WCIU TV Chicago IL

WCIU-TV signed on the air on February 6, 1964 as Chicago’s first UHF station—in fact, our call letters pay tribute to that fact (the “I” standing in place for the numeral “1”). Our story began when the local UHF landscape was largely uncharted territory, and most TV sets weren’t even equipped with the option of watching UHF. Those who did tune in were treated to an eclectic mix of programs—sitcoms like “Our Miss Brooks” and “December Bride,” which are all but forgotten now.

In addition, there were dusty old westerns from the ‘30s, bullfights from Mexico (seriously!) and local wrestling matches. Noted entertainer and jazz pianist Two Ton Baker hosted “Corral 26,” during which he showed cowboy flicks and sold Bosco. Disc jockey, self-described “loud mouth” and pitch-master general Marty Faye hosted his eponymous Saturday night live entertainment and interview show until early ‘70s.

Throughout our history, WCIU has “served the underserved” population of Chicago. One of America’s great “melting pot” cities, we spoke directly to its wide variety of heritages, broadcasting programs in Italian, Polish and other languages. Our efforts were pioneering when it came to serving the needs of Chicago’s African-American community with programs like “A Black’s View of the News” (the first program of its kind in the market), and “Red Hot & Blue,” a groundbreaking Friday night urban music program.