Joy, persistence, and thankfulness are the three greatest words to describe 77 WABC‘s Rita Cosby.
“I always knew the world was a very big place, and I wanted to explore it and talk about it,” Cosby said about joining the industry.
Having recently won her 11th Gracie Award from the Alliance for Women in Media, Cosby’s achievements are undeniable. “Every time I win an award, it feels like the first time. Because I really am just so grateful and so honored. Each one is just as special as the first.”
This year’s award was for her role as co-host on Cats and Cosby. “I have to pinch myself that I’m lucky enough to work with John Catsimatidis, who’s an incredible business icon. (He is) one of the great business leaders in America,” Cosby said.
“What makes it pure radio magic is how I describe it, because John has such a wealth of knowledge and wealth of experiences.” Cosby added, “I try to bring my very different life experiences. And I think that combination really makes it something truly unique and special.”
The show’s panelists also come from diverse political backgrounds, including former New York Governors David Paterson and George Pataki. There is one thing any panelist on the show must have: “They all share common sense,” Cosby said. It’s the key to any great political debate.
Even with the recognition for the best Large Market Radio show, Cosby remains humble about all she’s accomplished because, as a true journalist, she knows the best stories are never about her.
“Early on in my television career, I did a story which helped free a man who was held unlawfully in a prison in Mexico,” Cosby recalled. “It is a story that I still think about to this day. Because it inspired me to always try to follow stories that can also make a huge difference and change lives — change legislation sometimes. Great broadcasting can do that.”
She added, “In this particular case, it saved this American man’s life.”
Cosby’s experience spans far beyond the borders of North America. She’s interviewed Ariel Sharon and Yasser Arafat right after 9/11. She’s broadcast live from war zones. And she still has a front-row seat to stories that are “incredibly meaningful and also really powerful and historic in many ways.”
One of her more memorable moments includes interviewing Pope Francis in Spanish at the Vatican right before a major Middle East peace summit. “That was just an incredible moment to be before the Holy Father, and to have the opportunity to talk to him face-to-face was an incredible honor for me,” Cosby recalled.
Although Rita Cosby is of Polish and Danish descent, being able to speak Spanish fluently has been incredibly helpful.
“It helps you to relate to the individual, whether it’s someone like the Holy Father or whether it’s somebody on a story that has to do with the border in America,” Cosby said. “There are so many times when I’ve been able to use my Spanish that it has been tremendously helpful.”
“I just always loved the art of communication and learning about people, sharing stories, and revealing details.” Her journey to stardom began when she was in high school. She was writing for a local Connecticut paper. And she kept growing from there.
“I’ve always been one of those people who felt that great broadcasting is magical — it’s exciting. It’s informative. And it can also make an enormous difference. It can inspire people.” Inspire people, Cosby has.
For those lucky enough to work with this journalistic legend, take notes. Rita Cosby is exactly the type of journalist we all should aspire to be. Her advice for following in her footsteps is simple: “Work hard and try everything at first.”
“This is such a great medium for people to get engaged. For young people, there are so many layers to the business right now — between the show, social media, and podcasting, there are so many incredible opportunities in broadcasting right now. Which means so many opportunities for young people to come in,” Cosby said.
“I think there’s no more exciting profession than broadcasting, than media. Every day is different, every day is exciting, and every minute is new.” She added, “There’s no other business where you will learn so much, where you will get excited every day to wake up, and where you will feel like you truly are making an incredible difference in people’s lives.”
She also made clear that the key to having three great shows in a major market includes having a great team.
“I think it’s also so important for young people to realize that broadcasting — especially radio — is such a very personal medium. But it also involves a great team,” Cosby said.
“Appreciate the great people around you. Surround yourself with great people — people you can learn from and people that you just love spending time with. Because broadcasting is long hours, but it’s the most meaningful hours too.”
Having worked with Rita in a previous life, there is one thing about her infectious passion that most people won’t see: her dedication to our troops.
“My dad was a teenage Polish resistance fighter during WWII who decided to stay and fight when the Nazis invaded,” Cosby said. “My father became a prisoner of war who was ultimately saved by American troops. So for me, I’m so grateful to the U.S. military and just so proud of who they are and the role that they play in this world. And I understand the sacrifice of what the fighter goes through — and their families.”
For the last 15 years, she’s hosted Troopathon. It has raised tens of millions of dollars for those serving overseas. Rita Cosby also spent a week with D-Day veterans on both the 75th and 80th anniversaries.
Additionally, Cosby has two segments during The Rita Cosby Show to support America’s heroes. “The first hour I’ll do Back the Blue. Then, in the second hour, I’ll do Support Our Heroes, which showcases veterans and something special that they have done.”
It’s passion delivered with gratefulness, gratitude, and joy for the sacrifices troops make every day.
You can hear Rita Cosby weeknights on 77 WABC from 5–6 PM on Cats and Cosby. She also hosts The Rita Cosby Show from 10 PM to midnight. She also hosts Saturday Report with Rita Cosby on Newsmax at 11 AM ET on Saturdays.
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Krystina Alarcon Carroll contributes features and columns for Barrett Media. She has experience in almost every facet of the industry including: digital and print news; live, streamed, and syndicated TV; documentary and film productions. Her prior employers have included NY1 and Fox News Digital and the Law & Crime Network. You can find Krystina on X (formerly twitter) @KrystinaAlaCarr.
