Townsquare Media and its radio station, New Jersey 101.5, has changed its broadcast disclaimer to assuage the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission’s concern that gubernatorial candidate Bill Spadea’s name is mentioned four times.
The commission held a hearing last month to address how Spadea continuing to host a four-hour daily morning drive-time radio show while seeking the Republican nomination for governor might affect campaign contribution limits and public financing issues regulated by ELEC.
“ELEC is troubled by reports of express and explicit communications during the radio show program, both in support of candidate Spadea’s candidacy for New Jersey governor and in opposition to interested persons and their campaigns, that have occurred following the candidate Spadea’s announcement of his candidacy,” an opinion stated.
The panel found that guidelines “developed and presented” by Townsquare Media and Spadea, as well as their self-enforcement, were “insufficient and should be revisited” to “strictly conform” to state law and ELEC regulations.
Original broadcast disclaimer: “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. Bill Spadea, specifically, who has announced his intention to run for the office of Governor of New Jersey. Townsquare Media, its affiliates, executives, officers, agents, and employees, including New Jersey 101.5 did not request, suggest, invite or encourage Bill Spadea to decide to seek or become a legally qualified candidate for the office of Governor of New Jersey. As a result of Mr. Spadea’s decision to run for governor, Townsquare Media and New Jersey 101.5 have implemented parameters, restrictions and guidelines on the content of this broadcast to eliminate any communication or broadcast of any content endorsing, supporting, encouraging, advocating, promoting, or appealing for the nomination, election or defeat of any candidates for public office, and in particular, Bill Spadea.”
New broadcast disclaimer: “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.”