WWNN (Worldwide News Network) is a newly launched 24/7 national audio news service from Red Apple Audio Networks (owned by John Catsimatidis, parent of WABC New York). It debuted on May 23, 2026, immediately following the shutdown of CBS News Radio, positioning itself as a direct replacement option for affiliates.
It offers top-of-the-hour and bottom-of-the-hour newscasts every hour, 24/7, emphasizing hard news, breaking headlines, fact-driven reporting, speed, credibility, and authority. Leadership includes National Radio Hall of Fame inductee Lee Harris (former longtime WINS New York anchor) as VP/News, plus several former CBS News Radio voices and other established broadcasters.
Key Competitors in National Radio News Networks for Affiliates
Major players include services from large radio groups and wire services that provide newscasts, headlines, and features to local stations.
Former CBS News Radio (now defunct): WWNN directly targets its former affiliates (~700 stations) by hiring some former CBS talent and launching right after the May 2026 shutdown. CBS was a historic, high-credibility brand with long-form reporting; WWNN aims to replicate the 24/7 structure and journalistic tone.
- ABC News Radio: The country’s largest commercial broadcaster with a network of more than 1,400 radio stations and digital distributors. ABC News is committed to serving radio stations and the millions of Americans who get their news there every single day.
- iHeartMedia’s 24/7 News Network and NBC News Radio: A major established option with broad reach. It delivers unbranded national news updates, breaking news, and features (business, tech, health, etc.). Strong infrastructure and integration with iHeart stations, but often seen as more corporate and less personality-driven in pure news delivery.
- Associated Press (AP) Radio Network: Long-standing wire-service style provider of hourly newscasts and audio. Reliable for straightforward, fact-based reporting, but many note it is not a full 24/7 staffed operation like WWNN (more limited hours in some cases). Frequently used as a fallback or supplement.
- Fox News Radio / Other Talk-Oriented Services (e.g., Salem Radio Network): Strong in conservative-leaning markets with commentary-heavy options. Provide news but often bundled with opinion/talk programming. Less focused on pure, neutral hard-news newscasts compared to WWNN’s stated mission.
Comparison Summary Format & Availability:
WWNN matches the aggressive 24/7 top/bottom-of-hour model that CBS offered and that stations crave for music/talk hybrids. Most competitors provide hourly newscasts but vary in depth and round-the-clock staffing.
- Credibility & Talent: WWNN leans heavily on veteran broadcast journalists (Harris + ex-CBS staff) and positions itself as “real journalism” focused on facts and trust. This gives it an edge in perceived authority for stations seeking a credible replacement.
- Michael Wallace: Award-winning anchor/reporter with 35+ years of experience. Longtime anchor at WCBS 880 (New York). Briefly joined CBS News Radio before moving to WWNN. Strong writing, editing, and on-air presence.
- Cooper Lawrence: Multi-Gracie Award winner and versatile radio personality. News anchoring experience at 1010 WINS and WCBS 880 (New York). Background includes syndicated hosting, entertainment/pop culture, health/wellness features, and TV. Adds a dynamic, recognizable voice with broad appeal.
- Bill Rehkopf: 40-year broadcasting veteran and former CBS News Radio correspondent/anchor. Experience at KDKA (Pittsburgh), WCBS, and extensive field reporting. Also background in public safety/crisis communications, education, and firefighting — bringing specialized expertise to breaking news.
- Matt Pieper: CBS News Radio anchor/correspondent (joined 2015). Emmy Award-winning TV anchor/reporter (News 12 New York). Covered major stories including politics, trials, and weather events. Strong writing and anchoring skills; began career in high school broadcasting.
- Brandon Ison: News anchor/reporter with experience at WBBM Newsradio (Chicago) and earlier at KXL (Portland). Adds Midwest market perspective and solid reporting credentials to the national team.
- Target Audience & Affiliates: WWNN is independent and aggressive in courting smaller-to-mid-market stations (especially former CBS affiliates and conservative/talk outlets). Red Apple already has hundreds of affiliates for its talk shows. Larger networks (iHeart, Westwood One) dominate through owned stations and massive reach but may feel less flexible for independents.
In summary, WWNN’s talent strategy leverages high-caliber, battle-tested broadcasters to establish quick trust and operational excellence. Led by a Hall of Famer and stocked with ex-CBS pros, the lineup strongly supports its "real journalism" mission.
In short, WWNN enters as a nimble, journalism-focused challenger aimed squarely at stations needing reliable 24/7 hard news without the baggage (or ownership ties) of bigger corporate networks.