United Press International (as printed in The Times-News in Hendersonville on August 4, 1966) reported, "Doug Brooks, program director for radio station WHKP, announced today that his station would not play any more Beatle records unless the group retracted the statements. The station has received several calls concerning the remarks but only one person disagreed with WHKP's policy of banning the popular singing group.... Brooks, in speaking for the WHKP decision, stated: 'The Beatles have been idolized by teenagers all around the world and they are in a position to have a tremendous influence on the youth of not only our country but the youth of the entire world. For John Lennon to make a statement that his group is more popular than Jesus Christ is not only irrational but repulsive, to say the least. For Lennon to make the statement not only reflects upon the group but on all of us, who at one time or another thought that the Beatles were number one forever. I have no other alternative than the ban the Beatles, at least until a retraction of the statement has been made and perhaps forever.'"

WHKP in 1966 featured a weekly show devoted to fishing and anglers. The station sponsored a local high school rack and field competition and would also host high school "sock hop" dances.

email: 1450@whkp.com

Art Cooley (president/general manager): acooley@whkp.com

phone: (828) 693-9061

address: WHKP, 1450 Seventh Ave. E., Hendersonville, NC 28792