Industry News

Former Trump Fixer’s Show Debuts Sunday

The new weekend talk radio program featuring former Trump Organization lawyer Michael Cohen debuts on Sunday at 5:00 pm ET on Red Apple Media’s WABC, New York. For its debut, the “When You Know… You Know with Michael Cohen” will feature imgguests including Jerry Falwell Jr. and Anthony Scaramucci. Red Apple is also promoting the companion podcast, “When the When You Know, You Know… Unleashed” podcast saysing, “the conversations get even bolder. Free from FCC broadcast regulations and with no topics off limits, the podcast is already generating buzz among high-profile political figures eager to join Cohen for candid, unfiltered conversations that will take listeners even deeper inside the stories, scandals, and personalities shaping the headlines.”

Industry News

Former Trump Fixer Michael Cohen to Host Show on 77WABC

This coming Saturday (7/12), former Trump Organization attorney Michael Cohen will get behind the microphone for his first radio show on Red Apple Media’s WABC, New York. Cohen is taking over the Saturday 5:00 pm show while former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo takes the summer off. Cohen – who ended up imgtestifying against his former boss in cases revolving around Stormy Daniels – has apparently made up with President Donald Trump. Or so says WABC owner John Catsimatidis. He tells the New York Post, “I checked with the White House and they had no objection. I understand everything is fine.” Cohen tells the Post, “I was told the president gave me a glowing recommendation for this gig because he believes I’m going to be the next Rush Limbaugh.” Red Apple Media says Cohen program, titled, “When You Know… You Know,” will be a “provocative and bold new one-hour program that promises to expose the truth behind politics, power, betrayal, and the stories the headlines never tell. Drawing on firsthand experience from the highest levels of American politics to federal prison, Cohen will challenge conventional wisdom, expose deception, and deliver the kind of insider perspective few people on the planet can match.” In addition to the radio show, Cohen is also doing a weekly podcast called, “When You Know… You Know Unleashed.”

Industry Views

SABO SEZ: Jay Clark, A Real Program Director

By Walter Sabo
A.K.A Walter Sterling
Host, The Other Side of Midnight
WABC, New York / Red Apple Audio Networks

imgJay Clark was the first program director of WABC as a talk station. He set the tone and path for modern talk radio. This week I had Jay on as a special guest on the Red Apple Audio Networks all night show, “The Other Side of Midnight.” We celebrated the anniversary, May 10, (1982) of WABC’s switch from music to talk on the giant signal at 770 AM.

There could not have been a better owner at launch: ABC Inc. Facts about ABC Inc (that’s it, it was just ABC Ink):

  • ABC Inc. had launched KABC, Los Angeles and KGO, San Francisco in the mid 1960s. By 1982, when WABC switched to talk, those two stations were golden businesses. KABC was the highest grossing station in any imgformat in America. KGO was the killer biller in San Francisco. The execs who ran them were mighty proud: Ben HobermanEd McLaughlinAl RaccoChuck Debere. Yes, they ran those stations, but they also invented the caller-driven talk format. There were other winning talk stations, but they were guest centric rather than listener centric (i.e. WOR, WGN). At the time, there were 43 stations listed as “talk” stations. 43. Not many models.
  • Clark explained that KABC and KGO took 10 years to turn a profit. The business assumption was that WABC would also take 10 years to achieve that goal. Audience research, which came back after the switch, showed it would take 10 years to win a viable audience. 10 years was fine with ABC management. That’s what it would take. It took 11.
  • WABC launched primarily as live and local. Upper radio management was passionate about the talk format, they freakin’ loved everything about it. They understood its prestige. It was and is a sales format. Management nurtured talk radio and evolved it. They were committed to talk and understood the key fact for growth: YOU CAN’T SAVE YOUR WAY TO SUCCESS. At the time management’s love was essential to success because New York’s feelings for WABC as a rocker ran deep, and not many citizens or clients were in a hurry to witness its end. They were, however, in a hurry to tune to the FM band.

