The program was met with mixed reception upon its premiere for its visually intensive and tabloid-like format, but was praised for how it targeted younger viewers through social engagement.
Since the 2001 purchase of WWOR by Fox Television Stations from Chris-Craft Broadcasting however, FTS had taken to downplaying WWOR's newscasts (and likely would have discontinued them immediately if not for FCC license conditions requiring news and public affairs coverage of New Jersey), in order to avert any ratings cannibalization from their flagship local newscasts on Fox station WNYW.
[1][3] The transition to Chasing New Jersey resulted in layoffs and reassignments for WWOR staff and personalities; in particular, anchor Brenda Blackmon was assigned to host and produce news specials for the station (she would later leave for WPIX in 2016), while co-anchor Harry Martin, meteorologist Audrey Puente, and sportscaster Russ Salzberg were offered on-air positions at sister station WNYW.
[1] Diana Marszalek of TVNewsCheck felt that Chasing New Jersey was trying too hard to target itself towards younger viewers with a fast-paced, informal, and visually intensive infotainment format akin to TMZ, but suggested that "with time, Chasing New Jersey could settle down, get its groove and connect with the young viewers that local broadcasters so desperately want.
"[3] By contrast, fellow writer Harry A. Jessell praised Chasing for being "just the kind of fresh, provocative approach to news that local television is in dire need of", but criticized its production style for being too "frenetic" and "[seeming] scripted and staged" as opposed to TMZ, which he believed felt more "authentic".
Audra Schroeder of The Daily Dot showed similar concerns surrounding its presentation, but noted the show's use of social networking (such as an interview conducted via Google Hangouts, and active social media presences for its personalities) helped to encourage viewer interaction.
[10][11] After Lautenberg's June 3, 2013 death, fellow New Jersey senator Bob Menendez, a resident of nearby Paramus, took up the cause.
'"[12] Rep. Frank Pallone, who was then in the special election to fill Lautenberg's seat, also called for the revocation of WWOR's license.