Red Apple Media is expanding its broadcast footprint into New England with a deal to acquire \u201cNews Talk Radio 830\u201d WCRN Worcester, MA from Carter Broadcasting for $1.45 million. The agreement gives the company its first station in Massachusetts and marks another step in owner John Catsimatidis\u2019 efforts to build a larger regional spoken-word media platform centered around news, talk, and syndicated audio programming.<\/p>\n
Under terms outlined in FCC filings, Red Apple Media will begin operating WCRN through a local marketing agreement prior to closing. The company will pay a monthly fee equal to 10% of the eventual purchase price, with half of those payments credited toward the acquisition. The transaction is subject to FCC approval and customary closing conditions.<\/p>\n
The future programming direction of WCRN has not been disclosed. The station currently airs a news\/talk format featuring a mix of syndicated conservative talk programming and local content. Whether Red Apple Media plans to retain the existing format, integrate programming from WABC New York (770), or introduce new network offerings remains unclear.<\/p>\n
Red Apple Media was launched in 2020 after Catsimatidis purchased WABC from Cumulus Media<\/a> for $12.5 million in cash. Since then, the company has steadily expanded its reach across the New York market with the acquisition of Long Island stations including WLIR<\/a> Hampton Bays, NY (107.1), which simulcasts WABC programming, along with WLID<\/a> Patchogue, NY (1370) and accompanying FM translators.<\/p>\n