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Twin Heirs' Media Empire Feud Explodes
6 Apr
Summary
- Twin brothers John and Allan Block are fighting over a media empire.
- One twin threatened to 'destroy' the other over a potential sale.
- The company recently sold a TV station group for $80 million.
A deep-seated feud between twin brothers John Robinson and Allan Block has plunged their family's media company, Block Communications, into uncertainty. The dispute centers on the potential sale of the Ohio-based enterprise, which owns numerous print and broadcast outlets. John's consideration of selling the company in 2023 reportedly led Allan to issue a threat of "I will destroy you."
Block Communications has already initiated significant cutbacks. Last summer, the company sold its TV station group for $80 million, pending regulatory approval. Additionally, financial difficulties led to the closure of the Pittsburgh City Paper in December. The future of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette also appears bleak, with its publication set to cease in May, following substantial financial losses.
Allan Block has expressed that a sale was never his intention, lamenting that it goes against the wishes of previous generations. He stated he opposed the sale due to disagreements over timing and feeling sidelined in the process. However, he denied threatening his brother, claiming he wishes for a better relationship. The company's origins trace back to 1900, founded by their grandfather, Paul Block.
