It all began on a cold and snowy day—February 22, 2015. Amid the wintry weather, a new chapter for Knox County was written with the creation of Knox County News Now. The idea was simple yet ambitious: to provide the community with a reliable source for local news and weather.

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Later that year, in December 2015, the platform was rebranded as We Are Knox County (WAKC). The name symbolized a deeper purpose—standing firmly for Knox County and its people, committed to telling their stories and addressing their needs.

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From its earliest days, WAKC covered a variety of local news and weather events, steadily earning the trust of the community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, WAKC stepped up by streaming daily 1–2 minute video updates making sure the people of Knox County stayed informed during a time of uncertainty and change.

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In May 2022, WAKC ended operations to explore new opportunities, but the need for a reliable and dedicated news source in Knox County remained clear. Two years later, in May 2024, WAKC returned stronger than ever, relaunching as a full-time streaming news and weather platform designed for the digital age. 

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Since its relaunch, WAKC has led the way in covering critical local events. On Sunday, May 26, 2024, it became the first and only news source in Knox County to provide live coverage of the F2 tornado that caused significant damage to homes and farms in Decker and Monroe City. Just weeks later, on July 9, 2024, WAKC was first on the scene to report the Decker Schoolhouse Fire.

The fire coverage highlighted WAKC's commitment to being present when it matters most. Our prompt reporting and exclusive footage caught the attention of other news organizations, many of which requested permission to use our photos and videos. This recognition further cemented WAKC’s reputation as a trusted and reliable news source, both within Knox County and beyond.

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With the generous support of the community, WAKC has continued to grow, investing in new cameras, computers, and essential streaming equipment. In August 2024, construction began on a dedicated office and studio, creating a space to deliver even more high-quality content to Knox County.

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Beginning in March 2025,  WAKC will launch a daily streaming newscast at 10:00am providing viewers with important news updates and accurate weather forecasts.

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Through the snowstorms of its beginnings to the milestones of today, WAKC News Now is proud to stand as Knox County’s trusted voice. With the community’s continued support, the future is brighter than ever.

 

Together, We Are Knox County.