The Cats Roundtable is showing the kind of audience growth that signals real momentum in talk radio. According to Nielsen Audio Trend data from Spring 2025 to Fall 2025 among Adults 35–64, the show delivered a strong 33.1% increase in Average Quarter Hour listening, rising from 11,800 to 13,800 listeners. That jump in AQH reflects deeper engagement and stronger time spent listening, showing that audiences are not simply sampling the program but actively staying connected throughout the broadcast. Even more impressive, the show posted a massive 45.2% increase in weekly reach, climbing from 17,700 to 21,700 listeners. That kind of Cume growth points to a show rapidly expanding its audience and attracting new listeners at a significant pace.
Growth in both AQH and Cume means The Cats Roundtable is doing two critical things simultaneously: building stronger loyalty among existing listeners while continuing to bring in new ones. In today’s crowded media environment, that balance is difficult to achieve. The show’s success reflects a combination of compelling content, recognizable guests, strong pacing, and perhaps most importantly, the personality at the center of it all.
John Catsimatidis is the most recognizable business leader and broadcaster in New York media. Catsimatidis is known as the billionaire entrepreneur behind the Gristedes and D’Agostino Supermarkets brands, but his influence stretches far beyond business. Over the years, he has become a major voice in media and public affairs through his ownership of Red Apple Media’s WABC Radio. What makes him especially compelling on air is that he brings the perspective of someone who has built businesses, managed large workforces, and navigated economic and political challenges firsthand. His conversations come from lived experience, not theory.
But beyond the business success, Catsimatidis brings something deeply personal to radio. Born to Greek immigrant parents and raised in New York City, he often speaks about hard work, opportunity, and the importance of perseverance. He has long carried the image of a self-made entrepreneur who never forgot where he came from. That personal story resonates strongly with listeners, particularly audiences who connect with themes of ambition, resilience, and community. Off the air, he is widely known for his philanthropy and civic involvement, supporting charitable causes and frequently engaging with issues affecting everyday New Yorkers.
On The Cats Roundtable, that mix of business experience, curiosity, and accessibility creates a distinctive listening experience. The show regularly features major political figures, business leaders, journalists, and cultural voices discussing the issues shaping the country and the economy. What separates the show is Catsimatidis’ conversational approach. Rather than sounding overly polished or scripted, discussions often feel natural, energetic, and direct, giving listeners the sense that they are hearing authentic conversations rather than rehearsed talking points. Like a real New Yorker, he tells it how it is.
Personally, Catsimatidis also brings warmth and relatability that audiences connect with. Despite his enormous business success, he often comes across as approachable and deeply invested in everyday concerns affecting working people, small businesses, and local communities. That ability to blend authority with relatability is a big part of why listeners continue coming back. Simply put, listeners know to trust John Catsimatidis.