Local Media Outlet Goes 'Off Air'

While numerous local media outlets cover the Town of Smithtown, one has decided to take a break.

Smithtown Radio announced via a letter that it will be on an "official hiatus" July 22, with its last story posted Saturday.

"The decision was not reached easily and is not the result of a lack of interest among staffers or listeners. Rather, our executive staff has had to make a difficult call when it comes to balancing work and personal obligations," wrote James Brierton, general manager of SmithtownRadio.com.

Brierton wrote that Smithtown Radio began Jan. 1, 2006 in the north tower of Smithtown High School East as a means to "learn the trade that is broadcast journalism while pushing the boundaries of how the news is delivered." The general manager also wrote that the collegiate academic demands for much of the staff that are nearing the end of their academic careers must be their top priority.