LATEST: TV Schedules | NEWS | Local Programs | ACTIVATE PASSPORT
LATEST: TV Schedules | NEWS | Local Programs | ACTIVATE PASSPORT
Thursdays 7:00PM
Encore: Sundays 5:00PM
Award-winning news anchor Jim Mertens goes beyond the headlines and explores the issues, events, and stories that matter most to residents in Eastern Iowa and Illinois.
From in-depth conversations with local leaders to insightful discussions on national topics with a regional impact, Jim Mertens brings clarity and perspective to the stories shaping our communities.
Plus, don’t miss Out and About, a weekly segment highlighting can’t-miss events and happenings across the region—keeping you connected to what’s happening in your backyard.
Airing Thursdays at 7:00PM.
*Encore airing on Sundays at 4:00PM.
Find our content on these popular platforms:
Find out what's happening in the region
Democratic State Representative Gregg Johnson of East Moline, Illinois joins Jim to discuss federal cuts and the pending state budget. Their conversation explores the shifting political landscapes at both the state and federal levels—and what those changes could mean for the Quad Cities.
Broadcast date: 03/20/2025
Jim sits down with Michael Glanz from The Arc of the Quad Cities to discuss Illinois’ new Dignity and Pay Act and its impact on sub-minimum wages. Then, he chats with Joseph Patrick Dooley about the excitement building for the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day parade in the Quad Cities.
Broadcast date: 03/06/2025
Jim talks with Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms about downtown renovations, his ‘State of the City’ address, and new opportunities shaping the city’s future.
Broadcast date: 03/03/2025
Jim talks with Reverend Rich Hendricks of the Metropolitan Community Church and Tyler Mitchell from the Project of the Quad Cities about the new administration and its impact on the LGBTQ+ community.
Broadcast date: 02/20/2025
Rock Island County Public Health & the Academy Awards
Broadcast date: 02/13/2025
Jim speaks with Amy DeHaven of QCAIR about how the new administration is affecting immigrant families in the Quad Cities. He also talks with National Weather Service meteorologist Rick Kinney about weather and precipitation patterns.
Broadcast date: 02/06/2025
Jim talks with Habitat for Humanity Quad Cities about regional homelessness and President Carter’s impact. He also speaks with Kassie Daly of WIU’s Quad Cities Campus about FAFSA and enrollment.
Broadcast date: 01/30/2025
Jim Mertens is an award-winning news anchor with deep roots in the Quad Cities and surrounding region. He spent 27 years at WQAD-TV in Moline before joining Cedar Rapids’ ABC affiliate, KCRG-TV9.
Over the course of his career, Jim has received numerous accolades, including first-place honors from the Iowa Associated Press, the Iowa Broadcast News Association, and the Illinois News Broadcasters Association. He has also served as president of both the Iowa Broadcast News Association and the Northwest Broadcast News.
Jim began his broadcasting career in 1978 at WFON-FM in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.
Become a member of WQPT PBS by making a donation and supporting your local community. Get extended access to your favorite PBS shows and films, just one benefit of WQPT PBS Membership.
A PUBLIC MEDIA SERVICE OF
MEMBER
