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For a variety of reasons, people throughout Winchester have come to know their local WWKY radio station on 102.9 FM and AM 990. 

Over 40 years after Gateway Radio Works was founded in 1983, staff took time to reflect on its history. 

“Everybody’s got to have its own unique selling point, and our selling point [was] we’re going to be very Clark County centric from day one,” said Jeff Ray, General Manager of Gateway Radio Works. “The radio business is less and less local and more conglomerate sometimes, and the way to beat them…is to be local.” 

Though Gateway Radio Works was founded in 1983, business in Winchester really picked up several years ago. 

“WWKY had been in Winchester for a long time, and it sold [I believe] once or twice…went dark, and then came back,” Ray added. “It was actually a pretty convoluted process to get it back on the air.” 

Over the years, the company – which is located along Interstate 64 as far away as Morehead – has served many communities. 

In Winchester, while news is always occurring, there are certainly a few areas that the station seeks to hone in on. 

“Winchester didn’t have a local station, and that’s what we hang our hat on is being a local station [providing] local sports, local news, local programming, [and more] as much as we can,” Ray added. “It’s almost impossible to be local all the time, but that was our intent.” 

Those wanting to keep track of championship-winning athletic teams from George Rogers Clark High School have had an opportunity, with current radio personalities Joel Bennett and Bobby Baldwin often present to provide commentary. 

Those up in the early hours have long been able to enjoy listening to Mornings on Main, typically broadcast five days a week. 

While 2024 Kentucky Mic Hall of Fame inductee Tim Smith long hosted the program until recent health challenges occurred, the program continues with retired four-term Winchester Mayor Ed Burtner on the airwaves. 

“Everybody knows him…if there ever was a fellow that is very Winchester [and] Clark County centric…it’s Ed,” Ray added. “You can tell just in his conversations [that] he loves the community.” 

WWKY Radio also continues to be active in other ways, including by working with the Winchester-Clark County Chamber of Commerce, Clark County Public Schools, local churches, advertising events such as the annual Beer Cheese Festival, and more.

When asked what he enjoyed the most about WWKY, Ray was quick to offer a response. 

“When you get those relationships with people…it just gives you a better understanding of the behind the scenes work that goes on to make Winchester and Clark County the strong community that it is,” he said. “It’s got all the pieces in place.” 

Those interested in advertising with WWKY Radio can contact Herb Triplett at 352-223-4653.