Lee Harris Abruptly Exits Red Apple
• After what can best be described as a “cup of coffee,” Lee Harris is out at Red Apple Media after less than three months due to what is being termed “a personnel matter.” The news was initially reported by Barrett Media and confirmed separately by RAMP.
Radio Hall of Famer Harris, best known for his 30-year run as morning newscaster at 1010 WINS/New York, joined Red Apple in May as VP of News for WABC/New York and the newly launched Worldwide News Network. Six weeks later he was elevated to Senior Vice President of News & Programming, oversee programming strategy and content development for WABC and Red Apple Audio Networks.
After reportedly asking for Harris’ resignation, Red Apple owner John Catsimatidis issued this memo to the staff, which reads, “WABC wants everyone to know that we are a team, and we are a family. We care about our people. Lee Harris has resigned this afternoon. After coming back from medical leave, WABC defended a longtime employee that was not being given the opportunity to succeed. WABC could not stand by and watch while the wellbeing and what was just for our employee, went by the wayside. As many of you know I defend our employees in all our companies. To not give a longtime employee, who came back from medical leave, a chance to succeed without even having met them, was outrageous and disheartening.” He added, “As Chad [Lopez] always says, WABC is all about giving opportunities to our staff and we support our team and our family. We are family; we all work together for success.”
For his part, Harris commented, “I had a fantastic time working for John Catsimatidis getting the Worldwide News Network up and running. He’s a brilliant entrepreneur who sees opportunity where others don’t. I’ve decided to go back to work on my suite of tech products for audio and news because, like John, I am devoted to the success of this industry.”
No word yet on what Red Apple will do to replace Harris’ position.