When walking the halls of WABC during the first talk year, one could feel the excitement and the pride. Those feelings permeated the airwaves and propelled success. One can’t find feelings on a spreadsheet, one can’t find success on a spread sheet either.

The return of feelings

When John Catsimitidis bought WABC, pride and passion returned to the halls and to the air. John and bride Margo love the station, the staff, the format, and the potential. “Cats” and station president Chad Lopez have a simple goal: “We want it to be number one.” You would be shocked at how many managers I’ve met who will never be number one – of any format – because they don’t want to be. They actually say they don’t want to be number one… or can’t.

As of today, as it was at launch, WABC’s owner is proud and passionate and will be number one. PD Kevin Droesch is very much in the Jay Clark school of understanding talent and winning.

Sure, sure you could be a cynic and assume I’m writing this because I work for Red Apple Media. But I don’t assume that you’ve met me.

Walter Sabo has been a C-Suite action partner for companies such as SiriusXM, Hearst, Press Broadcasting, Gannett, RKO General, and many other leading media outlets. His company, HITVIEWS, in 2007, was the first to identify and monetize video influencers. His nightly show “The Other Side of Midnight” is heard on WABC, New York and the Red Apple Audio Network 1:00 am – 5:00 am. His syndicated show, “Sterling On Sunday,” from Talk Media Network, airs 10:00 pm-1:00 am ET, and is now in its 10th year of success. He can be reached by email at sabowalter@gmail.com.  He can be phoned at 646-678-1110.

Industry News

Red Apple to Acquire WCRN-AM, Worcester

Red Apple Media files applications with the FCC to acquire WCRN-AM, Worcester, Massachusetts from Carter Broadcasting for $1.45 million. This will be the first signal acquired by John Catsimatidis’ media imgcompany outside of the New York City market. The station is currently airing a news/talk format of local, syndicated and brokered programming. Local air personalities include the daily morning show hosts Hank Stolz and Ben White (“Talk of the Commonwealth”) and longtime New England talk host Frankie Boyer who is heard in middays. Red Apple will assume operations under a local marketing agreement until the deal closes. Red Apple and Catsimatidis have made no indication of the company’s intent for future programming.

Industry News

Lee Harris Joins Red Apple as Company Launches The Worldwide News Network

Red Apple Media is unveiling its new global audio news platform “created to deliver fair, balanced, and real-time reporting to listeners across the United States and around the world.” The new service is called The Worldwide News imgNetwork, and Red Apple has recruited New York radio news legend Lee Harris to serve as vice president of news for WABC Radio and The Worldwide News Network. The company says, “The move positions WABC Radio and Red Apple Audio Networks for a dramatic next chapter, transforming the iconic New York news/talk station’s reach into a 24/7 global audio news presence fueled by streaming technology, smart speakers, mobile platforms, syndication, and digital distribution.” Red Apple owner John imgCatsimatidis says, “Today’s digital technology gives us the power to deliver the truth instantly, not just across America, but across Europe and around the globe. WABC Radio is already heard in all 50 states and in 178 countries through our multi-platform distribution. The Worldwide News Network is the natural next step in building a global destination for fair, balanced, no-nonsense news people can trust.” Lee Harris was the morning news anchor at 1010 WINS in New York for 30 years. Additionally, he has advised broadcasters throughout Europe and Asia, helped launch Moscow’s Kommersant FM as a U.S.-style all-news station, lectured at television and radio outlets across China through the University of Missouri School of Journalism, and served as director of integrated operations and New York bureau chief for cable startup NewsNation. Harris comments, “John Catsimatidis has never thought small, and this venture is no exception. The Worldwide News Network is an ambitious, forward-looking news platform designed for how people consume information today. I am thrilled to join Red Apple Media and WABC Radio at such a transformational moment and help build a news organization with both national strength and international reach.”

