Some sixty years ago, he conceived and executed a plan to build unaffiliated broadcast television stations in seven of the top 10 U.S. markets. This came as President of Kaiser Broadcasting. Later, he would serve as EVP of the TV station division of Metromedia — the foundation of what is today FOX Television Stations.
Now, many in broadcast media are paying tribute to Dick Block, who died September 30 at the age of 97.
Block was known for his dry wit and “can-do” spirit, exceling in broadcast television after serving in the U.S. Merchant Marine during World War II and in the U.S. Coast Guard during the Korean conflict.
Block was also an industry consultant, and created a consortium of UHF broadcasters which successfully lobbied the FCC to mandate technological parity between VHF and UHF
tuners in consumer television sets. Suddenly, two knobs appeared on black-and-white and, later, color televisions. Availability of UHF channels helped open the door for the creation of FOX Television Network, as WFLD-32 in Chicago is a founding station.
His Block Communications Group worked with over 100 media-related clients including most of the major Hollywood studios. And, he had a role in cable television, as he was instrumental in the creation and launch of The Travel Channel for Westinghouse and Game Show Network for Sony.
Furthermore, Block is largely responsible for the distribution of KTLA-5’s coverage of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade each January 1.
Until his passing Block had been an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the USC School of Cinematic Arts.
He is survived by his two children, Julie Grunsky and Nick Block, four grandchildren and five great grandchildren. A celebration of his life will be held at the USC School of Cinematic Arts.
For more information, or donations (in lieu of flowers), contact [email protected].