Red Apple LMAs WLIR, Simulcasts WABC

• Red Apple Media Inc., a subsidiary of the Red Apple Group, Inc., and the owner of legendary 77 WABC/New York has expanded its footprint onto Long Island by entering into a Local Marketing Agreement (LMA) with VMT Media Classic Hits 107.1 WLIR-FM/Hampton Bays, NY, and the concurrent launch of a WABC simulcast on WLIR.

News of the deal comes just months after John Catsimatidis purchased WABC. The announcement was made live at 12:06pm Wednesday during WABC’s Curtis & Juliet show, which coincided with the launch of WABC’s simulcast on WLIR.

“When we bought WABC, I said we were in radio to stay,” said Catsimatidis (left), Chairman & CEO of Red Apple Group. “Our expansion with this LMA and simulcast are just the beginning. We’re going to deliver news and information that will keep listeners informed with the truth of what’s really going on in New York, Washington, and the world.”

Chad Lopez, President of Red Apple Media and WABC, stated, “I’m excited to be a part of Red Apple Media’s growth as we expand into other markets. With this LMA and simulcast, we bring the superb WABC News-Talk programming to Long Island listeners and new opportunities to our advertisers.” Dave LaBrozzi, SVP of Programming for WABC and WLIR-FM, remarked, “We are committed to presenting all sides of the issues so that our listeners can make up their own minds, based on the facts. As we settle into the Long Island marketplace, we will explore the possibility of adding local talent to WLIR-FM.”