The station`s history can be traced back to 1926, when WBKN began broadcasting on a frequency of 1030kc from studios in Brooklyn. After various call letter and dial changes, the station moved to a frequency of 1190kc and adopted the WLIB call letters in 1942, when it was still broadcasting from Brooklyn. The New York Post owned WLIB from 1944-1949, and during the 1950`s, WLIB introduced programming serving the Black community. Inner City Broadcasting purchased WLIB in 1971. On 2/10/99, WLIB began 24-hour operation. From March 31, 2004 to August 31, 2006, WLIB carried the "Air America" talk network programming pursuant to an LMA. On September 1, 2006, a Gospel music format was introduced. The station was purchased by YMF Media in 2012, which in turn sold WLIB to Emmis Communications in June, 2014.