Keynote speaker, Bill Albracht, author of "Abandoned in Hell"

MOLINE, IL - WQPT, Quad Cities PBS, will hold a screening of the Academy Award- nominated documentary "Last Days in Vietnam: American Experience" at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 12 at CityView Celebrations in Moline. The screening is open free to the public.

The film chronicles the final chaotic days of the Vietnam War, as the North Vietnamese Army closed in on Saigon. City after city and village after village fell to the North, while the few U.S. diplomats and military operatives still in the country contemplated withdrawal. With the lives of thousands of Vietnamese hanging in the balance, those in control faced an impossible choice - who would go and who would be left behind to face brutality, imprisonment and even death. Directed by Rory Kenney the film marks the 40th anniversary of the fall of Saigon.

Following the film William Albracht, a highly decorated Vietnam veteran and author of "Abandoned in Hell: The Fight for Vietnam's Fire Base Kate," will discuss his experiences. Albrecht, who is a retired secret service agent, had a White House career spanning 25 years, in which he served on the protection details of four American Presidents and of numerous foreign dignitaries. Following his retirement, Albracht managed executive security operations for the Ford Motor Company before returning to the Quad Cities to open a security consulting business.

WQPT is a media service of Western Illinois University.

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MOLINE, IL -- WQPT can now be seen in full high definition (HD) on DirecTV. The change has been one year in the making and was started at the request of many DirecTV viewers.

In order to satisfy the requests for WQPT's main channel in HD, the station was required to trade in the standard definition (SD) carriage of both WQPT and our secondary channel, MHz Worldview.

"It takes more band width to broadcast in high definition," said WQPT General Manager Mary Pruess. "Therefore, our SD carriage of both WQPT and MHz Worldview were traded in order to accommodate the change to HD."

DirecTV viewers can still see MHz Worldview on DirecTV channel 2183 (with the appropriate equipment), or it remains free, over the air, anytime on WQPT-2 (24.2). Over-the-air and Mediacom viewers are not affected by this change.

WQPT is a media service of Western Illinois University.

 

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DALLAS, Texas–Constitutional attorney John W. Whitehead will appear on a special broadcast of "Glenn Beck Live" on April 9, 2015, to debut his forthcoming book Battlefield America: The War on the American People (due out on April 14) and discuss the constitutional crisis plaguing the nation. Whitehead, who serves as the president of The Rutherford Institute, will also be discussing some of the cases the Institute has handled in recent years which reflect the growing tension over the government's refusal to respect the rights of the citizenry and abide by the rule of law.

In Battlefield America: The War on the American People, (the follow-up to his award-winning book A Government of Wolves: The Emerging American Police State), Whitehead paints a terrifying portrait of a nation at war with itself and which is on the verge of undermining the basic freedoms guaranteed to the citizenry in the Constitution. Making the case that the government's policies are dictated more by paranoia, power and control than need, Whitehead warns that it doesn't really matter whether it's a Democrat or a Republican at the helm, because the bureaucratic mindset on both sides of the aisle now seems to embody the same philosophy that has become the driving force behind the American police state.

"The outlook for civil liberties grows bleaker by the day, from the government's embrace of indefinite detention for US citizens and armed surveillance drones flying overhead to warrantless surveillance of phone, email and Internet communications, and prosecutions of government whistle-blowers," writes Whitehead. "The homeland is ruled by a police-industrial complex, an extension of the American military empire. Everything that our founding fathers warned against is now the new norm. The government has trained its sights on the American people. We have become the enemy."

The shocking abuses of power revealed in Battlefield America have rendered Americans:

  • Helpless in the face of militarized police (SWAT team raids, police shootings, roadside strip searches, asset forfeiture, 1033 programs) and routine invasions of privacy
  • Vulnerable to government surveillance (Stingray devices, fusion centers, USA Patriot Act)
  • Defenseless against absurd laws that have them arrested for letting their kids play at a park unsupervised, collecting rainwater and snow runoff on their own property, and growing vegetables in their yard (overcriminalization, National Defense Authorization Act, private prisons)

