The Cumulus Country station was there for the community on December 28-29 as wildfires raged in Gatlinburg. News coverage and community response, outreach and collaboration, raising resources and delivering aid were the key services the station helped with. WIVK was the only broadcast media outlet in Knoxville that stayed on air and provided coverage and information for evacuees and relief efforts all night long.
The country music community also shone, calling in to WIVK to ask how they could help with the relief effort. Chris Janson was the first to reach out, followed by Hunter Hayes and many other artists, labels and management companies checking in throughout the
day, Tuesday. Big Loud artist and Knoxville native Morgan Wallen was in town visiting family, contacted WIVK and came in and helped Gunner with on-air information and updates, and helped Jimmy Holt and the rest of the staff load trucks with supplies to take to the affected areas.
Dolly Parton’s theme park, Dollywood, which partners with WIVK on many efforts that are beneficial to the community, was a huge concern but was thankfully spared.
Radio: Live, local, and ever at the ready.
