WQOW

WQOW (channel 18) is a television station based in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, serving the Chippewa Valley as an ABC affiliate. Owned by Allen Media Group, it operates studios on Friedeck Road in Eau Claire and has a transmitter in Altoona, Wisconsin. WQOW functions as a semi-satellite of WXOW (channel 19) in La Crosse, sharing network programming but maintaining its own commercials, local content, and branding. The station primarily covers the northern part of the La Crosse-Eau Claire market, while WXOW serves the southern area. For ratings purposes, both stations are counted as one entity. WQOW was established on September 22, 1980, initially as a simulcast of WXOW before evolving into a more localized station. It has moved its studios and ownership several times over the years, including being acquired by Quincy Media in 2001. In 1998, WQOW launched "WBCZ," a WB Network affiliate on cable, which later transitioned to The CW. Programming highlights include WQOW's affiliation with the Green Bay Packers and WIAA sports networks, positioning it as the "Official Packers Station" for Eau Claire. In terms of news coverage, WQOW has had an inconsistent history: it established a local newscast in 1982 but discontinued it in 1990 due to cost-cutting measures. By 1996, under Shockley ownership, it relaunched its own news operation with a separate weather department. WXOW upgraded to HD newscasts in 2011, and WQOW followed suit. Ownership changes occurred when Gray Television acquired Quincy Media but was required by the FCC to sell WQOW and WXOW. These ...