Unlike commercial media, we are Public Media—we exist to serve the public good.
For 40+ years, WQPT PBS has been an indispensable part of our Illinois and Iowa communities, providing free, high-quality content and services that educate, inform, and keep people safe.
WQPT PBS is Essential.
Trusted Education for All Ages
Commercial-free educational TV
Research-supported learning resources
Free & accessible for everyone, including rural and remote communities
Vital Public Safety Information
Emergency Alerts: Delivering critical early warning communications to keep you safe
Reliable Resources: Providing clear guidance during crises when it matters most.
Free, Quality Content for Everyone
Commercial-free programming
Award-winning, quality shows
Reliable news
Accessible: For everyone, including rural and remote communities—no paywalls, ever.
Local Content that Reflects our Region
Showcasing Local People, News & Arts
We amplify the voices of residents in both Illinois and Iowa by highlighting news, celebrating creativity, diverse perspectives, and innovation.
Preserving Our Rich Regional Stories
We safeguard our region's rich history and culture with documentaries and shorts that capture the breadth of our heritage.
Bringing Communities Together
From live events to community initiatives, we create opportunities for connection, dialogue, and shared experiences across Illinois and Iowa.
Federal Funding for Public Media is Irreplaceable
Local public media stations are among the last locally managed outlets, serving 99% of the U.S. population, including 24/7 stations in rural and remote areas.
Represents .01% of the federal budget.
About $1.60 per person annually.
How to Help
Now, as threats to public media funding grow, the future of local stations like ours is at risk. Your voice can make the difference—stand with WQPT PBS to remind lawmakers that public media is essential and overwhelmingly supported by the public. Together, we can protect this vital resource for generations to come.
Join the effort at Protect My Public Media where you can:
Contact your lawmakers
Sign up for email alerts
Learn more
Federal funding and you make public media possible. Together, we can protect this vital resource and help defend this essential service for future generations.
