According to WLIU General Manager Wally Smith, Peconic Public Broadcasting (PPB) has successfully won the bidding war for the 88.3fm radio license. In late September, PPB offered over $2 million for the license to Long Island University with the financial support of several private backers. Over the last few months, local politicians and community members have been rallying to save the radio station and it appears their efforts have paid off.

Above: WLIU General Manager Wally Smith (center) with local politicians and community figures at a press conference earlier in the year.

“We are thrilled and excited that we were successful,” announced Smith on Friday. “We will carry on the tradition of public radio on the East End and we are grateful to LIU for making this decision [to accept our offer.]“
Smith said the station will be able to continue operations out of their Stony Brook Southampton location until December. He added that there is a possibility the station could extend its stay for a few months into the new year. The station will most likely move on to the Wainscott Studios.
Peconic Public Broadcasting’s bid was most likely sweetened by an offer to continue hosting WCWP, the radio station out of LIU’s C.W. Post campus.
“They, [LIU], don’t have to make an investment in additional staff until they are financial secure,” said Smith of Peconic Public Broadcasting running WCWP.
Smith contended, however, that the organizations work is still cut out for them.
“Now, the fundraising side of this will kick in,” remarked Smith. “But we are confident that we will [raise the funds].”

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