CNN is set to buck decades of precedent and air two commercial breaks during its upcoming Presidential debate. Michael Smerconish believes there’s a perfectly fine reason for that decision.

During his SiriusXM show Monday, Smerconish asked his audience about the microphone for one candidate being muted while the other candidate was speaking for CNN’s debate, before bringing up several other new changes for the debates.

In his recap, he shared his belief that the marriage was a win for the Trump campaign, the Biden campaign, and CNN.

“Remember, this is not a Commission on Presidential Debates. The Commission on Presidential Debates was sort of cast aside when the candidates got together first with CNN — then with ABC — and said we’re gonna go our own way, in large part I think, because they wanted to preclude Robert F Kennedy Jr. from having any access to that debate stage,” said Smerconish.

“There will be two commercial breaks. Unlike the Commission on Presidential Debates, CNN will have corporate sponsors. During the course, two breaks, of the 90-minute event, which will provide a financial windfall I am sure, for CNN.”

Smerconish polled his audience on whether or not they liked the idea of muting microphones during the debate. Nearly 74% of the almost 25,000 who responded said they were in favor of the new measure.

In addition to his program on SiriusXM, Michael Smerconish also hosts a weekend show on CNN.

1080 KRLD is adding The Chad Benson Show to its daily lineup, going away from its all-news format to bring the program to Dallas listeners.

Beginning Monday, the show — specifically produced for Metroplex listeners — will air from 12-3 PM on the Audacy station.

“I’m so excited to be a part of KRLD, a legendary station with a long history in DFW and North Texas,” said Benson. “I look forward to connecting with listeners about the biggest issues we’re facing today.”

“We know our listeners trust KRLD for news updates, and now more than ever, where you get your information matters,” said Audacy News & Talk Format Vice President and Brand Manager of NewsRadio 1080 KRLD Drew Anderssen. “We’re excited to bring Chad and his wildly popular show to KRLD and deliver trusted news and insights to our listeners. His conversational, informative, and funny takes on issues will be a refreshing addition to our weekday programming.”

The station will continue its all-news format from 6 AM-12 PM and from 3-10 PM.

Longtime New Jersey 101.5 morning host Bill Spadea has announced he’s running for the top office in the Garden State.

In a post to social media Monday morning, Spadea officially launched his campaign.

“I’m IN. I’m proud to announce that I’m running for Governor. There’s a lot of work to be done to restore common sense to New Jersey and I’m ready to get the job done for YOU,” Spadea wrote. “Now let’s get to work!”

New Jersey 101.5 has confirmed that Bill Spadea will remain on the air in his morning timeslot. “Until he becomes a legally qualified candidate, Bill will continue to fulfill his employment responsibilities entertaining and informing the local audience on NJ 101.5 airwaves and digital platforms, as he has done for the last nine years,” Townsquare Media, parent company of the news/talk station, said in a statement.

“As a company, and to be clear, Townsquare is and will remain neutral with respect to a Spadea candidacy and does not endorse any political candidates or parties. At the same time, Townsquare will continue to uphold the values of integrity and community involvement personified by our team members.”

It is not the first time the radio host has sought office in the state. In 2004, he unsuccessfully attempted to replace Rep. Rush Holt (D). Meanwhile, he also lost a 2012 race for an open seat in the state’s assembly.

The election is scheduled for 2025, with current Gov. Phil Murphy (D) term-limited from running for re-election. Other current Republican challengers include State Senator Jon Bramnick, real estate broker Robert Fanfield, former State Rep. Jack Ciattarelli, and former State Senator Edward Durr.

The 55-year-old Spadea will host his first campaign rally Tuesday in Whiting.