Barrett Media has confirmed Lee Harris is leaving 77 WABC and Worldwide News Network after a brief tenure with Red Apple Media. His departure comes less than three months after joining the company.
What We Know: Harris joined 77 WABC and Worldwide News Network in May. He was hired to help launch the new audio news operation following the end of CBS News Radio. Worldwide News Network began operations May 23rd, filling a void created by CBS News Radio’s shutdown. After less than six weeks, Red Apple Media elevated Harris to Senior Vice President of News and Programming. He took on additional responsibility for programming strategy and content development at 77 WABC and Red Apple Audio Networks.
John Catsimatidis tells Barrett Media a personnel issue arose between Harris and the company. Catsimatidis ultimately asked for Harris’ resignation, which he tendered on Wednesday.
What They Said: “I am outraged. And I am mad as hell because I treat all my people — I don’t care if it’s a dishwasher, I don’t care if it’s an executive — I treat them equally. And I care for them .. Make sure he doesn’t come to me for a reference. I’ve got people that work here for 30 years, 35 years, 40 years. If you read my book, you’ll see that all our people are here a long time. I’m here to protect them.” -Red Apple Media owner John Catsimatidis
Harris, however, shared a different sentiment and tone.
“I had a fantastic time working for John Catsimatidis getting the Worldwide News Network up and running. He’s a brilliant entrepreneur who sees opportunity where others don’t. I’ve decided to go back to work on my suite of tech products for audio and news because, like John, I am devoted to the success of this industry.” -Lee Harris
What Remains Unclear: It is unclear who will step into the shoes vacated by Harris’ exit. It is also unclear who will run the day-to-day operations in the immediate aftermath of the departure. There is also a clear disconnect between how Harris and Catsimatidis view the departure, based on the statements each gave to Barrett Media.
What It Means: Harris is a radio legend and a member of the National Radio Hall of Fame. His departure marks a significant change for both 77 WABC and Worldwide News Network just months after Red Apple Media launched the network. Moreover, the timing comes after Harris had been given an expanded leadership role. That makes the move particularly notable for the company’s growing news operation.
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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.