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

NAB Reveals Marconi Finalists

The National Association of Broadcasters announced the finalists for the 2025 NAB Marconi Radioimg Awards. The winners will be presented on October 21 at The Edison Ballroom, the evening before NAB Show New York. Finalists for Legendary Station of the Year include news/talk WABC, New York. Finalists for News/Talk Station of the Year are: KFI-AM, Los Angeles; WABC-AM, New York; WBAL-AM, Baltimore; WBBM-AM, Chicago; and WENG-AM, Englewood, Florida. See all the finalists here.

Industry News

Salzone Rises to OM at Saga Ithaca

Saga Communications’ Ithaca, New York Cayuga Media Group promotes WHCU-AM news director Joeimg Salzone to operations manager for the 10-station cluster. Salzone will take over for Chris Allinger who is retiring at the end of August. Cayuga Media Group president and GM Chet Osadchey says, “Joe is an incredibly hard-working and knowledgeable broadcast professional. He will be a guiding force in our continued evolution as a local media source.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

KUT, Austin Promotes MacLaggan. Public radio outlet KUT, Austin, Texas names Corrie MacLaggan executive editor of KUT News and The Texas Newsroom, effective September 1. She will lead editorial strategy, support collaboration across teams, and focus on growing audiences across digital, radio, and on-demand platforms. She currently serves as managing editor of The Texas Newsroom and will retain oversight of that collaborative, while dedicating more time to KUT News and Texas Standard.

WOR Renews NYC Marathon Deal. iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOR, New York and New York Road Runners (NYRR), the nonprofit that produces 60 annual adult and youth races including the TCS New York City Marathon, agree to a new multi-year expansion of their official radio broadcast partnership. The deal is part of New York Road Runners’ newly launched content studio, East 89th St Productions, and aims to bring the transformative stories of the running community to iHeartMedia’s listeners across broadcast, streaming, and digital platforms.

RMWorldTravel Hosts Secretary Duffy. Last weekend, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy was the guest of hosts Robert and Mary Carey during the live national broadcast of RMWorldTravel during the “Chief Travel Leader” conversation. Secretary Duffy and the Careys talked about what’s been accomplished in the first six months of the Trump administration and what lies ahead. Listen to the segment here.

WFAN and Giants Extend Deal. The New York Giants and Audacy’s WFAN, New York extend their play-by-play partnership. WFAN will continue as the flagship station of the team, and as part of the extension, the team will produce monthly Giants programming throughout the year and will continue its weekly preview show, “Big Blue Kickoff Live.” Tiki Barber joins Giants.com’s John Schmeelk as the new pre- and post-game co-host for Giants gameday broadcasts. The voice of the Giants, Bob Papa, alongside Carl Banks and Howard Cross, will continue their in-game responsibilities.

Industry News

SABO SEZ: Star Search – They’re Out There!

By Walter Sabo
a.k.a. Walter Sterling, Host
WPHT, Philadelphia, “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night”
and TMN syndicated, “Sterling on Sunday”

imgConventional industry wisdom: “If our morning star leaves, we’re dead. How could we replace them?”

First, loosen up the criteria. There are actual conversations taking place right now at an AC station between executives afraid to hire a great country jock because she has never “done AC.” Let that nonsense go and pay attention to the qualities of a star.

Consulting work brought regular demands to find star talent. Disruptive. Audience builders. Talent can be found anywhere, everywhere when we put down the notion of an ideal resume.

FAVORITE STORY: I was on the 23rd Street bus a few years ago. It was packed. There was a woman on her cell phone giving advice to a caller about living with a man prior to marriage. She had a big personality, easy to hear. New Yorker after New Yorker listened to this intriguing conversation and then… passenger after passenger started to express their opinions to this passenger, on a New York City bus, at rush hour. By the time she had to get off, half the bus was participating with her in her private conversation.

I wrote her a note on my card and asked her to please get in touch with me.

She did. We had coffee for one hour. It seemed like five minutes. Her life story was intriguing, overwhelming, timeless.

Anna Smith. “Anna on the Bus.” I had her in the production room at Audacy in New York and tough big city radio people gathered around the studio and whispered to me, “She should have her own show.”

Anna tells compelling stories: Her father was an 18-wheeler. He would arrive first with his deliveries. Dispatchers usually sent him to the back of the line because he was Black. After waiting for hours to dock, he was fined for late deliveries.

