
Townsquare Media personality Bill Spadea is leaving his morning talk show on New Jersey 101.5 (WKXW) as he prepares to formally run for New Jersey governor. Spadea originally announced his plans in June but waited to file his candidacy to maintain his show in the interim.
Spadea will celebrate his departure with a campaign breakfast on January 30, per Politico. A Townsquare spokesman confirmed that Eric Scott would temporarily take over hosting duties at the month’s end.
Spadea, known for his extensive background in media and real estate, as well as his role in local politics, brings a varied career spanning over two decades to his gubernatorial bid. His on-air presence became a contentious issue after he announced his candidacy for governor last year, with critics arguing the show gave him an unfair advantage over competitors.
After his announcement, Townsquare Media stated, “We have taken steps and imposed guidelines to ensure that Bill’s on-air presence over the coming months and until he becomes a legally qualified candidate are in accordance with New Jersey election law, applicable FCC guidance, and industry standards and best practices for such circumstances.”
Despite these measures, some opponents claimed the airtime effectively amounted to free political advertising, exceeding legal contribution limits. The New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission ruled that while Spadea’s show did provide a political benefit, no immediate action would be taken, and his comments would be monitored.
Spadea’s departure coincides with the intensifying gubernatorial race to replace term-limited Democratic Governor Phil Murphy.
Spadea, considered a leading Republican candidate, joins a primary field that includes state Sen. Jon Bramnick, former state Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, and former state Sen. Ed Durr. Democrats vying for the governor’s seat include Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, US Reps. Josh Gottheimer and Mikie Sherrill, New Jersey Education Association President Sean Spiller, and former state Senate President Steve Sweeney.
Will miss Bill the voice of reason in the mornings but hoping he is our next governor! We need all the help we can get in this state!
The only comment I want to make is “Thank God I won’t have to listen to that Trump loving idiot after Thursday”. I was a Jim Gerheart fan and tuned out most mornings when Spadea came along. I will now return because Eric Scott is amazing because he is totally bi-partisan.
We will all miss waking u with you in the early morning. You have been very passionate about “Diggin in” while NJ has been continually losing its seniors to Florida. With Trump’s “No tax on tips” initiative, perhaps No tax on Pensions in NJ will reinvite our Seniors love of New Jersey. Our familieis that love the School system in New Jersey andnew York, may also keep their elders close should your consider this tax intitative . Bst of luck. We will all welcome you back to NJ 101.5 FM Radio with pen arms, should your campaign be less successful in your election.
All the best to Bill Spadea as he enters the race for NJ’s Governor !!! Time to get out all of those “do nothing” career politicians. Term Limits Need to be Instituted for all politicians ! As to Spadea having an advantage ??? Hah ??? Anyone can be a Governor or President in the United States no matter what career they are in.