Knoxville, TN, March 4, 2025 – East Tennessee’s Own WDVX is pleased to announce the hiring of longtime Knoxville concert promoter and radio broadcaster Benny Smith as their new Marketing and Community Relations Director.
Benny recently retired after 20 years as the award winning General Manager and Program Director of WUTK, and has long been an integral and well loved member of the Knoxville Music Community.
Smith’s initial role will include working with area businesses to partner with WDVX through underwriting and events. In addition, Smith will assist the station with event planning and promotions as he works to expand awareness of WDVX and its mission to promote the cultural heritage of East Tennessee and Southern Appalachia through its music and programming. Though Smith spent the past two decades running WUTK, he has a long history with WDVX’s founder and General Manager Tony Lawson. Smith played a major role in helping raise money and awareness for WDVX in the early days of the station, before it had even signed on air. Smith and Lawson were also co-hosts (with Shane Tymon) of the popular local bluegrass radio show Soppin’ the Gravy in the 1990s.
Smith brings years of successful broadcast, sales, promotions, programming, and event production experience to WDVX and looks forward to returning to East Tennessee’s Own. Smith says, “I am excited about getting back to WDVX, and being a part of a winning team who understands what good music and community support are all about. I have admired their work since they signed on air, and am looking forward to bringing my years of experience, contacts, and more to what is already a strong and successful radio team. I also want to thank the many people who showed so much love and support for my family and me over the last six months or so, and I hope that support will follow me to WDVX. It’s going to be a fun ride!”
Plans will be announced soon for an event where WDVX listeners and supporters will be invited to welcome Smith to the WDVX family in person. Any businesses and organizations who wish to speak with Smith about partnering with WDVX are welcome to attend as well.
For more information please contact WDVX General Manager Tony Lawson at tlawson@wdvx.com. For inquiries about underwriting or marketing opportunities at WDVX please contact Benny Smith at bsmith@wdvx.com.