Anna lost several of her seven children to disease and shootings. No anger. Just “the way of the world.” Stories like that. She’s been on my show many times. She’s a radio star.

“Anna on the Bus.”

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 “Walter Sterling Every Damn Night” is heard on WPHT, Philadelphia. 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.

Industry News

Report: 1010 WINS Reporters Demand Fair Deal from Audacy

As reported by Deadline, the journalists working at Audacy’s all-news WINS, New York represented by Writers Guild of America East have presented a petition to management demanding it “negotiate a fair deal” as its current deal expires Monday (7/22). The demand focuses on worker safety. The letter says, “We askimg that Audacy bargain respectfully and in good faith as we work to improve our salaries, benefits, pathways to promotion, workplace safety, remote work options, preserve severance, and protect against the growing threat of artificial intelligence.” Regarding the issue of safety, WGAE president Lisa Takeuchi Cullen says, “1010 WINS runs 24/7 and requires people to commute to the office at all hours. The station’s journalists have been threatened and even attacked. Audacy needs to take responsibility for the safety of its employees and our members. This is one of the many issues that management still needs to address in a fair and equitable contract.” See the Deadline story here.

Industry News

Carton and Parkins Lose FS1 Show

FOX Sports has canceled the “Breakfast Ball” show on FS1 co-hosted by Craig Carton and Danny Parkins.img Both personalities came to television from radio – Carton from WFAN, New York and imgParkins from WSCR, Chicago. Industry watchers are speculating whether the two, especially Carton, will return to radio. In the New York Post, sportswriterAndrew Marchand notes that after his prison stint for a fraud conviction, Audacy’s now-chief business officer Chris Oliviero was instrumental in bringing Carton back to WFAN as afternoon drive co-host. Carton did radio and the FS1 show before leaving radio to focus on the early morning TV show.

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

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.”

Industry News

Former WABC, New York Host Wins City Council Primary

Frank Morano, who until recently was the host of “The Other Side of Midnight” on WABC, New York, won the Republican primary for the 51st district city council seat with 82% of the vote and will face Democrat Clifford Hagen in the November election. Morano won the seat that represents Staten Island in a specialimg 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.”

Industry News

Buffalo’s “The Patriot” to Launch on July 4

Buddy Shula’s new radio station WUSW, Niagara Falls, New York – formerly WHLD – will officially launch its conservative talk format on July 4 as “1270 AM The Patriot.” Shula, who operates oldies WECK in theimg Buffalo market, acquired WHDL from Cumulus Media earlier this year. He says, “I’m thrilled to be debuting a local talk station that deals with real issues. I feel the conservative talk lane is open, and that will give listeners a choice of the type of talk that they really want to hear.” The station will feature syndicated shows including Premiere Networks’ “The Sean Hannity Show,” “Glenn Beck,” “Clay Travis & Buck Sexton,” and “Jesse Kelly,” plus Erik Erickson, Lars Larson, Vince Coglianese, and more. New York State Assemblyman David DiPietro will also host a local program.

Industry News

WABC Owner John Catsimatidis Honored at Fair Media Council Folio Awards

John Catsimatidis, owner of Red Apple Media Group and WABC, New York, was honored with the 2025 Distinguished Service Award for WABC Radio, New York, from the Fair Media Council Folio Awards lastimg Thursday (6/12) in New York City. The Distinguished Service Award was presented to WABC Radio in recognition of a century of broadcasting leadership and its continued role as a vital force in American media. During his acceptance speech, Catsimatidis stated, “92% of the American people believed what Walter Cronkite said, and I think news has to get back to that situation and that’s what we’re doing at WABC.” He added, “I am honored to accept the Distinguished Service Award on behalf of WABC Radio, Margo [Catsimatidis], Chad [Lopez], and the entire team. We are committed to common sense, presenting all sides of a story, and letting the listeners decide.”

Industry News

WOR, New York Adds Jimmy Failla Show to Lineup

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FOX News Radio nationally syndicated personality Jimmy Failla (right) is being added to the program schedule at iHeartMedia’s WOR, New York, effective June 9 airing in the 9:00 pm to 12:00 midnight daypart. WOR program director Tom Cuddy (left) says, “Known for his sharp wit, fearless takes and refreshing lightness in the political world, we are delighted to welcome Jimmy to the WOR family and to be heard in his hometown. Jimmy’s show informs and entertains, which is a perfect combination for our tri-state area audience.”

