Twin Heirs' Bitter Feud Threatens Future of Century-Old Media Empire
A bitter and intense feud between twin heirs has erupted over the future of a centuries-old family media empire, sparked by one brother's consideration of selling the company for millions of dollars. John Robinson Block and Allan Block, both 71 years old, have become embroiled in a fierce blood rivalry concerning the direction of Block Communications, a private Ohio-based company that owns numerous print and broadcast media outlets.
The Threat That Ignited the Conflict
John Block explored the possibility of selling the company in 2023, which prompted his twin brother Allan to allegedly push back with a stark and clear threat. According to a 2024 court filing cited by the Wall Street Journal, Allan Block, who serves as chairman and chief executive officer of Block Communications, told his brother, "I will destroy you." This dramatic statement has become the focal point of their escalating dispute.
Company Downsizing and Financial Struggles
The company has already begun scaling back its operations significantly. Last summer, Block Communications sold its TV station group for $80 million, a transaction that is still pending regulatory approval. In December, due to financial concerns, the company closed the Pittsburgh City Paper, an alternative weekly publication that focused on local news, dining reviews, arts, and entertainment.
Furthermore, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, one of its flagship newspapers, will cease publication in May, casting serious doubt on the future viability of Block Communications. Allan Block acknowledged this grim reality in a recent statement, saying, "I think we'll likely be a seller at some point. That was never what I wanted. It's not what my father, grandfather or uncle wanted."
Brothers' Roles and Historical Background
John Block has served as the publisher and editor-in-chief of the company's newspapers since 1987, according to his LinkedIn profile. Allan Block, on the other hand, began his tenure as chairman and CEO of Block Communications in February 1980, focusing on cable, television, and telecom operations while managing the business side of the newspapers.
The history of Block Communications dates back to 1900, when the twins' grandfather, Paul Block, a German immigrant and advertising executive, founded the company in New York. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette was established under its current iteration in 1927. The second generation was led by the twins' father, Paul Block Jr., and his brother William Block, who continued expanding the media empire.
Financial Decline and Legal Battles
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has suffered staggering financial losses, losing more than $350 million over the last two decades. Combined revenue at the Post-Gazette and The Toledo Blade plummeted by 87 percent during that same period. After John Block initiated discussions about selling the company, Allan filed a breach-of-contract lawsuit in May 2024 in the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas.
The court filing referenced an alleged incident in February 2019, where John Block reportedly stormed into the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette newsroom late at night while "clearly intoxicated" and yelled at his teenage daughter. According to the complaint, John "demeaned and threatened staff" during this "tirade," leaving his daughter "visibly terrified." Four eyewitness accounts corroborated this outburst to the Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh.
Eyewitness Accounts and Brother's Defense
Web editor Marianne Mizera described John as "very angry and irate" when he entered the newsroom around 10 p.m., noting that "it was clear he was intoxicated." She recounted how John shouted that he wanted a picture taken with his daughter in front of a sign reading "Shame on the Blocks!" and forcefully grabbed her forearm as she tried to pull away. Night cops reporter Andrew Goldstein wrote that John was "screaming in his daughter's face about the Block family legacy," demanding, "Do you want to be high class or low class? You're a Block, you're one of us! You have to learn how to lead!"
In his own legal filing, John Block countered these accusations, claiming that his twin brother was impeding Block Communications from being sold for its full monetary value. The lawsuit was eventually settled, resulting in Allan being reinstated as CEO but not as chairman.
Brotherly Discord and Uncertain Future
Allan Block explained that he opposed a sale because he disagreed with the timing and felt sidelined from the selling process. He denied threatening his brother, stating that he treated him with affection and expressed a desire to mend their relationship, saying, "I would like to have a relationship with my brother. It's awful."
As the feud continues to unfold, the future of Block Communications remains deeply uncertain, with the company's legacy hanging in the balance amid family strife and financial turmoil.
