Rick Brooks is the morning voice on WLIK.  Join the fun, commentary, news, giveaways and down home humor. Rick began his broadcasting career in Cordele, Ga. in 1972.  He joined the Air Force in 1974 and worked with the American Forces Radio.  Returning to civilian life in 1978, Brooks worked for radio stations in Kingsport while earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcasting/Mass Communications from East Tennessee State University.  Working at WKPT- TV in Kingsport following his graduation, Brooks was a TV News Anchor and Assignment Editor. In 1985 he made the jump back to radio in Morristown, Tennessee as News and Sports Director at WCRK Radio where we won over 35 First Place News and Sports Awards from the Associated Press. Rick has been here at WLIK since 2004 and WLIK has been selected many times as Newport’s “Favorite Radio Station” by readers of the Newport Plain Talk.

Marty Ricker has been in radio since 1982. He started at WSMG in Greeneville and was the News Director at WGRV and WIKQ in Greeneville and WWNC and KISS-FM in Asheville North Carolina. Marty was also the Program Director at WCRK in Morristown and Sports Director at WEMB in Erwin. Marty was the TV host of NWA Smoky Mountain Wrestling for 10 years and was inducted into the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2007. Marty also traveled and sang with Heavenly Harmony of Greeneville, Carolina Harmony of Asheville N.C., Majestic Heights Quartet and the Fairhaven Quartet. Marty loves radio, Southern Gospel Music and Sports.

Angie joined WLIK in 2000 and is a third generation part of the family that started WLIK in 1954.  Angie has worked  “on the air ”  although does not do a regular air shift now.  Angie directs day to day operations and computer and internet technology.  She would also be happy to help you plan your advertising campaign as well.  Angie is a music collector, plants her own garden each year and loves to go camping.

Johnnie began with WLIK in 1970.  Johnnie manages the office and all clerical jobs as well as staff assistant to help in a number of areas around the station.  Johnnie is a proficient typist and handles billing – banking and all governmental related issues.  Johnnie has one daughter, Vanessa.   Johnnie enjoys teaching her Sunday School Class, reading her Kindle and traveling.

Dwight Wilkerson is WLIK President.   Dwight has worked in the family owned business since 1960.  Dwight came to Newport in 1963 and has worked “on the air” many hours although not at the present.  The announcing work now is mainly voicing commercials as well as advertising.  The biggest change in 53 years of radio has  been the advent of the computer.  Dwight has served two times on the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters Board of Directors.   Dwight has three daughters Michelle, Angie and Tiffany and one granddaughter, Hailey.  Dwight’s hobbies are collecting vinyl records and traveling.