Red Apple Media, owned by billionaire John Catsimatidis, acquired WRCR1700 AM Haverstraw, Rockland County, from Alexander Broadcasting for an undisclosed amount, expanding its broadcast footprint into New York State’s Lower Hudson Valley.
The acquisition allows Red Apple Media to extend the reach of its flagship station, 77WABC, a 50,000-watt conservative talk radio station based in New York City. WRCR, which previously offered a mix of adult contemporary music, local talk, and community-focused programming, now simulcasts WABC’s conservative talk format, featuring hosts like Brian Kilmeade, Greg Kelly, and Rudy Giuliani.
WRCR, Rockland County’s only local English-language radio station for nearly 60 years, had a history of serving the community with hyper-local content, including “The Morning Show with Jeff and Will,” traffic updates, and coverage of local events like New York Boulders baseball games. Its sale to Red Apple Media, finalized after months of negotiation, marks the end of its independent operation and has sparked local concern over the loss of Rockland-specific programming.
The station’s former owner, Alex Medakovich, faced personal challenges and a shrinking radio market, contributing to the decision to sell.
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| WRCR 1700 AM (10 Kw) |
Red Apple Media’s general counsel, Emily Panklow, indicated that WRCR will simulcast WABC programming for now but plans to introduce local content in the future, though specifics remain unclear.
The acquisition meets Catsimatidis’ strategy to grow Red Apple Media’s regional influence, following its 2019 cash purchase of WABC for $12.5 million and a 2020 local marketing agreement for WLIR-FM on Long Island. WRCR’s 10,000-watt daytime and 1,000-watt nighttime signal enhances WABC’s coverage in the Lower Hudson Valley, complementing its existing reach across the Eastern U.S. and parts of Canada.
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