Industry News

TALKERS News Notes

Florida’s Voice Radio Adds Affiliates. Conservative talk host Drew Steele’s “Florida’s Voice Radio” program adds new affiliates as WDBO, Orlando; WOKV, Jacksonville; and WROD, Daytona Beach add the program to their lineups. Steele says, “I’m thrilled to join the lineups of WDBO, WOKV, and WROD. Florida has some of the most passionate and engaged listeners anywhere, and I can’t wait to connect with them and be part of what matters to these communities.”

Stefanik Makes News on Sid & Friends. U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) said on the “Sid & Friends” morning show on WABC, New York that she is considering a gubernatorial run. Politico reports that Stefanik said to Sid Rosenberg, “We need to save New York, and I’m taking a very strong look. I’m going to make a decision in the coming months.”

“The Breakfast Club” Hits Download Milestone. iHeartMedia and The Black Effect Podcast Network celebrate “The Breakfast Club” podcast surpassing one billion downloads. The show was launched in 2010 on iHeartMedia New York’s “Power 105.1” and the company says it “quickly became a must-stop destination for musicians, entertainers, politicians and the most talked about cultural figures of the moment. Since then, it has amassed a dedicated following captivated by the honest opinions and cultural breakdowns from current hosts DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious and Charlamagne Tha God.”

Industry News

BFoA to Host Media Mixer in NYC

The Broadcasters Foundation of America announces that due to popular demand, it is presenting its next Media Mixer at the New York City studios of iHeartMedia on June 18 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. BFoA says the popular event brings together up-and-coming broadcast professionals with their peersimg and executives and increases awareness of the Broadcasters Foundation charitable mission. This event will be co-hosted by Angela Yee, BFOA Ambassador and nationally syndicated host of “Way Up with Angela Yee.” Also hosting will be Pedro Rivera, reporter and anchor for ABC7’s Eyewitness News. Closing out the night will be Long Island singer-songwriter Camryn Quinlan. BFoA president Tim McCarthy says, “We are thrilled that there has been such an overwhelmingly positive response to our Media Mixers. During today’s dramatic changes in the media landscape, more broadcast professionals – entry, junior, and senior levels – want to get together to exchange experiences and brainstorm for the future.”

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

New York Adds to Budget for Public Radio

New York State Senate passed a $254 billion state budget for 2025-2026 that includes an additional $4 million for public radio stations. New York Public Radio reports that the funding is over and above the $14 million the state gives to public broadcasting, $13 million of which goes to TV stations. The additional allocation was proposed by State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal amidst attempts in Washington to cut federal funding for public broadcasting through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. NYPR president and CEO LaFontaine Oliver says, “We’re deeply grateful to State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal for his vision and leadership in proposing this additional funding and to Governor Kathy Hochul, State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Speaker Carl Heastie, and the entire New York State Legislature for their support.”

Industry News

WABC Host Frank Morano Wins NYC Council Seat; 2025 Primary Election is Next Month

WABC, New York overnight host Frank Morano beat out Cliff Hagen and Griffin Fossella to assume the Staten Island South Shore city council seat vacated by Joe Borelli in January. Now, Morano willimg hold the seat through the end of the year. However, he faces a June primary and, if successful, then a November general election to remain in office into 2026. Morano tells TALKERS, “We have another election in June, but I’m hoping to stay on the radio, whether it’s in my current time slot or another. I’m determined to stay on radio, even while doing the people’s work.”

Industry News

Talk Host Sam Greenfield Dies

Details are incomplete but TALKERS is being informed that progressive talk host Sam Greenfield hasimg died. During his career, Greenfield hosted radio talk shows at WEVD, WWRL, and WVNJ in the New York City market. Recently, he’d been producing talk content posted to his YouTube channel. Information posted on the Democratic Underground message board indicates that Greenfield had been in some sort of occupational therapy and rehabilitation when he contracted COVID and died from pneumonia.

