Mr. Pop History – It always amazes me – the history of this once near-death TV station – has survived and thrived. WCIU-TV in Chicago – was originally licensed to UHF-Channel 26. In its early years, it broadcast:
1) Business features and news direct from the Chicago Board of Trade. A first.
2) Black, ethnic programming. In fact – back in 1970 – radio news announcer Don Cornelius pitched a great idea for a hourlong afternoon dance show called “Soul Train” – originally with no sponsors.
3) Other programming for Italian, Latino and Polish audiences was once produced and featured on the channel.
4) Then, the station broadcast in Spanish for a time – featuring programming from Univision.
5) During the 1990′s – the station went mainstream English independent competing with the likes of WGN-TV and today – is still doing well in that capacity.
6) Speaking of WGN-TV, WCIU cut a deal to carry sports programming featured on WGN – when it could not. That included the Cubs and White Sox.

I don’t know of any other TV station with this kind of pop history. WCIU-TV in Chicago – amazing!