CELEBRATING THE HISTORY OF CHANNEL 25

Cincinnati native Elliott Block loved television broadcasting from an early age. Years later, he started making television commercials. Business was good until other local stations provided clients with video production and commercial time. 

Elliott wanted to offer commercial time as well. So, he secured a low-power television license and, with the help of his close friends, put W25AI on the air on September 29, 1990. W25AI became WBQC after becoming Cincinnati's initial WB Network affiliate. Years later, the station secured the trademark "WKRP" to pay homage to the classic television show "WKRP In Cincinnati."

Television colleagues referred to Elliott Block as the Godfather of Low Power Television, as he was known to be a helpful resource for the low-power television community. He enjoyed helping networks and station owners resolve technical matters and creating business opportunities for his television colleagues. Despite Channel 25's low-power television license, Elliott took steps to have Channel 25 seen in the same light as other local full-power stations.

The television industry experienced a significant loss when Elliott passed away on November 25, 2019. However, Elliott knew Channel 25 would be in good hands with Matthew Gray. Matthew started working with Elliott in September 1997. Matthew was a Cincinnati native and, like Elliott, had a passion for television from an early age. Matthew Gray and his family continued Elliott's legacy until Gray Television purchased the station on November 21, 2022.