Red Apple Launches 24-Hour News Network

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, May 14, 2026 | 3:35pm CT

Worldwide News Networks

Red Apple Audio Networks will launch a new 24-hour national radio news service, Worldwide News Network, on May 23. The network will begin operations at midnight on Saturday, May 23, providing affiliates with top- and bottom-of-the-hour newscasts around the clock, seven days a week.

As part of the launch, Red Apple Audio Networks announced the hiring of former CBS Radio journalists Michael Wallace, Cooper Lawrence, Bill Rehkopf, and Matt Pieper. The company said the hires are part of a larger newsroom expansion effort that will include additional anchors, correspondents, writers, and producers.

Lee Harris, Vice President of News for Worldwide News Network and WABC Radio, said the company is building "a modern radio news operation rooted in speed, authority, and facts."

"There is a huge opening right now for credible, immediate, no-nonsense reporting," said Chad Lopez, President of Red Apple Media, Red Apple Audio Networks, and WABC Radio. "Listeners want to know what happened, why it matters, and what's happening next."

Red Apple Media Owner and CEO John Catsimatidis said the company aims to build a full-scale broadcast news operation capable of competing nationally and internationally.

"Our mission is to be the most trusted news gathering organization in media," Catsimatidis said. "Facts are what will drive the Worldwide News Network."

The company also indicated plans for future expansion into European markets.