence at town meetings, street fairs, and local events. If you see me, say hello!
Whether it’s overlooked local heroes or municipal decisions that impact your daily life, The Central Jerseyan is here to tell the stories that matter most.
Mission and Values
At The Central Jerseyan, I believe:
• Democracy is local, and strong communities need strong journalism
• Accuracy, fairness, and transparency are essential
• Good reporting inspires engagement, not just clicks
• Communities deserve celebration, not just scrutiny
• Accountability builds trust
This isn’t parachute journalism. It’s journalism with roots.
It’s free. It’s local. It’s your news.
Have a tip or story idea?
This is your newsroom too. Reach out anytime via the Contact page or email.