Lee Harris Exits Worldwide News Net

Lee Harris, a National Radio Hall of Fame inductee and longtime New York radio news anchor, has resigned from 77 WABC and the Worldwide News Network after less than three months with Red Apple Media. 

His departure was first reported by Barrett Media. 

Red Apple Media owner John Catsimatidis said a personnel issue arose and that he asked for Harris’s resignation, which was tendered on Wednesday. Catsimatidis expressed strong frustration, stating he was “outraged” and “mad as hell,” emphasizing equal treatment of all employees and long tenures at his companies, while adding that Harris should not seek a reference from him. 

Lee Harris

Harris offered a contrasting view, saying he “had a fantastic time working for John Catsimatidis getting the Worldwide News Network up and running” and describing Catsimatidis as “a brilliant entrepreneur who sees opportunity where others don’t.” He said he decided to return to work on his suite of tech products for audio and news, citing a shared devotion to the industry’s success. 

Harris joined Red Apple Media in May 2026 as Vice President of News for 77 WABC and the newly launched Worldwide News Network. The network debuted on May 23, shortly after the shutdown of CBS News Radio.

Harris built his reputation over more than 30 years as the morning anchor at 1010 WINS in New York, a role that included covering major events such as the September 11 attacks.