img_3033
(New York, NY) – Hard-hitting news is vital to the brand of 77 WABC. The station’s insightful group of journalists and news broadcasters constantly write, record and re-write. By coordinating with producers and working together the news team writes and records the latest breaking stories to be put on air, podcasts and the WABC radio website. Just like the news, their job never stops – and they collaborate to ensure the news is current and relevant.
Lizzie Rattoballi is one of the newer team members at WABC. She spent time studying at Emerson College before graduating from Brooklyn College in 
May of 2024. Rattoballi hosts an hour-long news show that covers national, international and local top stories. She typically works 2:00am-2:00pm on the weekends and is the sole person responsible for live news on the weekend. Rattoballi’s attention to detail and strong lifelong passion for news have set her up for success at WABC since she began part time while in school.
“I feel fulfilled in the content I produce,” Rattoballi said.
James Flippin is the news director for the station. That position involves overseeing the newsroom’s operations and managing the news team. James starts his days by checking different news sites to prepare for what he will be writing and speaking about before he even comes in the office. He writes articles for the website, creates a weekly newsletter, films content, and records newscasts including a 1:00 p.m. live newscast. Flippin’s love for sports and news has always been a big part of his life.
“I am a news and politics junkie,” Flippin said.
He went to college studying politics and economics and considered going to law school — but shifted his career path toward radio and journalism — because he is truly passionate about it. Flippin graduated from the Connecticut School of Broadcasting in 2010 and then interned at SiriusXM.
Noam Laden is the former news director. He hosts the weekday news hour from 5:00-6:00 a.m. and also regularly contributes during “Sid and Friends in the Morning”.
His love for radio started when he was just a kid–as a teenager, he would call in to talk radio shows. Laden loved hearing himself on air and was fascinated by radio.
“It was such a rush…I was a total geek for it,” Laden said
Laden studied communication and journalism at Emerson College. He has been working in the industry over 25 years and is driven each day to keep doing what he loves. The dynamic of WABC is collaborative and makes every day exciting.
“This is the most fun I’ve had,” Laden said. Laden worked for WABC from 2003-2018 and returned at the end of 2022. He worked with Flippin previously at WOR and iHeart Radio.
Lisa Ritchie is the late day news anchor. She studied journalism and communications at Radford University in Virginia and has worked at numerous radio and television stations in the tri-state area since 1984. She’s been a news anchor, reporter, traffic and weather reporter, as well as a radio disc jockey. Lisa R. started at 77 WABC in May of 2024, but it wasn’t her first time at the station. She previously anchored the news, in the same position she holds today, as a “contractor” for Radiate Media which had WABC as a client.
Lisa R. considers herself an “old school” news person with a traditional approach to news gathering. She believes in giving both sides of the story and using reliable attributable sources.
Lisa Glasberg started working at 77 WABC February 2025 but is no stranger to radio. She started her career as an intern when she was 17 years old.
“I’ve always found radio romantic, fascinating and fun,” Lisa said.
She relates radio and her job to music and sports. With a background in violin, Glasberg’s musicality influences her approach to writing. Creating her newscast, she is a composer in front of a piano. She plays tennis and her resilience and forward-thinking attitude. Sports have helped her understand not to dwell on mistakes.
“It’s not about the point you missed. It’s about looking forward and doing better.”
Glasberg studied communications and Hofstra on Long Island while working at WBAB. She worked for Hot 97, as well as Howard Stern from 2005-2015 — both legendary stops for any broadcaster. She also did news with iHeartRadio before joining the WABC team.
Her go with the flow mindset has allowed her to succeed in this industry and continue to have a passion for it. Her flexibility and persistence have guided her to where she is today.
“Be like a palm tree,” Lisa suggested.
Each member of the News team at 77 WABC is fueled by passion and unwavering commitment to storytelling. Each day they prove that this is not just their job–it’s their calling.
Haley Kenny also contributed to this report.
