77 WABC is adding another FM signal on Long Island as Red Apple Media continues expanding its reach. The move will strengthen the conservative talk station’s coverage across Suffolk County.
What We Know: Red Apple Media has agreed to acquire the 96.5 FM translator in Medford, NY, for $400,000 from Cántico Nuevo Ministries. The pending deal gives 77 WABC another FM signal on Long Island, where the station has operated an FM simulcast since 2020. The translator will carry programming from WLID (1370 AM), which Red Apple acquired for $500,000 this spring. Meanwhile, the company’s existing 107.1 (WLIR-FM) signal reaches much of eastern Suffolk County from Hampton Bays. The 4,000-watt Class A station came under Red Apple’s control after a $900,000 purchase in 2020.
What’s at Stake: The new translator could help WABC reach listeners in western Suffolk County that its existing FM signal doesn’t serve as effectively. Nielsen ranked WABC fifth in the June ratings, with a 5.2 share among listeners six and older. The station posted a 103,400 cume, while WLIR-FM contributed another 21,900 listeners and 0.5 share.
What Remains Unclear: The transaction remains pending, so the timing for the translator’s launch under Red Apple ownership hasn’t been announced. Additionally, the company hasn’t disclosed whether the new FM signal will produce further measurable gains for WABC in the Long Island ratings.
What It Means: Red Apple continues to build WABC’s presence beyond New York City. The company also seeks to expand into the Hudson Valley through its pending acquisition of WRCR (1700) in Ramapo. For now, the Long Island translator gives WABC another tool to strengthen its footprint in a sizable two-county market.
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Garrett Searight is Barrett Media’s News Editor, which includes writing daily news stories, features, and opinion columns. He joined Barrett Media in 2022 after a decade leading several radio brands in several formats, as well as a 5-year stint working in local television. In addition to his work with Barrett Media, he is a radio and TV play-by-play broadcaster. Reach out to him at Garrett@BarrettMedia.com.