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St. Louis Radio Host Settles Federal Case Over False COVID-19 Statements

“It’s a very favorable settlement. He admitted no liability and paid less than it would’ve cost to go to trial.”

Ryan Hedrick

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A St. Louis radio host named Eric Nepute has agreed to pay a fine of $80,000 and refrain from marketing his vitamin products as effective preventatives against COVID-19. 

According to the St. Louis Post Dispatch, Nepute is a part-owner of Quickwork LLC, which had previously agreed to pay a $1 million fine. Although he did not admit to any of the allegations, Nepute signed the agreement to avoid further expenses and uncertainty associated with the lawsuit, according to the settlement document.

“It’s a very favorable settlement,” said Nepute’s attorney Jay Dobbs in an interview. “He admitted no liability and paid less than it would’ve cost to go to trial.”

Nepute is a radio talk show host on Real Talk Radio Network 93.3FM. He also runs wellness centers in south St. Louis County and Creve Coeur and sells vitamins and supplements. However, in 2021, Nepute and Quickwork were the subjects of controversy over COVID-19 and the efficacy of a newly released vaccine. Federal officials took notice, as Nepute was accused of falsely claiming that his vitamin D and zinc supplements could prevent or cure COVID-19.

Nepute and Quickwork were defendants in a lawsuit, which was the first to be filed under the COVID-19 Consumer Protection Act. This Act was passed in December 2020 to prevent scams and misinformation related to the coronavirus pandemic.

Federal authorities accused Nepute of spreading false information, taking advantage of people’s fears during a pandemic, and posing a significant threat to public safety. The accusations were related to his Facebook videos and other forms of false advertising.

A month after the incident, Nepute consented to an order and pledged to refrain from making any claims that his vitamin products could cure or treat COVID-19. However, in March 2022, federal officials accused him of civil contempt for allegedly stating on his radio show that vitamins were “significantly more advantageous” than vaccines.

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News Audio

Bill Handel: Everything Rupert Murdoch Touched Turned to Gold

“Rupert Murdoch is truly one of the most influential people that are out there in the world of media, in the world of what we see, and in the world of what we hear.”

Barrett News Media

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A photo of Bill Handel and the KFI logo

Seemingly every news media professional has an opinion on the decision of Fox Corp. chairman Rupert Murdoch to step aside and allow his son, Lachlan, to take control. That list includes KFI-AM 640 morning host Bill Handel.

During his morning show Friday, Handel reacted to the news of Murdoch’s departure, noting the massive amounts of success the billionaire had.

“This is an organization that he built, which is second to none, that now owns The Wall Street Journal and The New York Post. He has for decades had unbelievable influence in the Republican Party, and his decision to step down as chairman now that sent all kinds of shock with shockwaves through the political world, especially the Republican world, just as the presidential rates heats up,” Handel said.

He continued by noting that while Fox News turned into a “shill” under Murdoch’s watch, the success is undeniable.

“He is one of the most interesting characters in the world of broadcast. I got to tell you that everything this guy touches turns to gold. He anticipated everything– except for a couple of big, big mistakes that didn’t hurt his billionaire status very much. Rupert Murdoch is truly one of the most influential people that are out there in the world of media, in the world of what we see, and in the world of what we hear.”

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Sid Rosenberg: I’ve Never Worked for an Owner Like John Catsimatidis

“It’s more like a family having a discussion than it is an employee sitting with a boss.”

Barrett News Media

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A photo of John Catsmatidis

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”.

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1010 WINS Hosting Pickleball Tournament

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

Barrett News Media

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A photo of the 1010 WINS Pickleball tournament logo

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.

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