New Jersey mourns the loss of renowned journalist Michael Aron

Matthew Fazelpoor//August 14, 2024//

Journalist Michael Aron died Aug. 13, 2024, at the age of 78. - PORTRAIT PROVIDED BY NJPBS

Matthew Fazelpoor//August 14, 2024//

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Michael Aron, a journalist whose more than 40-year career covering New Jersey politics and government earned him the title Dean of the State House Press Corps, died Aug. 13. He was 78.

Aron served as chief political correspondent for New Jersey public television news organizations for more than four decades, including NJ Spotlight News, the news division of NJ PBS, its predecessor NJTV News, and the former New Jersey Network. He was also an editor of New Jersey Monthly magazine and an editor and contributor to Harper’s and Rolling Stone.

During his career, Aron interviewed major state leaders, covering the groundbreaking political issues happening around the Garden State. Among his many honors, Aron was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award in New Jersey Journalism at the inaugural Byrne Kean Dinner in 2021.

In 2020, he semi-retired from NJ Spotlight News but continued to report on elections and provide other special coverage.

“Few journalists ever garner the widespread level of respect Michael Aron achieved,” said Neal Shapiro, The WNET Group president and CEO. “He earned it with an unbiased, methodical, and unwavering investigative style examining the issues, policies, and stakeholders affecting state residents. He was one of a kind and will be missed; however, his standards and practices live on in the NJ Spotlight newsroom and continue to inspire our staff today.”

“Michael Aron was a tremendous mentor in our newsroom and a shining example of how a serious and often tough reporter could pursue the facts but also be kind,” said NJ Spotlight News Senior Managing Editor Jamie Kraft. “He knew everybody in Trenton and was a walking Rolodex of contacts and facts that we depended on throughout his tenure here. We are proud to carry on the legacy of the ‘Dean of the State House Press Corps.’”

Former NJ PBS news anchor Mary Alice Williams described Aron as a “titan.”

“He was a soft-spoken, hard-hitting journalist who set the standards of integrity and grit for generations of young reporters who aspired to give voice to the issues of our state and to the disparate communities it serves,” said Williams. “He was also, and always, a gentleman and a very dear friend. We are all better for the life he lived and deeply saddened by his loss.”

In memory

Remembrances and tributes have been pouring in from all over New Jersey – from both sides of the aisle and from a variety of leaders and organizations.

“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 Gov. Phil Murphy. “He was a legend of local media that was greatly admired and respected by leaders across the political spectrum. And his career, which stretched back to the days of Gov. Brendan Byrne, helped shape the history of New Jersey for the better.”

Murphy noted the friendship that he and First Lady Tammy Murphy had with Aron.

“We had the pleasure of knowing Michael personally for more than 20 years. And over the course of our friendship, we were charmed by the very same qualities that endeared him to the people of New Jersey – his intellect, his conviviality, and his passion for journalism,” Murphy continued. “Tammy and I will miss Michael dearly, and we are sending our heartfelt prayers and condolences to his wife Linda and his former colleagues in the press corps.”

Tammy and I are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend, and the longtime Dean of the State House press corps, Michael Aron.
We will miss Michael dearly, and are sending our heartfelt prayers and condolences to his family and former colleagues in the press corps. pic.twitter.com/xVfkssFz9C
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) August 13, 2024

“The passing of Michael Aron marks the end of an era. Michael was smart, scrupulously prepared and always on a hunt for the truth,” said former Gov. Chris Christie. “He covered me and my team for 15 years as US Attorney and Governor. He did so without fear or favor. His eyes never blinked watching us. He was a pro.”

“Sad to hear the report of Michael Aron’s passing,” said Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, D-19^th District. “He was a good man and an insightful, thorough, and fair reporter. ‘The Dean of the Jersey Press Corps’ informed and engaged our state with his journalism and entertained us with his gift for storytelling. RIP.”

State Senate President Nicholas Scutari, D-22nd District — Scutari

“Michael Aron’s decades-long dedication to reporting on our state’s political scene was unmatched,” said Senate President Nick Scutari, D-22^nd District. “His work shaped the public’s understanding and trust in our democratic process. A tremendous loss for journalism and our community.”

Sen. Anthony Bucco, R-25th District — Bucco

“Today is 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,” said Senate Republican Leader Anthony Bucco, R-25^th District. “My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this tough time.”

“New Jersey has lost one of its finest. Michael was the epitome of a true journalist – always calm amid the chaos of the day, yet unrelenting in getting the story,” said Assembly Republican Leader John DiMaio, R-23^rd District. “His time writing and editing for Rolling Stone sharpened his knack for cutting through the noise. He never settled for simple talking points or spin; he kept pressing until he got the real story. Our conversations, both on and off the record, were moments I truly valued. He will be deeply missed.”

“In the tumultuous world of New Jersey politics, Michael served as a beacon of truth and fairness,” said Sen. Jon Bramnick, R-21^st District, a 2025 gubernatorial candidate. “His pursuit of transparency and honest discussion instilled accountability in the official elected to serve the residents of New Jersey. The passing of Michael Aron leaves a deep void in the New Jersey press corps and an example for the next generation of journalists to follow.”

New Jersey has lost one of its finest. Michael was the epitome of a true journalist.
– Assembly Republican Leader John DiMaio, R-23^rd District

Tom Bracken, president and CEO of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, described Aron as the GOAT (greatest of all time) of New Jersey journalists.

“Very sad news. Michael Aron was a New Jersey political broadcast legend, the Dean of the state’s press corps, and he will be solely missed. Michael was a regular on our Walk to Washington (he was our keynote speaker in 2016) and was a special guest at many of our events,” said Bracken. “It was always great television when he hosted ‘Reporter’s Roundtable’ or ‘On the Record’ – and when he provided in-depth commentary on political happenings over the many years of his outstanding career.”

In a statement on behalf of the New Jersey Society of Professional Journalists, president and WHYY reporter P. Kenneth Burns described Aron as the “gold standard” when it comes to covering New Jersey politics and government.

“Whether you were just starting your career or are a veteran, he was what every reporter aims to be – accurate, fair, and professional,” said Burns, noting Aron’s concise, detailed, and informative reporting. “It’s clear why he was the Dean among the State House Press Corps. The Garden State is a better informed, smarter place thanks to Michael Aron. We all will miss him.”