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

“Rich on Tech” Show Added to WOR, New York Lineup

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Nationally syndicated technology expert Rich DeMuro is going to be heard on iHeartMedia’s news/talk WOR, New York. His weekly program, “Rich on Tech,” will air Sunday nights from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm, and he’ll join WOR morning personality Larry Mendte for a weekly segment every Thursday. WOR program director Tom Cuddy says, “We are excited to welcome ‘Rich on Tech’ to the new WOR Sunday lineup. Rich’s expertise and passion for technology make him a perfect fit for our audience, and we look forward to providing our listeners with Rich’s valuable and entertaining content, including hidden features of your iPhone, Androids, how AI can help around your home, the best new smart TVs, cybersecurity tips and much more.” In addition to his Premiere Networks radio show, DeMuro is a tech reporter for KTLA-TV, Los Angeles. Pictured above are Larry Mendte (left) and Rich DeMuro (right). 

Industry News

Red Apple to Syndicate Anthony Cumia Weekend Show

Red Apple Audio Networks announces that it is offering the new “Anthony Cumia Show” in national syndication. Cumia’s program airs live on WABC, New York on Sunday evenings from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Speaking about his return to terrestrial radio, Cumia says, “I missed radio, and I am thrilled at theimg interest from radio stations nationwide. Radio is a great way to engage with the audience, and now that Red Apple Audio Networks is taking the show national, I can’t wait to connect with listeners in other markets.” Red Apple and 77WABC Radio president Chad Lopez states, “Radio clearly wants Anthony Cumia, as dozens of inquiries came in asking about syndication. We shifted into high gear and moved quickly. One of our advantages at Red Apple Media is that we can swiftly pivot to meet market demand.”

Industry News

More from TALKERS Generations 2025 at IBSNYC

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Pictured above is WABC, New York journalist and talk show host Dominic Carter giving a high-five to one of the students asking him career advice. Carter spoke on the “Radio’s Place in a Diverse, Digital World” panel.

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Pictured above is TALKERS VP and executive editor Kevin Casey showing off the new C. Crane WiFi 3 internet radio. TALKERS and C. Crane gave away five of these radios to college students who were eager to get them.

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Pictured above is consultant and WPHT, Philadelphia & nationally syndicated talk host Walter Sabo making a point during his panel discussion. A student asked for his advice about launching a career out of college and Sabo told her, “First, decide where you want to live. Once you’re in that city, you can begin to approach broadcasting companies about getting your foot in the door.”

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Pictured above is Salem Radio Network talk host Mike Gallagher speaking while taking part in the “Radio’s Place in a Diverse, Digital World” panel. All photos by Olivia Mannarino

Industry News

WOR, New York Unveils “Mendte in the Morning”

iHeartMedia names Larry Mendte the new, permanent host of the morning drive program on news/talk WOR, New York. “Mendte in the Morning” airs from 6:00 am to 10:00 am on 710 WOR, The Voice of New York. WOR program director Tom Cuddy says, “Since joining our team in 2023 as our news director andimg morning drive news anchor, Larry has built a strong connection with our listeners, who have responded very positively to his time as our interim morning show host. His remarkable career, which includes an astounding 97 Emmy awards and stints at WABC Radio, Channel 7 Eyewitness News, WPIX/11 and ‘Access Hollywood,’ speaks for itself. With all of this experience, he’s the ideal choice to wake up the tri-state area.” Longtime New York radio news anchor Jacquelyn Karl will deliver updates on “Mendte in the Morning,” while Natalie Vacca will continue in her role as executive producer.

Industry News

Audacy Lays Off Several Hundred Staffers in Post-Chapter 11 Move

The radio industry knew these cuts were coming as the rumors of a company-wide RIF were plentiful. On Thursday (3/6), Audacy made the staff reduction that affects people across all departments – corporate, on-air, and off-air. An Audacy spokesperson issued the following statement: “Audacy has made workforceimg reductions to ensure a strong and resilient future for the business. We are streamlining resources to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving media landscape and to best position Audacy to continue serving listeners and advertisers with excellence.” The Desk is reporting a list of those affected by the cuts and in the spoken-word formats, those people include: WINS, New York sports director Marc Ernay; KNX, Los Angeles reporter Charles Feldman; WWL, New Orleans news staffer Mark Menard; KMOX, St. Louis digital content producer Wilson Truong; and others. Read The Desk’s coverage here.