Wilhite and Wall in Obninsk

Wilhite and Wall
and the
WIVK - 107.7 FM
"Great Day Show"
Live from Obninsk, Russia!

Darren Wilhite and Tim Wall and their "Great Day" morning show on WIVK FM, Knoxville, Tennessee, broadcast live from Obninsk Russia for three days in October 1996. "WIVIK" the frog, the station mascot, made a live appearance in Red Square during the visit and has been sighted around Obninsk ever since (perhaps in cahoots with Radio Rating frog lovers). The program was broadcast from the Radio Rating studios in Obninsk and portions were simulcast live in Obninsk and Knoxville. A highlight of the live broadcasts was a "birthday bucks" winner in Obninsk. A local police officer called in to claim the $100 cash prize for having the lucky birthday date.

Darren Wilhite and Tim Wall with "Wivik" the frog
(played by Gordey Gurov) in Red Square.

Checking the equipment before the first broadcast.	Tim and Darren with the Radio Rating crew.	Tim and Darren on the air in Knoxville - From Russia with love!
The frog visits during a broadcast.	Mayor Shubin accepts WIVK shirt. Mayor Shubin and Mayor Moore both broadcast comments during their show.	Tim entertains with his magic at dinner.
The local "entertainment" weekly in St. Petersburg.	A little culture in St. Petersburg at the Winter Palace Museum.	Helsinki and "UT"FART impressed the radio stars!

Tim Wall and Darren Wilhite in a former life
as Russian Army Officers!

Note: Tim and Darren are now at KIX 104 FM in Arkansas.