DEA Honors John and Margo Catsimatidis, WABC Radio’s ‘Back the Blue’ Team for Standing With NYPD Detectives
By Robert Pearl
The Detectives’ Endowment Association honored 77 WABC Radio owners John and Margo Catsimatidis (pictured above) as its 2026 People of the Year, recognizing their longstanding commitment to New York’s law enforcement community and the influential role of WABC’s “Back the Blue” team in bringing the voices and concerns of police officers and detectives to the public.
The awards dinner, held October 8 at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, Queens, marked the 109th year of the DEA, which represents the men and women of the NYPD who investigate the city’s most serious crimes. DEA president Scott Munro and the association’s leadership welcomed law enforcement representatives, supporters and distinguished guests for an evening celebrating service, sacrifice and the partnerships that sustain the department’s mission.
For the DEA, recognizing the Catsimatidis and WABC was about more than media visibility. It acknowledged the importance of having influential business leaders and broadcasters willing to stand publicly with the men and women who protect New York, particularly at a time when the challenges facing law enforcement remain a subject of intense public debate.
“Back the Blue” honorees included WABC personalities Sid Rosenberg, Dominic Carter, Rita Cosby and Greg Kelly, whose programs and commentary give law enforcement issues a prominent place in the station’s coverage. Through interviews, news discussions and dedicated segments, the team helps bring the realities of police work, the sacrifices of officers and the concerns of their families to a broad audience.
Munro emphasized the importance of that platform, noting that WABC provides detectives with a voice and helps communicate their experiences to New Yorkers. He also praised John and Margo Catsimatidis for their philanthropy, civic leadership and longstanding support for police and community initiatives.
John Catsimatidis, the self-made businessman whose Red Apple Group interests include supermarkets, energy and real estate, has built WABC into an important part of his New York business portfolio. His weekday program, “Cats & Cosby,” features Rita Cosby, while “The Cats Roundtable” airs on weekends. Margo Catsimatidis has also played a significant role in the couple’s business and charitable endeavors.
Their support extends well beyond broadcasting. For decades, the couple has supported the Police Athletic League, including holiday initiatives for children, and contributed to charitable, civic and medical causes. Their work reflects an understanding that public safety involves not only policing but also investing in young people and strengthening the communities officers serve.
During his remarks, John Catsimatidis recalled the couple’s longstanding involvement with youth programs and the importance of giving children opportunities to succeed. Such efforts, alongside their backing of law enforcement, demonstrate how private-sector leadership can complement the work of public servants.
Rosenberg, host of “Sid & Friends in the Morning,” praised the Catsimatidis and spoke directly about the difficulties officers face. He stressed that detectives and police officers deserve recognition, fair treatment and the support of public officials as they confront the risks inherent in their work.
The evening also recognized actor, producer and singer Donnie Wahlberg with the Detective Steven McDonald Humanitarian Award. Best known to many viewers for portraying NYPD Detective Danny Reagan on “Blue Bloods,” Wahlberg has supported the DEA and its Widows’ and Children’s Fund. Unable to attend because of filming commitments, he delivered a video message expressing gratitude and directing attention to detectives and the families of fallen officers.
The association presented its inaugural President’s Award to Steven Palladino, its director of interagency community partnerships, honoring his service, philanthropy and commitment to detectives and their families. Munro cited Palladino’s work helping raise more than $200,000 for line-of-duty families over the preceding two years.
The program included the NYPD Honor Guard, Emerald Society Pipes and Drums, the national anthem, invocation and dinner, bringing together members of law enforcement and their supporters.
As New York marks the 25th anniversary of September 11, the gathering carried particular significance. The DEA continues to remember detectives and other NYPD members killed that day, as well as those who later died from illnesses related to their service.
The awards underscored a central message: law enforcement cannot stand alone. Support from community leaders, charitable partners and a prominent media organization such as WABC helps ensure that detectives’ work, sacrifices and concerns remain part of the public conversation. For the DEA, the Catsimatidis and the “Back the Blue” team represent partners willing to use their resources and reach to stand alongside New York’s Finest.
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.
morning drive host Sid Rosenberg. In addition to Rosenberg, this year’s class includes: Bill Ritter – journalist/ anchor – WABC-TV, New York; Rosanna Scotto – journalist/anchor – WNYW-TV (FOX 5), New York City; Dan Miner – station manager – WCKM-FM, WCQL-FM, WWSC-AM & FM, and WDKM-FM, Glens Falls; Pete Cloutier – morning co-host & sales – WCKM-FM, Glens Falls; Chuck Samuels – VP & general manager – WHAM-TV, Rochester (retired); and Bob Krummenacker – VP & General Manager – WBNG-TV, Binghamton (retired).
Fame. He’ll officially join the Hall on October 22 during a ceremony at the Rainbow Room in New York City. NYSBA says in a letter to Rosenberg,” Your career has been outstanding… while successful at WFAN and 1010 WINS, you have become a radio legend in your 10 years at 77WABC. From co-hosting the “Bernie and Sid” in 2016 to today’s “Sid and Friends in the Morning,” you have blazed a path in the tough New York City market.”
