One of my favorite parts of our conferences involves highlighting outstanding work and impactful contributions by industry professionals. We’ve done it for years at our sports media events, and started the tradition last year at the BNM Summit as well, introducing the Gold Standard in Leadership, Business, and Programming awards. We’re adding a fourth award this year, the News Media Lifetime Achievement award, given to an on-air professional who’s made a significant impact for a sustained period of time.
When we began thinking about this year’s choice for the Gold Standard in Leadership award, the decision was easy. I am thrilled to share that our 2025 recipient is Red Apple Media and 77WABC Owner and CEO, John Catsimatidis.
What John has done recharging 77WABC in New York City along with Chad Lopez is impressive enough. The radio station has regained its position as one of talk radio’s most important brands. It is also a consistent performer in ratings, digital metrics, and revenue. A robust local lineup is now in place including on weekends, and the station’s programming has expanded beyond New York City courtesy of syndication through Red Apple Audio Networks.
That alone is an excellent story, but John’s advocacy for keeping radio alive on the AM dial is where his leadership has really stood out.
Catsimatidis has purchased radio ads encouraging consumers to not buy a car without an AM radio. He’s taken out full-page ads in New York City newspapers, gathering support from the FDNY, NYPD, Buffalo PD, and other agencies to emphasize AM radio’s critical role in emergencies, publicly calling on Governor Kathy Hochul, Senator Chuck Schumer, and Representative Hakeem Jeffries for support. He has even recruited former Vice President Mike Pence to voice commercials for the “Save AM Radio” campaign.
Getting legislation passed to preserve the AM radio band is an ongoing battle, and John Catsimatidis isn’t staying silent on the sideline. Instead, he’s putting his money where his mouth is, and using every opportunity, relationship, and platform available to try and make a difference. That’s what leadership is all about.
In addition, while radio’s financial challenges have slowed the pursuit of growth for some groups, Catsimatidis has publicly expressed desire to invest more. He purchased WRCR-AM in Rockland County in May, and has stated he’d like to buy more stations in the Northeast and potentially in Florida too.
For radio to thrive moving forward, it needs leaders who believe in it, and are willing to invest in it. John Catsimatidis is bullish on our business, and it’s my pleasure to recognize him at the 2025 BNM Summit in New York City.
Upon learning he was chosen as the 2025 recipient of the Gold Standard in Leadership award, John said, “I am honored to receive this award from Jason Barrett and Barrett Media. This award is a recognition of the accomplishments of our impressive team. Radio is a part of the fabric of Americans’ lives and we will not stop fighting to Save AM Radio until every car manufacturer includes AM and FM on the dashboard.”
The Premiere Networks awards ceremony takes place on Thursday September 4th at 11:30am at the Ailey Theater. To purchase tickets and learn more about the conference, visit BNMSummit.com.
Jason Barrett is the Founder and CEO of Barrett Media. The company launched in September 2015 and has provided consulting services to America’s top audio and video brands, while simultaneously covering the media industry at BarrettMedia.com, becoming a daily destination for media professionals. Prior to Barrett Media, Jason built and programmed 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He was also the first sports programmer for SportsTalk 950 in Philadelphia, which later became 97.5 The Fanatic. Barrett also led 590 The Fan KFNS in St. Louis, and ESPN 1340/1390 in Poughkeepsie, NY, and worked on-air and behind the scenes at 101.5 WPDH, WTBQ 1110AM, and WPYX 106.5. He also spent two years at ESPN Radio in Bristol, CT producing ‘The Dan Patrick Show’ and ‘GameNight’. JB can be reached on Twitter @SportsRadioPD or by email at Jason@BarrettMedia.com.
