A thermoplastic composition comprises poly(arylene ether) having an initial intrinsic viscosity greater than 0.25 dl/g as measured in chloroform at 25° C.; a polyolefin having a melt temperature greater than or equal to 120° C. and a melt flow rate of 0.3 to 15; a first block copolymer having a aryl alkylene content greater than or equal to 50 weight percent based on the total weight of the first block copolymer; a second block copolymer having an aryl alkylene content less than 50 weight percent based on the total weight of the second block copolymer; and a flame retardant, wherein the poly(arylene ether) is present in an amount greater than the amount of polyolefin. The composition is useful in the production of covered wire.