“New Jersey 101.5” Revises Disclaimer on Bill Spadea Show
The New Jersey Globe reports that Townsquare Media’s WKXW-FM, Trenton “New Jersey 101.5” is playing a revised disclaimer during morning host Bill Spadea’s program in light of his declared candidacy for governor of New Jersey in 2025. This comes after the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission
held a hearing to consider whether Spadea’s being on the air after declaring his candidacy constitutes an in-kind contribution to his campaign that violates the states campaign finance laws. While the ELEC ruled Spadea can remain on the air, it required that steps be taken to avoid violating the laws. The ELEC was concerned with the disclaimer that had been airing that mentioned Spadea’s name four times. The new disclaimer is as follows: “Townsquare Media, and New Jersey 101.5 do not support, endorse, advocate, encourage, fund, or appeal for the election or defeat of any candidates for public office. Townsquare Media, its affiliates, executives, officers, and employees, including New Jersey 101.5 did not request, suggest, invite or encourage any of its employees to seek public office. Townsquare Media and New Jersey 101.5 have implemented parameters, restrictions and guidelines on the content of this broadcast to eliminate the broadcast of any content endorsing, supporting, encouraging, advocating, promoting, or appealing for the nomination, election or defeat of any candidates for public office.” See the story here.
the commission will be “monitoring” his program. Spadea declared his candidacy a couple of weeks ago and filed the Form -D1 but has not filed his nominating petition since the primary race is not until next June. At that time, he will be a legally qualified candidate and will leave the air. On Friday, the commission was hearing arguments whether his being on the air is an in-kind contribution from employer Townsquare Media and violates the state law that prohibits single-source contributions of more than $5,800. Lawyers for fellow Republican primary candidates Jack Ciattarelli and Jon Bramnick argued that Spadea’s program is all about his thoughts on public policy, thereby giving him a thing of value. But Townsquare’s attorney stated Spadea doesn’t use his show to “express advocacy” and that it has “no value” to his candidacy.