Industry News

John Catsimatidis Set to Keynote 28th TALKERS Conference Heading Stellar Lineup of 60+ Speakers

WABC, New York / Red Apple Audio Networks owner John Catsimatidis has been named keynote speaker for TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter set for Friday, June 5 on the campus of Hofstra imgUniversity on Long Island. TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison states, “The selection of ‘Cats’ as keynoter is in keeping with one of the major themes of this year’s edition of the iconic industry event – radio, talk media, and entrepreneurism.  John Catsimatidis is presently setting the greatest example of entrepreneurism at work in giving an injection of much needed energy, focus and life to the medium of radio.”  Harrison will serve as facilitator of the presentation in a Q&A / interview style format – a role he has played before with the dynamic billionaire media, grocery, and energy mogul.

imgCatsimatidis will be joined by more than 60 speakers comprised of legendary industry figures as well as fresh faces and rising stars. A detailed agenda including speakers and schedule – a “who’s who” of industry luminaries – will be posted in TALKERS this coming Tuesday (4/28).   See the link below for the names of all speakers booked to date.

The power-packed, one-day agenda is being organized and designed to address the field of talk media’s most pressing and existential issues. imgHarrison continues, “This important conference will illuminate the forward path of the expanding talk media universe, including all aspects of digital communications from AI and podcasting to streaming networks. As has been its tradition, this latest TALKERS conference will approach the onrushing future of the talk business from a radio perspective. This crucial gathering will cover the new undeniable realities of the radio business for those who not only want to survive but thrive as well. It will be about opportunities, networking, and entrepreneurism for individuals in talent, programming, sales, marketing, and management who are serious about staying in the game.”

Attendance at the conference is only open to members of the working media and directly associated industries as well as students enrolled in accredited learning institutions. All attendees will be required to register in advance on the phone payable by credit card. Because attendance will be limited to maintain intimacy, the conference is again expected to be an early sellout. The all-inclusive registration fee covering convention events, exhibits, food, and services for the day is $260. All registrations are non-refundable. This power-packed, one-day event is being presented in association with Hofstra’s multi-award-winning station, WRHU Radio, and the school’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication.

For more detailed agenda info please click here 

Conference Registration and Hotel Information

To register for TALKERS 2026: Radio’s Next Chapter or to obtain sponsorship information, call Barbara Kurland at 413-565-5413.

To book a hotel room at the nearby Long Island Marriott – Uniondale, please click here: www.TalkersRoomRate.com  or call 516-794-3800 and mention TALKERS 2026.  Act quickly because the number of rooms available at the hotel for this event are limited.

Industry News

Andrew Cuomo to Host Weekly Show on WABC, New York

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo was a guest on 77WABC Radio owner John Catsimatidis’ “Cats Roundtable” show last month and during that appearance Catsimatidis told Cuomo, “I hear you may beimg talking a little bit more on WABC radio in the near future.” That has become reality as Red Apple Media announces the launch of “The Pulse of the People,” starring Cuomo. The one-hour show premiered yesterday (2/1) at 5:00 pm. Catsimatidis states, “Today on WABC Radio we are introducing a new program, ‘The Pulse of the People,’ hosted by former Governor Andrew Cuomo. The show will focus on listener calls and open discussion about the issues, concerns, and views of New Yorkers. WABC Radio believes in bipartisan conversation and thoughtful discussion of solutions, and we invite listeners to tune in and be part of the discussion.” Cuomo comments, “This is a moment when our country has rarely felt more divided, politics more polarizing, and public discourse more toxic. ‘The Pulse of the People’ is about cutting through the noise and the rancor to have real, substantive, fact-based conversations about the issues that actually affect people’s lives. I’ve spent my career focused on making government work and getting results, and that’s the same straightforward, problem-solving approach I’ll bring to this program.”

Industry News

John Terrett to Host Red Apple Market Reports

Red Apple Media announces that John Terrett is the host of the twice-daily Red Apple AM/PM Market Reports. CEO John Catsimatidis says, “More than ever before, listeners need clarity on what’s happening on Wall Street. John has been a guest on my Sunday program, ‘The Cats Roundtable,’ many times, and his exceptional understanding of the financial world arms listeners with the knowledge they need to make smart financial decisions.”

