In 1953, the legend was born. Since then, WIVK has been synonymous with East Tennessee. Number one since 1971, WIVK holds thirteen CMA and eight ACM Station of the Year trophies. Success was built on country music, information, and community service.
WIVK’s awards history is equally impressive.
- CMA Station of the Year: 13
- ACM Station of the Year: 8
- Country Radio Broadcasters Community Service: 7
- Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame Station of the Year: 1
- Associated Press: 9
- Edward R. Murrow: 4
- Marconi: 4
In country music, WIVK is the powerhouse, having launched the careers of icons, like:
- Dolly Parton
- Alabama
- Kenny Chesney
- Taylor Swift
- Morgan Wallen
In the information arena, WIVK has earned 30 AP Awards, covering all significant area events for 70 years.
- 1965 blizzard
- 1982 Word’s Fair
- 1991 Alex Haley bronze statue dedication
- 1993 blizzard (sole broadcaster on-air)
- 1998 National Football Championship (Tennessee’s Flagship Station)
- 2016 Gatlinburg wildfires
- 2020/2021 COVID-19
WIVK has always worked to improve the lives of East Tennesseans. We have:
- Helped pay power bills
- Given away thousands of gallons of free gas
- Provided tornado relief to West/Middle Tennessee towns
- Collected 40,000 Coats for the Cold
- Raised $18,000,000 for St. Jude and Children’s Hospital
- Fought Alzheimer’s through fundraising
- Taught children’s water safety with Dollywood
While music has changed through the decades, WIVK’s focus has not. We’re still committed to great country music, information and community. Stations come and go, but for 70 years, there’s been only one WIVK.
