NYC Radio: John Catsimatidis Named NYSBA Broadcaster of Year

The Board of Directors of the New York State Broadcasters Association (NYSBA) has announced that John Catsimatidis, the CEO of Red Apple Media, has been named the 2025 New York Broadcaster of the Year. 

This prestigious honor recognizes his outstanding contributions to the broadcasting industry, particularly in radio, and his leadership in advancing the interests of New York broadcasters.

NYSBA President David Donovan praised Catsimatidis for his "unparalleled success" in revitalizing 77 WABC, a flagship New York radio station, and expanding Red Apple Media's footprint across the country. Donovan also highlighted Catsimatidis's advocacy efforts, including his vocal support for the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, which aims to ensure AM radio remains available in new automobiles—a critical issue for emergency communications and rural listeners in New York and beyond. 

In response, Catsimatidis expressed gratitude to Donovan and the NYSBA Board, stating, “Thank you, Dave and the Board of the New York State Broadcasters Association, for this honor."This award underscores Catsimatidis's growing influence in the radio sector. . Catsimatidis is a self-made billionaire businessman, radio host, and philanthropist with deep roots in New York City. 

A Greek-American immigrant's son, he dropped out of New York University (where he studied electrical engineering) during his senior year to work full-time in the grocery business, eventually building the Red Apple Group—a diversified conglomerate with holdings in supermarkets (including Gristedes and D'Agostino chains in Manhattan), real estate, energy, and aviation, employing over 8,000 people and valued at around $2 billion.

Catsimatidis entered the media world more prominently in 2020 when Red Apple Media acquired 77 WABC, New York's iconic news/talk radio station, for $12.5 million. Under his ownership, the station has seen a turnaround, becoming the top-rated AM station in the market and a hub for conservative talk programming. 

He has also expressed interest in acquiring more radio stations in the Northeast (and potentially South Florida) to expand syndication from 77 WABC, following Red Apple Media's purchase of 1700 WRCR in Rockland County earlier in 2025.Catsimatidis is known for his philanthropy, including a 2024 pledge to match $25,000 in donations to the Broadcasters Foundation of America to aid stations affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.