No matter how dire the outlook appears, Whitehead insists that all is not lost. The freedoms which Americans often take for granted were hard won through the sheer determination, suffering and sacrifice of thousands of patriotic Americans who not only believed in the cause of liberty but also acted on that belief. American colonists suffered under Great Britain's version of an early police state, with armed soldiers crashing through doors to arrest and imprison citizens merely for criticizing government officials. They too were watched all the time, and were stopped and frisked if they appeared even a little bit suspicious. It was only when the colonists finally got fed up with being silenced, censored, searched, frisked, threatened, and arrested that they finally revolted against the tyrant's fetters. Battlefield America is drawing praise on all fronts from presidential contender Ron Paul (who also wrote the introduction), Judge Andrew Napolitano, former ACLU president Nadine Strossen and syndicated columnists Paul Craig Roberts, Lew Rockwell and Nat Hentoff.

This press release is also available at www.rutherford.org.

MOLINE, ILLINOIS -- If you enjoy public television and volunteerism, then becoming a WQPT/PBS Ambassador may be just the thing for you. 

 

The WQPT/PBS Ambassador program is an opportunity for college students to represent public television at a variety of events throughout eastern Iowa and western Illinois. Ambassadors are highly trained extensions of the WQPT volunteer force, representing the station at fairs, community and fundraising events and on television. According to WQPT Director Mary Pruess, serving as an ambassador is also a way for students to fulfill their schools volunteerism requirements, while making a difference in the community. 

 

For more information and to apply by May 1, visit wqpt.org/involved, or call (309) 796-2424.  

 

WQPT is a media service of Western Illinois University.

 

 

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Siddiqi Selected as WIU 2015 Distinguished Faculty Lecturer; Lecture Set for April 8 at WIU-QC

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL - The Western Illinois University 2015 Distinguished Faculty Lecturer, Mohammad Ahmadullah Siddiqi, will present "Digitization and the Future of Media. In What Form Will Newspapers Survive?" at  3 p.m. Wednesday, April 8 at the Western Illinois University-Quad Cities Riverfront Hall, room 103-104 (Moline).

In this lecture, Siddiqi, professor of journalism and public relations in the WIU Department of English and Journalism, will share the results of his studies on the impact of digitization on media content, readership and formats.

"Websites, blogging and various social media platforms are taking over the roles played by the traditional media," Siddiqi explained. "More people now receive their news, as well as entertainment, from YouTube, Facebook and Twitter. Advertising revenue for traditional media is shrinking and the 'shape' of newspapers is changing," he said.

In his lecture, Siddiqi will emphasize the need for revising the journalism curriculum and teaching students about the new technologies, social media journalism and multimedia skills.

"The traditional newspaper audience exists far beyond those who buy print copies, and newspapers still serve an important function in our society," he added.

Siddiqi also said that technological developments, even unforeseen ones, are going to challenge newspapers to be more innovative in providing the in-depth news and views to their audiences. 

Siddiqi joined Western's faculty in 1987. In 2006, he became the director of Western's journalism program and served as chair for the English and journalism department (2009-10). 

During his time at WIU, Siddiqi has garnered several awards and honors, including: the President's Award of Excellence in Diversity (2013); the College of Arts and Sciences' Outstanding Service Award (2013); an award for Excellence in Multicultural Teaching (2011); and the President's Faculty Excellence Award for Outstanding Scholarly Work (1992). 

In 2014, Siddiqi was inducted into the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. Interfaith Hall of Fame at Morehouse College (Atlanta, GA) for his service to humanity and his spiritual guidance and mentorship. He has also served as the president of the Islamic Center of Macomb for more than two decades.

Siddiqi has published three books, numerous book chapters and more than one dozen articles in refereed journals. He serves on the editorial advisory boards of the Journal of Arab & Muslim Media Research (U.K.); Journal of Media Studies (Pakistan); and Journal of the Global Communication Research Association. He is a member of the Public Relations Society of America; a lifelong member, and executive committee member, of the International Association of Media and Communication Research (IAMCR); a member of the Board of Trustees of the Council for a Parliament of the World's Religions (CPWR); and a member of, as well as the treasurer for, the World Council of Muslims for Interfaith Relations (WCMIR). 

Siddiqi has lectured and conducted media workshops, delivered keynote addresses and presented papers in national and international conferences and conventions of professional associations of journalism and public relations. He has travelled to many countries, including most European countries, most nations in the Middle East, almost all of the countries in Asia and about half dozen countries in Africa. 