Industry News

WABC, New York Adds Concha to Weeknights

Red Apple Media’s news/talk WABC, New York adds Joe Concha to its weeknight lineup,img airing from 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Concha has been hosting a Sunday show from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon and will continue in that role. Red Apple CEO John Catsimatidis says, “Joe is exactly the kind of smart, credible, non-nonsense voice we promised our listeners. Listeners trust Joe and his ratings success backs that up. We are delighted to add him to our weeknight programming.” Concha is a columnist, author, and FOX News contributor. 

Industry News

Red Apple Media to Acquire More Long Island Signals for WABC

Red Apple Media is expanding on Long Island. The company is filing to acquire WLID-AM, Patchogue, andimg FM translators W239CY, Patchogue at 95.9 and W296EK, Brentwood at 107.1 for $500,000 from Cantico Nuevo Ministry. The addition of the three signals will improve news/talk WABC’s coverage in Suffolk County. Red Apple Media will assume operation of the signals under a Local Marketing Agreement.

Industry News

WABC Radio Turkey Drive Supports Families in Need

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As the holiday season gets underway, Red Apple Media’s WABC, New York has been giving away turkeys to families in need. On Saturday (11/22), WABC Radio was handing out turkeys to families in need at the Police Athletic League’s (PAL) Harlem Center. The station says that by the end of the holiday season, WABC Radio will have given away a total of 10,000 turkeys through community-minded organizations, including PAL and the New York Police and Firefighters Departments. Pictured above are members of the WABC staff and others aboard the WABC Radio trolley as they distributed turkeys.

Industry News

WABC’s John Catsimatidis Mulls Moving to Florida

As New York City businesspeople prepare for Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani to assume control of the city, some are saying they will re-locate their businesses from New York City for fear of how Mamdani policies will affect their bottom line. Red Apple Media and WABC owner John Catsimatidis is one of those. He is featured in a piece in Forbes in which he says, “I think a lotimg of businesspeople are reducing their exposure to New York City.” He tells Forbes he’s looking for “friendly states.” “The key word is a commonsense place to do business in.” Catsimatidis, whose business interests include Gristedes supermarkets and a controlling share of D’Agostino stores, was irked by Mamdani’s promise of opening “cheap city-run grocery stores” in each of the boroughs. Catsimatidis tells Forbes, “‘We don’t have any profit margins,’ he says, explaining that his stores have been losing money for ‘at least two years.’ He blames the state of the city: ‘Shoplifting is up to an all-time high. A lot of stuff is being closed up, which means that it’s not easy for people to shop, so sales are down.’” Catsimatidis does not talk about his radio businesses in the article but given how much effort he’s put into covering local New York news and his hiring local talk hosts and journalists, it’s hard to imagine him running the radio stations from another state such as Florida. Read the Forbes story here.

Industry News

WABC Holds “Back the Blue” Tribute

Red Apple Media’s WABC, New York is holding an event tomorrow (10/21) titled, “Back the Blue”img – A Tribute to Law Enforcement, at its studios in Manhattan that begins with a press conference at 10:00 am followed by a roundtable discussion and lunch. Owner John Catsimatidis will host NYPD commissioner Jessica Tisch, DEA president Scott Munro, and NYPD chief of transit Joseph Gulatta and others.

Industry News

NYSBA Names John Catsimatidis Broadcaster of the Year

imgThe board of directors of the New York State Broadcasters Association names Red Apple Media CEO John Catsimatidis the New York Broadcaster of the Year for 2025. Catsimatidis will be honored at the NYSBA Broadcast Leadership and Hall of Fame Luncheon in New York City on October 22. NYSBA president David Donovan says, “We are honored to have him as NYSBA’s Broadcaster of the Year. John has had unparalleled success turning around 77WABC and expanding Red Apple Media throughout the country. He has led legislative efforts to keep AM radio in vehicles, a vital issue for all New Yorkers.” Catsimatidis comments, “Thank you, Dave and the Board of the New York State Broadcasters Association for this honor. Radio is an integral part of listeners’ lives and often the only source of information during times of disaster. I ask everyone in radio to alert their listeners that car manufacturers are risking lives by taking AM off the dashboard of new cars. Together, we can stop this, and we must stop it.” Catsimatidis entered the radio business with the purchase WABC-AM in March 2020 and has since added WLIR-FM, Hampton Bays and WRCR-AM, Haverstraw to his portfolio of stations.

