After beginning to operate VMT Media Classic Hits “107.1/96.9 Real-FM” 107.1 WLIR-FM Hampton Bays NY via LMA on June 30, Red Apple Media has filed to purchase the station with the FCC.
Red Apple Media will pay $900,000 for the station, which will also include $15,000 monthly LMA fees for nine months, which will be credited to the purchase at closing. The purchase of WLIR-FM follows Red Apple Media’s acquisition of 770 WABC New York in June 2019 for $12.5 million. WLIR-FM is now simulcasting WABC outside of an exclusive 10am-12pm show hosted by Frank Morano.
Original Report 6/30: Red Apple Media Conservative Talk 770 WABC New York has added a simulcast in Suffolk County NY.
Red Apple Media began operating VMT Media Classic Hits “107.1/96.9 Real-FM” 107.1 WLIR-FM Hampton Bays/96.9 W245BA Manorville via LMA after 12pm today as a simulcast of WABC. The move expands WABC’s coverage over the eastern half of Long Island and creates a local competitor to JVC Media’s “LI News Radio” 103.9 WRCN Riverhead.
The 107.1 frequency has consistently been used to simulcast New York City stations in its history. Previous simulcast partners included Rock 102.7 WNEW from 1990-1996, part of the Country “Y107” and Spanish “Rumba 107” quadcast from 1996-2003, Sports “ESPN 1050” WEPN from 2008-2011, and Christian AC “Star 99.1” WAWZ from 2014-2015.
Red Apple Media has entered into a Local Marketing Agreement (LMA) with VMT Media’s WLIR-FM (107.1)/Long Island. News of the deal comes only a few months after the company purchased the legendary Talker WABC-AM/New York. The announcement was made live on WABC’s “Curtis & Juliet” show, with Curtis Sliwa and Juliet Huddy, on Wednesday and coincided with the launch of WABC’s simulcast on WLIR.
“When we bought WABC, I said we were in radio to stay,” said Red Apple Group Chairman/CEO John Catsimatidis. “Our expansion with this LMA and simulcast are just the beginning. We’re going to deliver news and information that will keep listeners informed with the truth of what’s really going on in New York, Washington, and the world.”
Red Apple Media and WABC President Chad Lopez stated, “I am excited to be a part of Red Apple Media’s growth as we expand into other markets. With this LMA and simulcast, we bring the superb WABC news/talk programming to Long Island listeners and new opportunities to our advertisers.”
“We are committed to presenting all sides of the issues so that our listeners can make up their own minds, based on the facts,” added WABC and WLIR-FM Senior VP/Programming Dave LaBrozzi. “As we settle into the Long Island marketplace, we will explore the possibility of adding local talent to WLIR-FM.”
dudefromva 
Since 770 WABC is a 50,000 watt Class A AM station, wouldn’t they have excellent coverage day and night of all of Long Island? I’m mean, granted, their simulcast is on FM, but WABC is a heritage brand on a heritage frequency with a WIDE coverage area. Seems silly to me, but what do I know? 😀
AM coverage is not what it used to be with electrical interference and a higher noise floor in general. Plus, a lower and lower percentage of the audience is even going to AM. FM is where you want to be period.
Don’t get me wrong, I do understand that. I think of it from the technical aspect, it being 50,000 watts, it’s coverage area, etc. Even my local AM station, which EVERYONE knows and goes back to 1941 finally had to add an FM station. No one was/is tuning in to AM, but they are 1400 with 1,000 watts. 🙂