WABC Radio Owner: AM Radio Bill’s Sunset ‘Unnecessary’

As RBR+TVBR first reported on September 17, the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025, H.R. 979, was sent to the full U.S. House of Representatives for a full floor vote in a resounding 50-1 affirmation by the House Energy & Commerce Committee. But, this version of the bill features a neutered sunset period of the law.

For the owner of Red Apple Media, the billionaire behind the Gristedes supermarket chain, that’s not even a topic for debate: “The sunset clause is unnecessary,” declares John Catismatidis.

Catsimatidis has been among the more outspoken voices when it comes to the importance of preserving AM radio, taking out advertisements in the New York Post asking listeners to WABC Radio and other kHz-band stations to take action by writing to Members of Congress in support of AM radio.

As for the current version of the AM Radio act, Catsimatidis has one main objection: After eight years time, the requirement to make an AM radio receiver required equipment in all vehicles manufactured and sold in the U.S. would go away.

As for the bill that is being considered in the Senate, Catsimatidis prefers it. Why? It doesn’t have the amendment introduced by Florida Rep. Gus Bilirakis as a compromise to an automotive and technology industry eager to make deals with “Big Tech” but has continued to express their disdain toward a 100-year-old media.