Ralph McElroy's KWWL: Iowa Time Machine November 4, 1947

Iowa Time Machine ⏰: On November 4, 1947, KWWL Radio Waterloo first went live on the air. Operated by Black Hawk Broadcasting, the unlikely recipient of an FCC television license in 1953, the story illustrates Ralph McElroy’s dogged boosterism and commitment to providing a public-oriented option for news in the Cedar Valley.

Ralph McElroy overcame a difficult childhood and early adulthood, ultimately finding success as an advertising salesman at WMT Radio Waterloo. After serving in the Pacific Theater of World War II, McElroy returned and worked to establish a community-oriented radio station. With the backing of 31 local investors, he founded the Black Hawk Broadcasting Company and KWWL Radio.

Joe DuMond’s KXEL, a large clear-channel station, was the dominant station in the Waterloo market during the late 1940s and early 1950s. When the FCC began considering potential television licensing for the market, both KXEL and KWWL applied. DuMond used KXEL’s status to pressure local advertisers to undercut KWWL, while also constructing and equipping a television station before obtaining a license (a violation).

McElroy sued DuMond in federal court after obtaining a tape recording of the KXEL executive discussing a boycott of KWWL sponsorships. Eventually, the plucky McElroy bought out the studio and equipment from KXEL after winning the license. Initially a DuMont Television Network Station, KWWL became an NBC affiliate in 1955. Today, KWWL still represents an important voice in the Waterloo market. #Iowa #History #OTD #TV #Radio