For Immediate Release
May 19, 2010
Contact:
Peter Bochan, WPKN Radio
gm@wpkn.org
(203) 331-9756
Barbara Barri,
Hamptons Community Radio barbarabarri@hamptonscommunityradio.org
(631)-604-0100
Bridgeport-based WPKN and Long Island-based Hamptons Community Radio Corp. announced that they have come to terms on an agreement that will allow Hamptons Community Radio to assume the programming of WPKM 88.7 FM under a ‘lease-to -own’ deal. Launched in 2005 by WPKN with the addition of a transmitter in Montauk, WPKM 88.7 has carried the same programming as WPKN.
The Hamptons Community Radio Group hopes to start broadcasting under the WPKM call letters this coming Memorial Day Weekend.
“Over the past few years, several eastern Long Islanders have been involved in developing local programming for this market. But ultimately a business decision was made by our station membership to concentrate on WPKN’s most immediate community and the geographic reach of our 89.5 signal out of Bridgeport that already covers large swaths of Suffolk County, Long Island including the North Fork and the Hamptons,”
said Peter Bochan, the general manager of WPKN.
“The programs currently produced by Long Islanders for WPKN and WPKM will find their place on the new programming operated by Hamptons Community Radio Corporation. We hope to direct any listeners affected by the loss of WPKM to alternative methods of obtaining our programming, including steering them to our internet stream, or by providing information on lost-cost internet radios, which we could provide to our most loyal donors.” Bochan adds.
Until such time that the FCC formally approves the transfer, broadcasting on 88.7 FM will continue under the WPKM call letters. The Hamptons Community Radio Group plans for a mixture of self-produced, original programming including local Eastern Long Island community affairs, talk and music shows as well as select WPKN-based programming in the short-term until transitioning to autonomous programming.
“The goal of Hamptons Community Radio is to be the communication source for our community” says HCRC’s President Barbara Barri. WPKM at 88.7 FM will both entertain and serve. Entertain with a great sounding radio station. Serve by aiding other non-profits in getting their word out over the airwaves and giving the community an open forum for discussion. Volunteers will aid us in our efforts and we will seek out the local talent of East End residents for future employ making this truly a community radio station. We will rely on the support of the community and local businesses, along with grants, to survive and grow. We believe this station will be such an asset to the East End that there will be great community support.” For more information visit www.hamptonscommunityradio.org.
WPKN at 89.5 FM is a listener-supported, non-commercial radio station that features a cornucopia of genres and styles. From the obscure to the recognizable, WPKN is known for its bold independence and variety. All styles of music, spoken word, and self-produced talk/news oriented shows have distinguished WPKN as one of the most unique radio stations of its kind.
For more information, call (203) 331-9756, or visit www.wpkn.org.