For the first time since 2008, UNC Wilmington will have a radio program.

Even though Hawkstream hasn’t officially launched, it’s in the final stages. Behind the scenes, the radio staff is working hard to ensure the program’s success. Hawkstream is prepared to be up and running in February.

The president of the radio station, Matthew Heiniger, is excited for the promise of Hawkstream.

“I want it to be recognized because it has been a lot of hard work,” Heiniger said. “It’s going to be all up to the students because I really want to see what they want to do.”

What will be broadcasted is still being determined. The staff hopes to stream music of different genres throughout the week including local bands.

“I want the DJ’s to give these local bands some shout outs because they’re good,” Heiniger said.

Talk shows will be incorporated into the Hawkstream broadcasts, and the staff is looking into having people call in from the campus community to state their opinions or request music. Students who want to get involved in the radio station can contact Heiniger by email. Fans can also like their official page on Facebook by searching “Hawkstream Radio.”

Students around campus are intrigued by the idea of a radio station becoming a part of the UNCW community again.

In spring of 2007, Hawkstream became a registered organization on campus and began to air in spring of 2008. However, the on-campus radio station has struggled to maintain its license. Due to leaders graduating and a few oversights, UNCW Student Media Board realized Hawkstream did not have the necessary licensing to stay on air.

Bill DiNome, the student media coordinator, then stepped in to take a closer look at the organization.

“It was more of a continuity problem, because they did not have the necessary licensing and a few oversights of details,” DiNome said.

For approximately 12 to 18 months, Hawkstream was off-air. There will be no delays this time around with licensing in order.

Makel Supulski, a sophomore, has high hopes for Hawkstream.

“I’m really excited to hear that the radio station is coming back,” Supulski said. “I feel like it’s a fun and exciting way for students to get involved.”

There are some students who are new to learn about the organization, such as Allie Windham, who is also a sophomore.

“I had no idea about it but I think the campus community will really like it, as long as they make it interesting,” Windham said. “I hope they play stuff that isn’t just mainstream and I would also like it if they had a comedy segment.”

As the planning and organizing comes to a close during these final stages, anticipation continues to build for the return of Hawkstream to UNCW. Both Heiniger and DiNome express their gratitude for the students who have been working to make this possible.

“I don’t know what it will be, but I know what it could be,” Heiniger said. “I really want this to be good and I want it to be much better than before.”

Hawkstream Radio is currently accepting applications for several positions. Since Heiniger is graduating in May, they are seeking a new president to replace him this summer.