PROVIDENCE – Latino Public Radio and Rhode Island Public Radio terminated their contract to transfer ownership of the WRNI-AM 1290 terrestrial radio station, and the station is now is up for sale, Rhode Island Public Radio announced Friday.
LPR and RIPR also terminated their programming agreement, meaning the LPR broadcast on the 1290 AM waveband will cease at the end of the month.
The decision comes after the two parties found that LPR was unable to secure the necessary financing to complete the purchase of the station. LPR will continue to broadcast online at LPRRI.org. The decision comes after a final asset-purchase agreement approval from the Federal Communications Commission in December.
LPR is now undergoing a strategic internal reassessment, according to RIPR.
“We regret that the budget realities at Latino Public Radio meant we couldn’t complete the station sale as both parties had hoped,” said Rhode Island Public Radio CEO Torey Malatia in a statement. “We’re grateful, though, that they intend to continue reaching their audience online.”
Beginning in April, RIPR will simulcast its programming that is found at 88.1 FM, 89.3 FM, 91.5 FM and 102.7 FM on the AM station until a new buyer is secured.
RIPR noted that LPR and RIPR are separate and independent 501(c)3 nonprofit broadcasters.
LPR was founded in 2005 by Dr. Pablo Rodriguez and Reynaldo Almonte.
In other news, it was announced that Rodriguez has retired as president and chairman of the board at LPR.
“We should all be proud of the historic role Latino Public Radio has had in the social and political growth of the Latino community,” said Rodriguez Tuesday in a statement. “Rhode Island would be a different place had it not been for the timely news, analysis and information that characterized our broadcast. Going off the air is a great loss for our state”.
Chris Bergenheim is the PBN web editor.