Mayor Zohran Mamdani an “America hating, Jew hating, Radical Islam cockroach running our once beautiful city.” He also addressed President Trump, asking him to “stop complimenting the mayor.” Rosenberg removed the post and stated, “To the mayor, and anyone else that I offended with my tweet on Saturday, I send out a heartfelt apology,”
Catsimatidis and others urged him to exit the mayoral race to give former Governor Andrew Cuomo a better chance of beating Democrat Zohran Mamdani. During his on-air conversation with Rosenberg, Sliwa “accused colleagues of betraying him” and he told Rosenberg WABC is “giving preferable treatment” to Cuomo. Catsimatidis later told the Post, “Regardless of all the news going around, I’ve always said great things about Curtis Sliwa, about how well he knows the city. But in a places like New York City where 70% of New York City are Democrats, the real Democrat is Andrew Cuomo, not Zohran Mamdani and Democrats should vote for Cuomo. Catsimatidis added, “I’ve never asked that he leave the race but recommended that a lot of other people have said he should.” Sliwa said on the air that he’s had to hire private security due to threats against him and his wife. “If anything happens to me or anything happens to my wife, because of this frenzy that I hear constantly coming from some of your colleagues there at WABC, it’s on you guys and you gals. My life is on the line here.” Sliwa’s radio show is currently off the air due to his active political campaign. 
Jimmy Kimmel’s first monologue back after the recent suspension had the audience laughing and gasping, and, in the hands of countless radio hosts and podcasters, replaying. Within hours, clips of his bit weren’t just being shared online. They were being chopped up, (re)framed, and (re)analyzed as if they were original show content. For listeners, that remix feels fresh. For lawyers, it is a fair use minefield.
election earlier this year. Morano says in a statement, “As someone who spent years behind the mic listening to New Yorkers and elevating their voices, I’ve never lost sight of who I work for. That’s why I ran a campaign rooted in community, not consultants. While others poured money into cookie-cutter strategies, I made it a point to invest in local radio, where real Staten Islanders are tuning in. I stayed a regular voice on Sid Rosenberg’s show on WABC and Arthur Aidala’s show on AM 970 — two stations I used to work at and still believe in. My predecessor, Joe Borelli, took his talents to the airwaves as a frequent host and TV panelist. I’ve taken a different path — bringing that same microphone-to-community connection straight to City Hall.” 
York City Council” for the seat currently occupied by Joe Borelli. Term limits are forcing Borelli to leave the council in 2025. Borelli recently appeared on WABC, New York on Sid Rosenberg’s program and on WNYM, New York on Joe Piscopo’s program and spoke kindly about Morano. Morano adds, “I’m really considering running because Staten Island was a great place to grow up for me and I’d like to keep it that way for my son.” 
door. I sat down next to him. Seconds later an angry, half-drunk African American guy starts digging his finger into the Jewish man’s chest while yelling, ‘I aint gonna fight for you! I ain’t gonna fight for you! You genocide Jew mother*cker.’Needless to say the Jewish man was scared to death. Noticing that I stood up and proudly proclaimed, ‘I’m Jewish, too!’ I stood next to the Jewish man, arms folded, while the big-mouth bully walked to the end of the car. He continued to rant and holler but he was no longer a physical threat. The scumbag exited the train at the Brooklyn Bridge stop while I sat next to the Jewish man ‘til I got off at Wall Street. He was on his way home to Crown Heights for Shabbat. He said to me, ‘I have no doubt if you didn’t stand up that guy would’ve hurt me. I know who you are. I listen to you. I know you’re a lover of the Jews. I wish people could’ve seen this. Thank you for helping me get home safe for Shabbos. Am Yisrael Chai!’ I will fight for my people despite the potential physical harm to me. God Bless Israel and continue to protect my people!” Don’t miss Sid Rosenberg’s guest appearance on the new installment of the award-winning PodcastOne series, “The Michael Harrison Interview.” He and Harrison candidly discuss the incident and Rosenberg’s position on Israel, Hamas, Gen Z, and NYC crime. It posts tomorrow morning on Talkers.com.
Time to thank the lawyers in the Donald Trump trial for once again proving beyond any doubt the power of talk radio.
Media CEO and WABC owner John Catsimatidis. Catsimatidis states, “I’m happy to welcome Andrew to our WABC family. After working in the White House and taking a run at the governorship of New York, Andrew brings an insider’s perspective on national, state, and local political issues to WABC Radio and its listeners.” Giuliani says, “It’s an honor to be a part of the #1 news/talk station in New York. WABC Radio is a combination of its rich history and incredible rebirth. I’m excited to get on the air and connect with the WABC Radio listeners in New York and around the world.” Giuliani was a special assistant to the president and associate director of the Office of Public Liaison during the Trump administration. In his position, he interfaced between the White House and business, nonprofit, and other groups, meeting with President Donald Trump up to four times a week. He also represented his office in White House meetings on the opioid crisis. A lifelong New Yorker, Giuliani ran for governor of New York in 2021.
