Network Era

A new transmitter and a new affiliation. August 8, 1998. Channel 25 installed a new transmitter which expanded its signal to more people in Cincinnati. Channel 25 became a UPN affiliate on its 7th anniversary, September 29, 1998.

WBQC Channel 25 aired Star Trek: Voyager marathon. It had been a year since Star Trek fans saw their favorite show. So Channel 25 ran a Star Trek: Voyager marathon the weekend before UPN's new fall season launch to allow the Trekkies to catch up on what happened the previous season.

Scizone and Outdoor Connection launched. In addition to the "Friday Night Fu, "Channel 25 introduced the "Scizone with Bill Boshears" and the "Outdoor Connection." The "Scizone" explored things not of this world, while the "Outdoor Connection" explored things of this world.

Cap'n Dave was named the best local TV host. CityBeat Magazine named Cap'n Dave the best local TV host for the Friday Night Fu in their Best of Cincinnati issue. CityBeat also named WBQC Channel 25 as the best local station, not on the majority of cable.

Local programming changed. The Scizone and the Outdoor Connection had core audiences. However, it was time to shift focus. Keith Little's "Mr. Little's Hangout" introduced Cincinnati to the jazz community. As a one-time special, "The Al Beasley Show" pushed one-on-one talk shows to another level, discussing life and politics with Rev. Leslie Isiah Gaines.

B-movies were back. Channel 25 welcomed Rick Flynn back as the host of "Rick Flynn Presents." The show's format changed from a b-movie-hosted show to an open forum talk show about anything. In addition, Channel 25 aired "B-Movie Theater" by local b-movie film producer Lou Vockell.

WBQC Channel 25 advanced into the digital age. We upgraded our infrastructure and moved towards the digital age. We implemented a digital commercial spot insertion server and were the first station in Cincinnati to broadcast commercials digitally!

WBQC Channel 25 and NBC get together. In 1999, we carried NBC's 1999 French Open Men's Final, NBA Hoop-It-Up, Women's U.S. Open Final, Saturday Night Live, Sunset Beach, and the Profiler.

WBQC Channel 25 became the Official Kentucky Lottery station. To better serve our Kentucky viewers, we struck a deal to become the only place to find the Kentucky Lottery.

WBQC Channel 25 helped the Flying Pig Marathon. WCPO broadcasted the entire event and needed some extra shots. So when they needed a mobile mast camera, we answered the call.

WBQC Channel 25 expanded on cable. In addition to being placed on Lebanon, Ohio's new fiber optic cable system, we were also picked up by Insight Communications, the second-largest cable provider in the area.

The Fu returned. Cap'n Dave and the Fu Crew returned on Saturdays for the third season of The Fu.

WBQC Channel 25 partnered with Wifflepalooza. In August 2000, we sponsored the largest wiffleball tournament in the midwest. We broadcast live from the event.

Time Warner added WBQC. Negotiations began with Time Warner Cable in the summer of 2001. As a result, Time Warner placed WBQC on their system from 6 PM to 11 PM on channel 20.

WBQC added to DirecTV. Can you see me now? That was the theme of the promotional campaign promoting WBQC Channel 25 on DirecTV 24/7.

The Big Quest X aired on Channel 25. In search of innovative local programming, WBQC televised the tenth edition of The Big Quest. The program aired over three consecutive Sunday nights and featured four teams racing throughout Cincinnati in a quest to defeat the GameMasters and be crowned The Big Quest X champion.

Adelphia Cable expanded WBQC on its entire cable system. As a result, more Adelphia customers could watch WBQC Channel 25.

America's Next Top Model casting call created a buzz. The WIZ 100.9fm and Club Ritz joined Channel 25 in search of women looking to become America's Next Top Model on UPN.

Lincoln Ware Live! on Sunday mornings. Lincoln Ware Live! premiered on October 20, 2003, and aired every Sunday at 10:00 AM. It was a live talk show forum hosted by radio talk show host Lincoln Ware.

Another Top Model Casting Call created more buzz. Q102, Barbizon Modeling, and Newport On The Levee introduced another casting call cycle.

More Power! WBQC increased its power for OTA viewers.

Suscom Cable added WBQC. The increased signal meant Suscom Cable subscribers in Indiana would get WBQC on their cable system.

Lincoln Ware Live! won an award. In addition, the local affairs program won a Community Broadcasters Association award, and we didn't have to pay off the judges.

Champboat Races, here we come. It had been over ten years since racing boats hit the Ohio River. WBQC hit the riverfront with live shows from the riverfront on Saturday and Sunday.

The Merger. In January 2006, CBS and Warner Brothers announced UPN and The WB would merge into a new network.