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As the longtime host of Mornings on Main on WWKY Radio, Tim Smith has become arguably the most familiar voice around Winchester. 

Across the Commonwealth, he will now be revered among other Kentucky radio personnel. 

Smith was recently recognized as one of the newest inductees into the Kentucky Mic Hall of Fame, associated with the Kentucky Broadcasters Association. 

As did the Winchester-Clark County Chamber of Commerce this August, the Clark County Fiscal Court honored Smith at its latest meeting. 

They did so with a proclamation and also showed a video detailing Smith’s career.

“Tim Smith has dedicated five decades of his life to the art and craft of radio broadcasting, providing invaluable service to the people of Clark County and beyond,” stated a portion of the proclamation, read aloud by Magistrate Robert Blanton. “Tim Smith’s contributions have helped to elevate the standard of radio broadcasting in Kentucky, fostering a legacy of excellence that has culminated in his induction.” 

Smith began his career in radio as a teenager after being told his voice was ideal for such a profession. 

His early work took place in Harrison County. 

Shortly after graduating high school, Smith relocated to Winchester to work at WWKY. 

Since then, Smith’s voice, as mentioned, has become synonymous with the community. 

Smith would later express humility regarding the induction. 

“I was stunned. It just proved that if you hang around long enough, something good happens,” he said. I came here in 1973. The people here [in Winchester] listened, and they made it happen.” 

Smith will be joined in the 2024 Hall of Fame class by Gene Birk, Bill Bryant, Dave Shuffett, and Tom Leach, who voices many UK sports programs. 

Gateway Radio Works, Inc. operates many central and eastern Kentucky stations, including WWKY. 

Jeff Ray, General Manager of Gateway Radio Works, Inc., spoke highly of Smith. 

“It’s an incredible honor [and] much deserved,” he said. “It’s not just the longevity. There are lots of people who spend lots of years working in the media, but to have the impact he has is the reason why his nomination was approved.” 

Ray also expressed the process of being selected for induction. 

“Your name has to be submitted to the committee that makes those choices. His name was submitted [several] years ago,” he said. “I do know that it was somebody not affiliated with our station, so it was another media member who just recognized his good work.” 

Smith, who found out about his induction live on air, responded. 

“It feels great to be recognized by the audience and your peers,” he said. 

As Smith’s health recovers – with former Winchester Mayor Ed Burtner currently hosting Mornings on Main – hopes are high that his voice will soon be back regularly on the airwaves. 

“Hopefully, I can remain employed,” he said in jest. “It feels great.”