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Michael Aron is a legendary political broadcast journalist in New Jersey, known as the “Dean of the Statehouse Press Corps” and former New Jersey MonthlyHe died this week at the age of 78.
For more than 40 years, Alon served as the chief political correspondent for New Jersey’s public television news organizations. These included NJ Spotlight News (the news division of New Jersey Public Broadcasting), its predecessor NJTV News, and the now-defunct New Jersey Television Network (NJN). Alon “semi-retired” in 2020, but still contributes to NJ Spotlight News.
“Few journalists command as much widespread respect as Michael Aron,” said Neil Shapiro, president and CEO of WNET Group. In a statement“He earned this award for his fair, methodical and unwavering investigative style as he examined issues, policies and stakeholders that impact state residents. He was one of a kind, and we will miss him; however, his standards and practices live on in the NJ Spotlight News newsroom and continue to inspire our staff.”
Photo: Joseph Sinnott/NJ PBS
Alon was editor of the magazine in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Played an important role in publishing one New Jersey MonthlyMost compelling article ever: “In Search of Einstein’s Brain.” Famous broadcaster Paul Harvey even reported on the article on his radio show. “He went into detail about how this little magazine in New Jersey had discovered Einstein’s brain,” Aron recalled. New Jersey Monthly in 2016. “It was a coup.”
When news of Alon’s death broke, condolences poured in from friends, colleagues and politicians he had covered over the years.
“Tammy and I are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend and longtime Statehouse Press Corps chief Michael Aron,” Gov. Phil Murphy said. “Michael will be deeply missed and our heartfelt prayers and condolences go out to his family and former colleagues in the press corps.”
Former Gov. Chris Christie called Aaron’s death “the end of an era.”
Aron interviewed former Governor Chris Christie on the 2020 Drumthwacket show. Photo courtesy of New Jersey Public Broadcasting
“Michael is smart, well prepared, always looking for the truth. He has provided cover for me and my team for 15 years as U.S. Attorney and governor. He is fearless and shows no favoritism. He looks us in the face without blinking. He is a professional,” Christie said.
Rep. Mickey Sherrill said, “Michael Aron was a legend, a dedicated reporter, and a mentor to so many journalists across New Jersey. I always enjoyed talking to him. He was a seeker of truth and represented the best of the profession. My sincerest condolences to Michael’s family, loved ones, and colleagues.”
Former New Jersey PBS news anchor Mary Alice Williams called Aaron a “giant.”
“He was a soft-spoken, sharp-tongued journalist who set the standard for integrity and courage for generations of young journalists eager to give voice to our state’s issues and the diverse communities it serves. He was also a gentleman and a very dear friend. We are all grateful for his life and deeply saddened by his loss.”
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