Michael Aron, an award-winning and universally respected broadcast journalist who was chief New Jersey political correspondent at the state’s public television station for four decades, died Tuesday. He was 78.
Aron was a daily fixture on New Jersey Network News and considered the “dean of the Statehouse Press Corps.” He covered every governor from Brendan Byrne to Phil Murphy and authored a book on the tumultuous 1993 gubernatorial campaign between Christie Whitman and Jim Florio.
“Few journalists ever garner the widespread level of respect Michael Aron achieved,” said the WNET Group President & CEO Neal Shapiro. “He earned it with an unbiased, methodical and unwavering investigative style examining the issues, policies and stakeholders affecting state residents.”
Former NJ PBS/NJTV news anchor Mary Alice Williams called Aron “a Titan” in New Jersey. Others used words like “legend.”
His death after a long illness drew immediate reaction from Republicans and Democrats who rarely agree in this era of political divisiveness.
“For nearly four decades, Michael shed a bright light on Trenton and kept the people of New Jersey informed on the latest developments in our state government,” said Murphy, a Democrat. “He was a legend of local media that was greatly admired and respected by leaders across the political spectrum ... his career helped shape the history of New Jersey for the better.”
State Senate Republican Leader Anthony Bucco said it was “a sad day for New Jersey as we say goodbye to Michael Aron — one of the most prolific, impactful, and respected reporters the Garden State has ever seen.”
“He never settled for simple talking points or spin; he kept pressing until he got the real story,” added state Assembly Republican Leader John DiMaio. “Our conversations, both on and off the record, were moments I truly valued. He will be deeply missed.”
NJ Spotlight News anchor Briana Vannozzi said Aron “will always be remembered for his formidable questions and quick wit. But it’s his warmth, mentorship, and generosity of time that I’ll hold close to my heart.”
Aron semi-retired in 2020 but continued to do deep dive coverage for the network. He also contributed to Harper’s Magazine, Rolling Stone and New Jersey Monthly.
Aron, who lived in Montclair, received the Lifetime Achievement Award in New Jersey Journalism at the inaugural Byrne Kean Dinner in 2021 and the League of Municipalities’ Distinguished Public Service Award in 2015.
Stories by Jelani Gibson
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Jelani Gibson may be reached at jgibson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X at @jelanigibson1 and on LinkedIn.