Industry News

WABC Partners with Shriners Children’s for Charity Softball Game

WABC Radio is partnering with Shriners Children’s for a charity softball game called Day of Champions on Sunday, July 20, at Staten Island University Hospital Community Park. It will feature a softball game between members of the NYPD versus members of the FDNY with net proceeds going to Shriners Children’s. Johnimg Sterling, who hosts a Saturday afternoon sports talk program on 77WABC, will provide play-by-play of the game, as well as the Little League pre-game.  This event includes pre-game activities for families including meet-and-greet opportunities with 77WABC on-air personalities and sports legend Dwight Gooden, Fastest Pitch and Home Run Derby contests, Kids Zone, Sports Memorabilia Silent Auction and more!  Red Apple Media owner John Catsimatidis says, “Shriners Children’s gives hope to children and their families across the country and around the world, regardless of their ability to pay. At WABC Radio, we are proud to partner with Shriners Children’s and, together, provide a fun-filled day for our community while supporting this great mission.”

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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.”

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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.”

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WABC, New York President Chad Lopez Named Special “Fireside Chat” Guest for GENERATIONS 2025 Conference

The first in the stellar array of 16+ guest speakers to be named for the forthcoming TALKERS GENERATIONS 2025 Conference at IBSNYC 2025 is 77WABC, New York / Red Apple Media president Chad Lopez. Lopez will serve as the special guest interviewee in the event’s Fireside Chat session in a candid one-on-one dialogue conducted by TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison. Lopez – described byimg Harrison as “one of the most dynamic and effective radio managers in America” – has served as president of WABC Radio, Red Apple Media Group, and the Red Apple Audio Network since the iconic AM station was acquired and expanded five years ago by New York-based billionaire businessman / talk show host / philanthropist John Catsimatidis.  Since then, the station and its associated media group have shown explosive growth that has grabbed the attention and respect of the national broadcasting industry.  Prior to joining Red Apple, Lopez had already achieved notable recognition for his leadership as VP/MM of Cumulus New York and before that as GSM of CBS Radio New York.  The Fireside Chat will be one of the highlights of the innovative four-hour TALKERS event on Saturday, March 8 that will be co-located with the national Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) conference March 7-8 at the Sheraton New York Times Square hotel.  More speakers will be announced next week.  For more information about the event including discount conference registration and room registrations, please see the story immediately below.

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77WABC and Partners to Assist in NYC Turkey Giveaway

77WABC – along with partners AARP New York City, Gristedes, and D’Agostinos Supermarkets – are helping the St. Francis Food Pantry and Shelters with its turkey giveaway program. A total of 10,000im turkeys and meals will be distributed by St. Francis over the holiday season, including from the 77WABC “Turkey” Trolley today (11/15) St. John’s Church in Manhattan. Red Apple Media owner John Catsimatidis says, “No one should be without a turkey dinner on Thanksgiving. This is an American holiday and Americans should not go hungry, ever!  We are delighted that AARP New York City has joined us in this charitable endeavor.”

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WABC, New York Presents Cuomo-Scaramucci Debate

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Red Apple Media’s news/talk 77WABC in New York pre-empted regular programming today to present an exclusive, two-hour, no-holds-barred discussion between former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and former White House Communications Director and financier Anthony Scaramucci. The debate touched on the issues including, crime, Israel, migrants, guns and assault weapons, abortion, taxes and SALT, bail reform, LGBTQ+ rights, COVID and possible future pandemics, and the impact of both Republican and Democratic extremists on mainstream America. Scaramucci pointed to the current lack of trust the public has for government as the biggest obstacle standing in the way of unity and progress. Cuomo urged the audience to listen, learn, and understand the other side.

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TALKERS News Notes

iHeartMedia Inc will hold an earnings call to discuss its financial results from the third quarter of 2023 and its business outlook on Thursday, November 9 at 8:30 am ET. The company will release its Q3 2023 financial report prior to the earnings call.

Beasley Broadcast Group Inc will report its 2023 third quarter financial results before the market opens on Wednesday, November 1. The company will host a conference call and webcast at 11:00 am ET that morning to review the results.

Red Apple Media’s 77WABC is saluting law enforcement today (10/25) with “Respect the Blue, Trust The Blue, Back the Blue, “an all-day tribute honoring the men and women in law enforcement who risk their lives every day to keep New York City and America safe.” The day’s events include a drive to raise money for the 77WABC Foundation’s Back the Blue Fallen Officer Family Fund.

iHeartMedia Memphis — including news/talk WREC-AM — announces the 8th annual “Cognac, Cars & Cigars” on Saturday, November 4. A portion of the ticket proceeds will benefit local charity Merge Memphis, a non-profit with a mission to serve homeless women.

Industry News

77WABC Trolley Makes Debut at Columbus Day Parade

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Pictured above is the new 77WABC trolley making its debut in the Columbus Day Parade on Monday (10/9) as it broadcast live from the parade. Seen in the photo are (l-r): 77WABC hosts Dominic Carter, Andrew Giuliani, and Rita Cosby; Red Apple Group general council Emily Pankow; station owners Margo and John Catsimatidis; Red Apple Media and 77WABC president Chad Lopez; hosts Anthony Weiner, Ernie Anastos, and Vinnie Medugno; operations director Doug Kizler and news director Noam Laden.

