WQOW

WQOW
Semi-satellite of WXOW, La Crosse, Wisconsin
Channels
BrandingWQOW 18; 18 News
Programming
Affiliations
Ownership
Owner
History
First air date
September 22, 1980 (1980-09-22)
Former channel numbers
  • Analog: 18 (UHF, 1980–2009)
  • Digital: 15 (UHF, 2009–2018)
The CW (18.2, 2006−2021)
Call sign meaning
sister to Madison's WKOW
Technical information
Licensing authority
FCC
Facility ID64550
ERP253 kW
HAAT280 m (919 ft)
Transmitter coordinates44°48′0″N 91°27′57″W / 44.80000°N 91.46583°W / 44.80000; -91.46583
Links
Public license information
Websitewww.wqow.com

WQOW (channel 18) is a television station licensed to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, in the United States. It serves the Chippewa Valley as an affiliate of the ABC network and is owned by Allen Media Group. The station's studios are located on Friedeck Road in Eau Claire, while its transmitter is located at the WEAU facilities in nearby Altoona, Wisconsin.

Although identifying as a separate station in its own right, WQOW is considered a semi-satellite of WXOW. It carries most of WXOW's syndicated programming but airs its own commercials, identifications, local newscasts, severe weather cut-ins, and Sunday religious programs. The station also maintains an independent web and social media presence. WQOW serves the northern portion of the La Crosse and Eau Claire media market, while WXOW covers the southern area. Although WQOW maintains its own facilities, some functions such as master control and other technical operations are handled by WXOW's studio near La Crescent, Minnesota. The two stations are reported as one for ratings purposes. As of October 2025, DirecTV, Dish Network, and most vMVPD providers carry both WXOW and WQOW.