For most individuals reaching the age of 90, it is a time for relaxation and retirement. However, Bill McNulty, an activist and host at Stony Brook University's FM radio station WUSB, continues his lifelong passion for broadcasting. McNulty insists he will persist in his efforts as long as he is able.
“I never envisioned this,” said McNulty about his journey to the airwaves, which took decades. After graduating from Fordham University in 1956, McNulty began working at the Metropolitan Insurance Company in New York City. A stint in the US military followed before he returned to the insurance company. He soon realized a career change was needed.
“I did not have a love for New York City,” he explained. Pursuing teaching qualifications at Fordham, he joined Long Island’s Sachem school district as a teacher. For seven years each, McNulty taught math and social studies while helping develop the teacher’s union.
After 15 years of teaching, McNulty ventured into construction during summer breaks and eventually opened his own business. Financial difficulties arose in the early '90s amid changing political landscapes that drew him towards activism.
McNulty began working with a local church on peace and justice issues and reached out to WUSB where Mort Mecklosky invited him on-air. His initial nervousness subsided with Mecklosky's reassurance: “Listen, don’t be nervous. Nobody’s listening anyway.”
His appearances led to hosting his own show starting in 1995. Despite challenges like COVID-19 shifting broadcasts to remote settings from his Setauket home since 1964, McNulty describes WUSB as “a voice of truth.”
“WUSB represents the voice of the people," he stated. "It’s such a valuable asset to the community."
Phil Merkel, McNulty’s producer and co-host at WUSB's Captain Phil’s Planet praised him: “Lunch on Thursdays is still a lively talk show about current events.”
Despite advancing age, McNulty vows to continue broadcasting and activism amidst growing protests like June's No Kings movement involving over four million participants.
“There’s more to protest about now than ever before,” noted McNulty.
In conclusion, even though challenges persist, McNulty remains committed: “You’ve got to keep your spirits up... join with hundreds of like-minded people... see humor... stay side-by-side.”