Geraldo Rivera. (WENN.com)

Talk show legend Geraldo Rivera is considering turning his back on the small screen to run for a U.S. Senate seat in New Jersey.

The 69-year-old broadcaster has been regular fixture on TV for over 40 years, but now he is eager to become the state's first Republican senator since the 1970s at next year's elections.

On his KABC radio show, he says, "Fasten your seat belt. I mentioned this only briefly to my wife... I've been in touch with some people in the Republican Party in New Jersey. I am truly contemplating running for Senate... I figure, at my age, if I'm going to do it, I've got to do it."