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77WABC Pays Tribute to Bernard McGuirk

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During an extended edition of the “Sid & Friends in the Morning Show,” 77WABC, New York honored the memory of morning personality Bernard McGuirk, who passed away on this day last year from prostate cancer. He and Sid Rosenberg had hosted the show since April of 2018. McGuirk served for years as the executive producer and cast member of the “Imus in the Morning” show. On today’s show, Sid Rosenberg was joined by several of McGuirk’s colleagues, including Warner Wolf and Connell McShane, both of whom did news on the Imus Show, and Carley Shimkus, who was a contributor. Rosenberg says, “I am so grateful to have known and worked with Bernie. Bernie was a phenomenal radio host and an even better person. That’s what I miss most every day.” Chad Lopez, president of 77WABC and Red Apple Media, says, “In Bernie’s memory we are raising awareness of the importance of prostate cancer screening. 77WABC hopes to save lives through Bernie’s legacy.”

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Red Apple Audio Networks to Rep “Lou Dobbs Business Reports”

Red Apple Audio Networks signs a deal with Lou Dobbs to handle exclusive network syndication and advertising sales for the “Lou Dobbs Business Reports.” The two-minute reports are delivered twiceim daily, previewing the upcoming market open and the afternoon report as a market wrap-up. It currently airs on 77WABC in New York. Red Apple chief John Catsimatidis says, “Lou has a remarkable understanding of market trends and fluctuations. He has the rare ability to be able to cut through the data and present insightful analysis in a concise manner. He’s a terrific addition to our lineup of big-name personalities.”

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Former Senator Alfonse D’Amato Joins 77WABC

Red Apple Media’s news/talk WABC, New York announces that former U.S. Senator Alfonse D’Amato is joining the station as a regular contributor in which he’ll “provide insights from his years of political service across 77WABC’s talk programs, including ‘Cats & Cosby,’ the afternoon drive show co-hosted by Redim Apple CEO John Catsimatidis and award-winning journalist Rita Cosby. Catsimatidis says, “Senator D’Amato is one of the smartest, most common sense, and knowledgeable people I know. From his many years in the U.S. Senate, Al has a deep understanding of the underpinnings of politics – local, national, and global – and will help 77WABC listeners discern the truth about what’s really going on in Washington and the world.” Senator D’Amato represented the state of New York in the U.S. Senate from 1981 to 1999. Following his departure from the Senate, he founded the lobbying firm Park Strategies. He says, “I am pleased to be part of the greatest news/talk programming in the nation. 77WABC is a station whose people call it the way it is and aren’t wed to a political party but are wed to doing what’s right in America.”

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Lee Greenwood Visits WABC, New York

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Pictured above is country singer/songwriter Lee Greenwood (center) with the staff of Red Apple Media’s 77 WABC. Greenwood, composer of the hit song “God Bless The USA,” appeared on the “Sid & Friends Morning Show.” Red Apple CEO John Catsimatidis is at the far right, Margo Catsimatidis is to the left of Greenwood and WABC program director Matt Meany and president Chad Lopez are to the right of Greenwood.

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Lopez and Cohen Join Broadcasters Foundation Board of Directors

The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces it has elected Chad Lopez, president of Red Apple Media and 77 WABC New York, and Heather Cohen, EVP of the Weiss Agency, to its board of directors.im BFoA chairman Scott Herman says, “Chad and Heather are exceptional broadcast industry leaders, and they are a terrific addition to our board of directors. I look forward imto working with them to continue our mission of helping broadcasters in dire need.” Chad Lopez has more than 25 years of experience in broadcast and digital media. Prior to joining Red Apple Media, he served as vice president of Cumulus Media’s New York cluster. In addition to her work at the Weiss Agency, Heather Cohen serves on the Alliance for Women in Media and its foundation board of directors, has co-chaired the Gracie Awards since 2016, and most recently was appointed president of the executive board of Hofstra University’s Alumni Organization.

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WABC and Cousin Brucie to Recreate British Invasion

WABC-AM, New York announces that on September 7 of this year, radio legend “Cousin” Bruce Morrow – who hosts a weekend program on 77WABC – will recreate The Beatles’ British Invasion at 2:00 pm at the WABC Radio Studio as the station marks the 100th anniversary of WABC. The Red Apple Media station says, “Some 60 years ago Cousin Brucie was one of the first disc jockeys in the country to air The Beatles. The record changed the sound of rock and roll forever. State and city officials will be proclaiming WABC Radio Day in New York as Cousin Brucie replays the original vinyl Meet the Beatles album that made history. Red Apple CEO John Catsimatidis will also dedicate the WABC Radio Studio in Cousin Brucie’s name.  TALKERS founder Michael Harrison comments, “Once again the strategists at WABC are maximizing their historic assets as having been both a successful talk station and music station over the years – personified by the remarkable Cousin Brucie – to play great music and talk about it as well. A powerful combination!”