WLIR-FM

WLIR-FM (107.1 FM, "Hope Radio") is a contemporary Christian music radio station. Licensed to Hampton Bays, New York, WLIR-FM serves the Long Island area. Its transmitter is currently located near East Quogue, New York.

History

Early 1980s-2002

107.1 FM began as WWHB ("HB-107") in the early 1980s, with an adult contemporary format. In 1984, Eddie Simon along with his brother, Paul Simon, purchased the station. Its format then shifted to Top 40. In 1991, it began simulcasting rock station WNEW-FM (102.7, "Where Rock Lives") from New York City. In 1997, after being purchased by Big City Radio, it became part of the "New Country Y-107" quadcast, playing country music. At this point, the call sign changed to WWVY, then to WWXY (when 107.1 FM in Briarcliff Manor, New York changed from WWXY to WYNY). In 2002, it became part of the "Rumba 107" quadcast, broadcasting Spanish programming, but the owners would go bankrupt the following year.

2003–2013

The entire quadcast was sold to Nassau Broadcasting, who broke up the quadcast and sold the individual stations. Jarad Broadcasting picked up WWXY in April 2003. 107.1 FM initially simulcasted WLIR (92.7 FM) from Garden City, New York, but in January 2004, 92.7 FM was purchased by Univision and flipped to Spanish language "Latino Mix" WZAA, simulcasting WCAA. 107.1 FM then became a fully transplanted WLIR, taking on a modern rock format and the WLIR-FM call sign, turning into "THE BOX." This format lasted until September 2005, when a smooth jazz/chill music format called "NeoBreeze" was adopted. This format was a failure, and the modern rock format returned in December 2005. In January 2008, the music ended and WLIR began simulcasting WEPN (ESPN Radio, then on 1050 AM, now on 98.7 FM) in a local marketing agreement. WLIR was sold to Livingstone in 2011 and flipped to a Christian format branded as "Hope Radio."