Radio The Smokies Oldies (WLIK)

WLIK is a radio station licensed to Newport, Tennessee with an oldies format, broadcasting on 1270 AM. Its programming includes high school and University of Tennessee sports as well as religious and community-oriented news and information for Cocke County, Tennessee. WLIK is an affiliate of the Atlanta Braves radio network, the largest radio affiliate network in Major League Baseball.WLIK signed on in April 1954 with 1000 watts as one of three radio stations owned by Arthur Wilkerson of Lenoir City, Tennessee. Ray Shirley, a Church of Christ minister, was the first announcer.After a fire in 1958, WLIK came back with 5000 watts. In 1968 WLIK moved its transmitter to Rock City and began broadcasting full-time. Ira B. Crisp served as station manager from 1954 until 1962, and Dwight Wilkerson, Arthur's son, took over after that and continues as president of the station today.