Industry News

Joe Concha Joins 77WABC

“The Joe Concha Tunnel to Towers Foundation Show” is joining the weekend program lineup at Red Appleimg Media’s WABC, New York airing in the 11:00 am to 12:00 noon. Concha has been hosting the time period since Jeanine Pirro left to become the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. Red Apple Media president Chad Lopez says, “Joe brings the total package, smart, sharp, and fearless. He doesn’t just analyze the news, he makes sense of it, challenges it and connects with America in a way only he can.”

Industry News

WABC Gala to Raise Funds for Charities

WABC, New York and Red Apple Media owners John and Margo Catsimatidis are hosting a star-studded gala in celebration of America’s 250th birthday on Friday, September 5 at Cipriani’s 42nd St. in New York City. The Catsimatidis say the gala will serve not only as a celebration of freedom but also as a reminder of the resilience, ideals, and shared spirit that continue to define the United States. Proceeds from the galaimg event will benefit The WABC Radio Foundation, The Tunnel To Towers Foundation, The Police Athletic League (PAL), and Shriners Children’s. The evening will feature performances of patriotic songs including WABC Saturday evening personality and singer Tony Orlando performing “Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree”; Lee Greenwood performing “God Bless the USA” and America’s tenor Christopher Maccio will sing the National Anthem. Additionally, WABC personality Joe Piscopo will perform Frank Sinatra classics and station host Vinnie Medugno will sing oldies. The gala event will be hosted by 77WABC legendary air personality Bruce “Cousin Brucie” Morrow. Distinguished guests will include United States and New York area politicians, business leaders, and community heroes. See more and purchase tickets here.

Industry News

Red Apple Names Goldman Chief Technology Officer

Red Apple Media brings Bert Goldman aboard as chief technology officer. For Goldman, whose career has included stops at ABC/Disney Radio Division, Nationwide Communications, and Shamrock Broadcasting, thisimg is a return to WABC. Red Apple owner John Catsimatidis says, “As Red Apple Media continues to enlarge its footprint in radio, we recognized a need for an engineering specialist with insights that will bolster our growth strategy as we identify properties for our expansion. Bert’s experience made him the perfect choice.” Goldman comments, “I’m eager to come home to 77WABC and join Red Apple Media as it enters its next growth phase. John has revived AM talk radio with big-name hosts and created renewed excitement for broadcast radio overall.”

Industry News

Lionel to Host WABC’s “The Other Side of Midnight”

Red Apple Media Group announces that Lionel is assuming hosting duties for the station’s overnight program, “The Other Side of Midnight,” formerly hosted by newly elected New York City Councilor Frankimg Morano. Lionel comments, “I’m honored beyond words to be back at WABC – where it all began, my alma mater, the greatest talk radio station in the world. Legendary, historic, storied, unmatched in its legacy. This isn’t just radio, it’s home. It’s the gold standard, the birthplace of giants. And now, I’m back where I belong.”

Industry News

Red Apple Media to Acquire WRCR-AM in the Hudson Valley

Red Apple Media is acquiring WRCR-AM, Haverstraw, New York for an undisclosed sum. The stationimg is owned by Alexander Medecovich. According to a story in the Rockland News, Medecovich endured a personal family tragedy and preceded his eventual exit from the radio business. Currently, WRCR is simulcasting WABC, New York’s content.

Industry News

Red Apple Makes John Sterling Show Official

Red Apple Media makes the news reported earlier this week by the New York Post official that legendary New York Yankees play-by-play announcer John Sterling will host an hour-long sports talk show on Saturdays at 4:00 pm. Sterling says, “This is a thrill… the ballgame’s NOT over. I am eager to connect with sports fans on 77 WABC and looking forward to bringing the biggest names in sports on the air to share their stories and insights with listeners.”

