In 1953, the legend of WIVK was born. Since then, WIVK has been synonymous with East Tennessee, dominating ratings and revenue since 1971. With thirteen CMA and eight ACM Station of the Year trophies, WIVK stands out. In news, WIVK has earned 30 AP Awards, covering significant area events for 71 years, and remains the only station in the market that hasn’t changed formats since 1971.
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.
Community service is WIVK’s top priority, fostering a strong bond with audiences and communities. Over the past 71 years, WIVK has supported the community through major events like:
- 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 over $18,000,000 for St. Jude and Children’s Hospital
- Fought Alzheimer’s through fundraising
- Taught children’s water safety with Dollywood
- Provided a Christmas Parade for East Tennessee for 50 years
While music has changed through the decades, WIVK’s focus has not. Built on country music, information, and community service, WIVK has launched careers of icons like Dolly Parton, Alabama, Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift, and Morgan Wallen. For 71 years, there’s been only one WIVK.
