WCIU-TV (Chicago, IL)

WCIU-TV began broadcasting on February 6, 1964, making it Chicago's first UHF television station. The call letters reflect this milestone, with the "I" representing the number "1." At the time, the UHF TV channels were largely unexplored, and many televisions were not set up to receive these signals. For those who could watch, the programming was quite varied, featuring old sitcoms like "Our Miss Brooks" and "December Bride," which are not well-known today. Viewers also enjoyed classic western films from the 1930s, unique bullfighting events from Mexico, and local wrestling matches. One of the highlights was "Corral 26," hosted by the talented entertainer and jazz pianist Two Ton Baker, where he showed cowboy movies and promoted Bosco. Additionally, the lively Marty Faye, a disc jockey known for his energetic personality, ran a Saturday night live entertainment and interview show under his own name until the early 1970s.

Local

English

Television

Outlet metrics

Domain Authority

Ranking

Global

#4716720

United States

#1352055

News and Media

#23601

Traffic sources

Monthly visitors

Articles

Exhibit Explores Life of Graceland Cemetery’s Famed Ghost

Oct 25, 2024 | wciu.com | Patrick Filbin

Exhibit Explores Life of Graceland Cemetery’s Famed Ghost Graceland Cemetery’s history is on display thanks to a collaboration with DePaul University that explores the often-misunderstood story of Inez Clarke’s famous grave. Some believe the girl’s ghost haunts the grave. Block Club Chicago's Patrick Filbin helps us separate fact from fiction. The exhibit, “Offerings: A Year of Visitation to Inez Briggs,” is now open at Graceland Cemetery.
Cycling Advocates Want More Bike Infrastructure on the South Side

Oct 25, 2024 | wciu.com | Maxwell Evans

Cycling Advocates Want More Bike Infrastructure on the South Side Chicagoans have doubled bike trips over the past 5 years. The South Side saw some of the biggest increases, like Kenwood and Englewood. However, unlike their neighbors on the North Side, they aren't seeing bike lane improvements to protect cyclists. Block Club Chicago's Maxwell Evans spoke with cycling advocates to learn more.
Rogers Park’s Lifeline Theatre Needs Help Staying Afloat

Oct 25, 2024 | wciu.com | Madison Savedra

Rogers Park’s Lifeline Theatre Needs Help Staying Afloat Expenses have gone up while income has dropped, leaving the theater with a $200,000 deficit. “The situation is really urgent,” one leader said. Block Club Chicago's Madison Savedra shares how you can help. Justice For The People Justice For The People Court Cam The Liquidator The Liquidator Latest Stories
The Chicago River's Wild Mile is Expanding

Aug 30, 2024 | wciu.com | Patrick Filbin

The Chicago River's Wild Mile is Expanding The ambitious project to turn a 1-mile stretch of the river's North Branch into a floating, wildlife-first educational park is close to completing its second phase. Block Club Chicago's Patrick Filbin explains how it's all part of a larger effort to redefine and rehabilitate the channelized section of the Chicago River.
CTA Boss Sees World, Not Train Stations

Aug 30, 2024 | wciu.com | Manny Ramos

CTA Boss Sees World, Not Train Stations While CTA riders coped with dirty and delayed trains and buses, President Dorval Carter traveled to other transit systems worldwide over more than 3 months. Block Club Chicago investigative reporter Manny Ramos has a snapshot of his schedule.
Chicago's Film and TV Industry

Aug 30, 2024 | wciu.com | Gwen Ihnat

Chicago's Film and TV Industry The Illinois film and TV industry is booming and the numbers prove it. The latest data shows productions spent a record-breaking $691 million during 2022, 23% more than pre-pandemic numbers. And with the recent expansion of tax credits, it's only expected to grow. We took a closer look at the local impact and future of the state’s film and TV industry.
Activists Fighting Protest Restrictions at Union Park for DNC

Aug 15, 2024 | wciu.com | Melody Mercado

Activists Fighting Protest Restrictions at Union Park for DNC The March on DNC Coalition organizers are fighting restrictions on sound and staging the city put in place at Union Park near the United Center. We speak with a panel of experts about protesters' rights according to the First Amendment. Guests include political consultant Delmarie Cobb, social equity strategist and CEO of Justice Informed, Xavier Ramey, and Block Club Chicago reporter, Melody Mercado.
WCIU, The U | Chicago's Housing Crisis

Jul 26, 2024 | wciu.com | Mick Dumke

Chicago's Housing Crisis Millions of dollars go to Chicago’s Housing Authority every year, yet there are thousands of unhoused people living in the city. Our panel of insiders discuss the public housing issues in Chicago. Guests include Block Club’s Mick Dumke, housing advocate Jose M. Muñoz, and 20th Ward Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor. Mathis Court Mathis Court Latest Stories Two completely different worlds, one incredible love story.
Mom-And-Son Duo Use Hawaiian T-Shirt Business To Advocate For People With Down Syndrome

Jul 26, 2024 | wciu.com | Jon Hansen

Mom-And-Son Duo Use Hawaiian T-Shirt Business To Advocate For People With Down Syndrome 21 Pineapples Shirt Co., run by mom-and-son duo Holly and Nate Simon, sells Hawaiian T-shirts and other merchandise while advocating for those with Down syndrome. Block Club's Jon Hansen has the story. Mathis Court Mathis Court Latest Stories Two completely different worlds, one incredible love story.
Update to Sterling Bay's Lincoln Yards Development

Jul 26, 2024 | wciu.com | Patrick Filbin

Update to Sterling Bay's Lincoln Yards Development The two-tower, 615-unit project won’t move forward in City Council until at least September. Progress at Lincoln Yards has also stalled — but as Block Club's Patrick Filbin explains, Sterling Bay hopes that will change. Mathis Court Mathis Court Latest Stories Two completely different worlds, one incredible love story.