Industry News

RAAN Expands Anthony Cumia Show

Red Apple Audio Networks says it is expanding the nationally syndicated “Anthony Cumia Show” to three hours.img The program now airs live on 77WABC from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm ET Sundays becomes available to affiliates on May 4. Red Apple Media president Chad Lopez says, “The response from listeners and affiliates to Anthony’s return to radio has been astounding. Listeners and affiliates were clamoring for more Anthony Cumia, so we extended his show.”

Industry News

WABC’s Catsimatidis Promotes AM in Cars in NYPost Ad

Red Apple Media and WABC owner John Catsimatidis is taking out full-color ads in the New York Post in which he asks consumers not to buy a new car that doesn’t include AM radio. Part of the ad’s text reads asimg follows: For the past 100 years, AM radio has been free for U.S. consumers. “Recently, General Motors and other car manufacturers have spent over $7 million trying to eliminate AM radio. Do not buy a car without AM radio. GM is attempting to influence Congress, making themselves an adversary to consumers. We will publish a list of all House and Senate members who have received money from these lobbyists. Keep AM radio free.”

Industry News

Anthony Cumia to Host Sunday Night Show on WABC

As tipped by Anthony Cumia himself via X over the weekend, the former “Opie & Anthony” personality and current host of his own show on CompoundCensored will begin hosting a Sunday evening show on Redimg Apple Media’s 77WABC Radio beginning this week (3/9). Red Apple says “The Anthony Cumia Show” will air Sundays from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm ET. Cumia says, “I am beyond thrilled to join 77WABC. They are the only ones doing great radio, and I’m looking forward to having a blast and connecting with my fans. I’m grateful to John [Catsimatidis] and Chad [Lopez] for offering me this opportunity. We’re going to have a great time!” Lopez says, “Anthony has a strong and loyal following who have missed him on New York radio. Anthony brings another element of entertainment to our weekend programming, which is about having fun.”

Industry News

Former NY Governor Patterson Joins 77WABC Show

Red Apple Media announces that former New York Governor David Patterson is joining 77WABC for the program “Left vs. Right” alongside host James Flippin. The station says. “‘Left vs Right’ is a riveting debate every Saturday, from 4:00 pm-5:00 pm, of who’s right, who’s wrong, and where is the common-senseimg solution that brings both sides together for progress and unity. Patterson and Flippin battle the political, social, and economic differences, ultimately landing on common sense and the truth in every situation.” Red Apple owner John Catsimatidis says, “I have known David for many years. He is a common-sense politician, with the ability to make insightful observations about national and local politics. David represents the Democratic perspective with a level-head and a focus on finding the common ground that unites us and moves us forward. Our listeners already know David. His entrée as a regularly scheduled co-host of ‘Left vs. Right’ will be a welcome addition to our listeners.” Patterson says, “I am thrilled to be a part of the permanent WABC Radio lineup and to represent the left side of things. As Americans, we have more in common than we might realize. With common sense, we can come together as Americans and New Yorkers and solve our problems. I’m looking forward to working with James and helping to bring New Yorkers together.”

Industry News

Report: Red Apple Chief Catsimatidis Supports Family Friend Over Frank Morano for Staten Island Council Seat

According to a story at SILive, Red Apple Media Group owner John Catsimatidis is throwing his support behind Republican Staten Island City Council seat candidate Griffin Fossella over fellow Republican and WABC overnight host Frank Morano. Catsimatidis says he’s a longtime family friend of the Fossellas andimg that Griffin Fossella worked for him on his 2013 NYC mayoral campaign. Responding to the issue, Morano tells SILive, “We all have personal relationships in this race. I’m proud to have the support of the Staten Island Republican Party… and I look forward to debating my opponent on the issues impacting South Shore residents. John [Catsimatidis] is a good friend and has given me the opportunity of a lifetime to do a nationally syndicated radio show. I’ll always be grateful to him for every opportunity he’s given me.” Catsimatidis says of Morano, “He’s a good broadcaster and he always has a job at WABC.”