As the North Penn area’s award-winning radio station prepares to go permanently dark at midnight on Friday, state Reps. Steve Malagari and Liz Hanbidge made sure that the station received a well-deserved recognition for their more than 60 years of service to the community.
On Monday morning, WNPV Program Director Darryl Berger was joined by Hanbidge (via phone) and Malagari (in person), who presented the station with a citation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
“We thought it was appropriate, after 60 years of business and serving our community, covering different moments in history, to honor those years of service,” said Malagari. “It’s unfortunate to see them closing their doors and leaving the airwaves after all of this time, but they have provided the community with a piece of local treasured history.”
Malagari read the citation on air just before 9 a.m., then handed it over to WNPV General Manager Phil Hunt, who accepted the award.
“On behalf of the current and former staff of the radio station, I’d like to thank you,” said Hunt. “It’s been an honor to be a part of this community for these 60 years. We’ve not shied away from what we believe was our role in serving the public, and we were fortunate to be able to do it all these years. The health of our community is important to us. The nonprofits in our community are important to us. We tried to serve them to the best of our abilities.”
During the presentation, Hanbidge offered thanks to the station, and added that she will miss the discussions about local politics.
“After almost 60 years of conducting the vital service of sharing the voices and views of our local community, it’s sad to contemplate WNPV’s final broadcast,” Hanbidge said. “I’ll especially miss the emphasis the station placed on local and state politics and news. I wish all those associated with the station good fortune in their future endeavors and thank them for all they’ve done for the community.”
WNPV announced in early March that they will officially power down their AM and FM broadcasts on April 30, citing difficulties in competing for audience and advertising revenue. Over the years, WNPV and its staff have won dozens of awards from the Associated Press and the Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters.
“The people of Montgomery and Bucks counties have trusted WNPV for fast, honest and reliable news from their neighborhoods for the last six decades, and it’s a responsibility we’ve never taken lightly,” said Hunt. “We are grateful for the support of our loyal listeners, the belief of our advertisers and the commitment from our talented team. It has been an honor to serve this community.”
See also:
After Decades Of Serving The Community, WNPV Radio To Close At End Of April
Stephens, Brown And Malagari To Introduce Legislation Extending School Property Tax Deadlines
Stephens: Why I Voted Against The SB 613 Business Reopening Plan
Malagari Introduces Bill to Protect Food Supply Workers
