WABC Radio Gala Recognizes 25th Anniversary of 9/11
By Robert Pearl
WABC Radio brought together broadcasting legends, entertainers, civic leaders and political figures Friday night at Cipriani 42nd Street for its 9/11 & Freedom 250 Gala, commemorating 25 years since the September 11 attacks while also recognizing America’s 250th anniversary.
Prior to the program, was a live broadcast from Cipriani’s as the room filled with guests. John Catsimatidis, owner/operator of WABC and Red Apple Media, co-hosted with veteran broadcaster Rita Cosby and former Gov. David Paterson, welcoming a stream of high-profile guests.
As attendees entered the landmark venue, the evening quickly became a reunion of New York radio, entertainment, public figures and political candidates, blending remembrance, patriotism and live performance. Among those in attendance were many notables including former Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, WOR talk host Mark Simone, and WABC personalities Dominic Carter, Lionel, Joe Concha, Dr. Marc Siegel, Dick Morris, Michael Cohen and Walter Sterling. (Pictured above from l-r are: Simone, Lionel, and Sterling.)
John and Margo Catsimatidis took the stage during the program, joined by Red Apple Media president Chad Lopez, hosting an evening benefiting Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Police Athletic League and the George Pataki Foundation.
Former New York Governor George Pataki, honored for his leadership following the September 11 attacks, received the “Leadership Crisis Award.” Pataki reflected on the loss, resilience and unity that followed one of the darkest days in the city’s history. He recalled New Yorkers and Americans standing “shoulder to shoulder” in the aftermath and urged the country to remember the unity that emerged from the tragedy.
Veteran columnist and New York media icon Cindy Adams received a Lifetime Achievement Award, deadpanning, “It’s about time.”
Cardinal Timothy Dolan, recognized with the “Guardian of New York Award,” delivered remarks and a prayer, praising the city’s first responders, health care workers, civic leaders and others who have helped New Yorkers through times of crisis.
The gala closed on a powerful patriotic note as Lee Greenwood performed his signature anthem, “God Bless the U.S.A.,” bringing the crowd together for a fitting conclusion to an evening dedicated to remembrance, resilience and freedom.
Robert Pearl is a Brooklyn-based journalist who writes about New York City media, politics, and culture. He can be emailed at pearlknows@yahoo.com.
moments of silence honoring those killed on September 11, 2001, and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, as well as those who have died from 9/11-related health effects. WINS reporters will be stationed throughout the region, including at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Atlantic Beach, Yankee Stadium and Citi Field ceremonies, and the Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund, providing live reports and updates throughout the morning. Audacy adds, “With the 25th anniversary marking a significant milestone in the city and nation’s remembrance of 9/11, 1010 WINS will offer extensive on-air reporting, interviews and eyewitness coverage from across New York.”
Premiere adds, “For his achievements, Hannity has been honored with two Marconi Awards for ‘Nationally Syndicated Personality of the Year’ and was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2017. For the past five consecutive years, radio industry publication TALKERS has ranked Hannity No. 1 on its ‘Heavy Hundred’ list of the most important radio talk show hosts in America.” Sean Hannity comments, “Reaching 25 years in national syndication is both humbling and a tremendous honor. What began as a passion for engaging in meaningful conversations about the issues shaping our country has become a daily connection with millions of listeners across America. I am deeply grateful to our audience, our affiliate partners, Premiere Networks, our advertisers, and the talented team that makes this show possible every day. Their loyalty, trust and support have made this milestone possible, and I look forward to continuing the conversation for many years to come.”
25 years are endless, and we are excited to celebrate with our partners, fans and teammates at the House of Blues.” Those scheduled to appear at the live broadcast include former Chicago Bears kicker Robbie Gould, former Chicago Bears quarterback and past guest of “Waddle & Silvy,” Jay Cutler, Chicago native and American musician Billy Corgan, ESPN analyst and co-host of “Pardon the Interruption,” Michael Wilbon, and ESPN reporter, host, and television personality Sarah Spain. “ESPN 1000” director of content Danny Zederman adds, “‘ESPN 1000’ is thrilled to host the station’s biggest names and most impactful people in one room on Friday to celebrate 25 years. We will look back at our success and also look forward to our exciting future as the home of the Chicago Bears and the Chicago White Sox.”
2023 who carry a computer – a smartphone – with them all the time. Other findings from this year’s edition of the study include: 1) 75% of Americans 12+ have listened to online audio in the last month; 2) Among U.S. adults age 18+ who have ridden in a car in the last month, 37% are listening to online audio in the car, up from 32% last year; 3) 42% of Americans 12+ have listened to a podcast in the last month, a new all-time high and up from 38% in 2022; and 4) 38% of U.S. adults age 18+ who have ridden in a car in the last month say they listen to podcasts in the car, up from 32% in 2022. Edison Research VP Megan Lazovick says, “After two previous annual studies that showed clear effects from the COVID-19 disruptions, the trends in audio and social media habits seem to be back on pattern. The growth of online audio and podcasting to record high levels is exciting to reveal.”