The Southern Ontario/WNY Radio-TV Forum / Major Station Owner Takes Out Full Page Newspaper Ad To Keep AM

**Posted by RadioActive** March 14, 2025 7:10 am

His name is John Catsimatidis and he's a multi-millionaire who made his money in supermarkets. But he's now the owner of WABC-AM, the 50K powerhouse in NYC, and he has a big stake in seeing that AM radio stays in cars. (Interference from motors in most electric cars causes so much interference, many automakers are taking the band out of their models.)

So he took out a rather large full page ad in The New York Post insisting consumers shouldn't buy a car unless it comes with AM. And he insists it's not the last advertisement you'll see.

"WABC will be publishing the list of car companies NOT offering AM Radio in their cars."

You can see the colourful but crowded ad below.

**Posted by RadioAaron** March 14, 2025 7:55 am

That looks like a conspiracy theory screed.

**Posted by Shorty Wave** March 14, 2025 8:06 am

Hey, if you have the money! Although it is a dog’s breakfast layout wise and has a slightly threatening tone to it, but it’s coming from the States so that doesn’t surprise me, they’re more aggressive in advertising/messaging.

**Posted by unclefester** March 14, 2025 8:10 am

Not to get off topic RA but thought it was worth mentioning here that WABC New York currently has 3 on air performers sidelined from their jobs because they are running for political office.

Curtis Sliwa who is standing for mayor of New York City along with Anthony Weiner and WABC overnight man Frank Morano have all been taken off the air by the station owner John C. until their various political races have been determind.

Three announcers from the same station put on leave at one time for political races - that has to be a first - has left WABC management to find creative ways to adjust.

So far so good...

Last edited by unclefester (March 14, 2025 8:15 am)

**Posted by paterson1** March 14, 2025 8:20 am

Butt ugly ad. WABC certainly doesn't know much about putting together a newspaper advertisement. As my dear late mother would say.."it's a little busy..."

**Posted by Paul Jeffries** March 14, 2025 9:30 am

Kind of reminds me of the cover of Guns N' Roses' G N' R Lies album from the late '80s.

PJ

**Posted by paterson1** March 14, 2025 11:11 am

The ad looks like something you would see on the cover of The National Examiner tabloid at grocery checkouts. Sort of confirms AM radio's image as being inferior and 2nd rate.

**Posted by darcyh** March 14, 2025 11:50 am

I'll give credit to WABC for bringing back music on weekends. They have four shows including Cousin Brucie, Tony Orlando and a couple of others. You can download the shows as .mp3 files and listen to them off line if you wish.
https://www.wabcmusicradio.com/

**Posted by Dial Twister** March 14, 2025 12:01 pm

Ah, yes, John Catsimatidis.