77 WABC has risen to new heights under the ownership of John Catsimatidis and his Red Apple Media group. Morning host Sid Rosenberg shared his appreciation for his owner Friday morning.

Before welcoming Catsimatidis to Sid and Friends in the Morning, Rosenberg shared a story of a recent meeting the two had in his New York office.

“I’ll tell you, I had a meeting — I’m not gonna tell you what it’s about, it’s none of your business — but I had a meeting a couple of days ago in John’s office. We discussed a couple of topics and it was great meeting. Ended in about a half hour. Then I leaned over and gave him a big kiss, like I always do,” Rosenberg said.

“I told him I loved him, which I really do love him. I’ve been in this business now for 25 years and I’ve worked for the biggest radio stations and companies in the history of this business and it’s never been that way ever.

“John, I just want to tell you that the way you run the company, the way you treat your employees — basically me — is really nice. It’s more like a family having a discussion than it is an employee sitting with a boss.”

John Catsimatidis told Sid Rosenberg he appreciated the kind words, and that he continues to “really enjoy the people at WABC”. The billionaire then shared that the group has worked together to become number one and “We’re gonna surpass number one”.

In a partnership with Sportime Randall’s Island and NYC Pickleball, 1010 WINS is hosting one of New York’s largest pickleball tournaments later this month.

On Saturday, September 30th, 1010 WINS will host a 90-minute pickleball clinic — dubbed “Pickleball 101.0” — before the competition begins later that morning.

Separate divisions will be held for men’s, mixed, and women’s doubles. Cash prizes of $1010 will be awarded to the top finishers in each division.

The sport of pickleball has grown exponentially in recent years, as players of all ages have picked up the sport. As of 2022, there were an estimated 4.8 million pickleball players. That figure has increased nearly 15% compared to 2021.

Several professional pickleball leagues have been created in recent years, with NBA and NFL players purchasing expansion franchises in Major League Pickleball.

Those interested in registering for the event can do so by clicking here.

Former U.S. Senator from New York, Alfonse D’Amato, is joining 77 WABC as a regular contributor. D’Amato will share political insights on 77 WABC’s talk programs, including Cats & Cosby, co-hosted by Catsimatidis and Rita Cosby.

In a release, John Catsimatidis, owner of 77WABC and Red Apple Media, called D’Amato one of the most knowledgeable people he knows.

“From his many years in the U.S. Senate, Al has a deep understanding of the underpinnings of politics — local, national, and global – and will help 77 WABC listeners discern the truth about what’s really going on in Washington and the world.”

Senator D’Amato expressed his pleasure in being a part of one of the country’s top news and talk programming, highlighting 77 WABC’s reputation for openly discussing issues without being affiliated with any political party but dedicated to promoting what is best for America.

“I am pleased to be part of the greatest news/talk programming in the nation,” Sen. D’Amato said. “77 WABC is a station whose people call it the way it is and aren’t wed to a political party but are wed to doing what’s right in America,” he said. 

Alfonse D’Amato had an impressive political career, serving as a New York representative in the U.S. Senate from 1981 to 1999.

During his tenure, he chaired the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and was a member of the Senate Finance Committee and the President’s Commission on Aviation Security and Terrorism.

He was instrumental in New York Republican politics and helped to recruit George Pataki and secure his Republican nomination in the 1994 gubernatorial race. After leaving the Senate, D’Amato founded Park Strategies, which is now a well-known lobbying firm.