WQPT | About WQPT

Jamie Lange
WQPT Interim
General Manager

May 2013

Dear Friends of WQPT

This year we mark an important milestone—30 years as your local public television station in the Quad Cities. In addition, we celebrate 100 years of Western Illinois University in the Quad Cities. These celebrations highlight the positive partnership between our two institutions. One of our primary goals is to increase local programming on our air but that can be a costly venture.

Because we want to bring the best options for you to enjoy, we rely on a variety of sources for great music, arts and educational programs. We are beginning a statewide partnership with neighboring Illinois public media stations to provide a wider audience for original works produced by regional public media stations. Here's a bit of what's to come

— Illinois Lawmakers beginning May 3 at 6:30 p.m.

— Shared content from other Illinois stations including Box Car People from WTVP

— Originals featuring music from River Music Experience

— Western Illinois University–Quad Cities Graduation on May 19

We'll also continue our own public affairs program The Cities with Jim Mertens. WQPT will seek out talented local producers to showcase their work, such as Lost Nation: The Ioway, on WQPT and to share it throughout the region and nationally.

If you enjoy the new flavor of local interest stories and highlights, consider making a gift to support the continuation of programming not found anywhere else that shines light on the great artists, people and community in which we live, work and play!

WQPT–Quad Cities PBS opens
a world of possibilities.

PBS serves as America's largest classroom, the country's largest stage for the arts and a trusted window to the world that is available to everyone. Our programs help Quad Citians understand the latest front-page headlines, cutting-edge scientific discoveries, natural disasters and even the value of what's in their attics.

Research confirms that public television's programming for children builds critical skills that are essential for success in school. With the help of PBS Kids characters such as Elmo and Whyatt of Super Why!, abstract symbols transform into letters and letters into words. With the help of Curious George, Buddy of Dinosaur Train and The Cat in the Hat, children learn more than how to count; they learn the fundamentals of geology, physics and biology—opening doors of opportunity for all children, even those who can't attend pre-school.

Yet with all we currently achieve, we aspire to do more and increase our level of service, particularly in the areas of youth outreach and local programming. We are committed to building a strong membership base. Our members provide nearly 60% of the funding to acquire and produce local programming that continues to educate, enlighten and entertain.

A Rich Tradition

We've come a long way since WQPT first hit the airwaves in 1983. Today we continue our rich tradition of providing programs and services that you won't find anywhere else. WQPT has always been and continues to be a nonprofit gem for everyone in our region. We hope you feel as passionately about supporting public broadcasting as we do. WQPT remains one of a few places where you know you will find outstanding quality in the programs we air and the services we provide.

We would like to thank our supporters for their loyal support. Regardless of size, every contribution to the station helps us continue our mission both on-air and in the educational outreach initiatives we provide to the communities we serve.

Serving Viewers Like You

Our purpose is to bring the region we serve with quality television, services and events which benefit everyone. It is our hope that you will join us and become an integral part of WQPT. As such, your input is a valuable tool to assist us with our mission. We welcome opinions, suggestions and comments from viewers like you. Please feel free to contact us and share your thoughts—we're here to serve you!

Since our humble beginnings WQPT has grown and today over half a million TV viewers have access to our programming though open-air signals or local cable systems. Not only does WQPT broadcast public television, we also broadcast a secondary channel—MHz Worldview—on channel 24.2.

We also provide many non-broadcast educational services, as well as college credit through Black Hawk College. You may learn about employment opportunities and view our public files for additional information about the station. We invite you to explore our website to discover the wide variety of services, events and programming we offer.

WQPT continues to provide more and more programming, educational opportunities and information to our viewers in Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois. Thanks for tuning into WQPT—your local PBS station.

Community Advisory Board

The Community Advisory Board provides citizen support through a variety of station activities including diversified fundraising, community relations, marketing promotions and volunteer networking. This citizen-led body provides WQPT with guidance to meet the needs of the communities and viewers we serve. Members serve on two primary committees which focus on marketing, promotional and fundraising efforts, as well as our outreach and volunteer activities.
Contact us to learn more.

WQPT Community Advisory Board meetings are held quarterly at 4:00pm. at Western Illinois University, 3300 River Drive, Moline, Illionis. For additional information, contact WQPT at 309/764-2400.

2013 Meeting Schedule:
Monday, January 21; Monday, April 1; Monday, July 8 and Monday, October 21.

2012–13 Board Members

Jeff Ashcraft, Quad City Radio Group

Frank Coyle Jr., Coyle, Gilman & Stengel

Kim Findlay, Putnam Museum/IMAX Theatre

Leigh Geramanis, Women's Choice Center

Chris Glass, Terrostar

Amy Kolker, Black Hawk College

Kathy Michel, Modern Woodmen of America

Julie McHard, Retired

Beth Peters, QC Botanical Center

Lisa Powell-Williams, Moline Public Library