Siddiqi received his bachelor's degree (1970) and master's degree (1973), both in physics, from the Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India. He earned a master's degree in mass communication from University of Illinois-Chicago (1984) and his doctorate in international communication from Temple University (1987).

KWQC-TV6 swept the 2015 February ratings period, winning total Households in all Monday through Friday newscasts, which include Quad Cities Today, News at Noon, 4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 10 p.m.  

In the key demographic sought by advertisers - Persons 25-54 - Quad Cities Today, KWQC News at Noon, and KWQC News at 10 posted ratings that more than double other newscasts in the market.   

Wheel of Fortune continues to be a ratings stalwart in prime access winning both total Households and Persons 25-54.

"These ratings are strong evidence of what we already knew - KWQC is the station people in the Quad Cities rely on to get their news," said KWQC-TV6 News Director Rich Kurz.  "We're honored to have earned the trust of our viewers, and we'll keep working our hardest every day to reward that trust."

 

While network morning shows are in a tight battle for ratings nationally, NBC's Today continues to be the network morning show of choice in the Q.C.A., winning not only total Household ratings but the key demographics of Persons 25-54 and Women 25-54 as well.

The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon rounds out KWQC-TV6's broadcast day winning both total Households and Persons 25-54 by more than double other network late shows on at that time.

About Media General
Media General, Inc. is one of the nation's largest multimedia companies that operates or services 71 television stations in 48 markets along with the industry's leading digital media business. We offer consumers and advertisers premium quality entertainment and information, content and distribution on every screen. Our robust portfolio of broadcast, digital and mobile products informs and engages 23% of U.S. TV households and 43% of the U.S. Internet audience.

Media General has the industry's largest and most diverse digital media business with a growing portfolio that includes LIN Digital, LIN Mobile, HYFN, Dedicated Media, Federated Media and BiteSizeTV. We deliver integrated digital marketing solutions utilizing our comScore Top 15 Video and Top 25 Display market share, as well as the latest in content marketing, video, display and mobile advertising solutions, social intelligence and reporting across all screens.  With unmatched local-to-national reach, Media General is a one-stop-shop for agencies and brands that want to effectively and efficiently reach their target audiences on all screens.  Media General trades on the NYSE under the symbol "MEG." - See more at: http://mediageneral.com/press/2014/dec30_14.html#sthash.hzEFEq1n.dpuf

The Art of Losing Yourself (Waterbrook Press, April 21, 2015) by Christy Award finalist Katie Ganshert follows TV weather girl Carmen Hart as she pretends to the live a perfect life behind her phony on-camera smile.
"I think all of us, if we're being honest, pass through seasons of doubt at one point or another," states Ganshert. "But so often, it's such a taboo topic to talk about. I hope this book can open up some dialogue regarding the doubts we face. I think doubt loses its power when we bring it out into the light."
Set in Florida's panhandle, Carmen struggles with doubt wondering if she made a mistake marrying her husband and if the God she once believed in is even real. After years of losses and empty arms longing for a baby of her own, she's not so sure anymore. Even more so, when instead of a newborn, she ends up with her 17-year-old runaway, half-sister Gracie Fisher in her care.
Ganshert will be signing copies of her new novel:
May 2, 2015
2-4 PM
Books-A-Million
400 E. 53rd St.
Davenport, IA, 52807.

MOLINE, IL -- WQPT, QUAD CITIES PBS and Fourth Wall Films will screen their documentary, "Letters Home to Hero Street," at 5 p.m. Sunday, March 22 at Hampton Grace United Methodist Church in Hampton, Illinois. The film screening is open free to the public.

 

The 30-minute film draws on the letters home from one of eight soldiers, who were lost to war, who lived on 2nd Street in Silvis, IL, which is now known as "Hero Street USA." Through the soldier's letters home to his family, the documentary provides a glimpse into the experiences of one of the heroes.

 

After the film, there will be an informal question-and-answer period.

 

The project was funded in part by the Illinois Arts Council.

 

WQPT is a media service of Western Illinois University.

 

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Bettendorf, IA -National dental IT company Medix Dental (headquartered in Bettendorf) unveiled a new video this week shot in Davenport's famed and historic Figge Art Musem. The creative video short features Quad City residents Chris Jess (age 35) and Brody Ford (age 11).  The video was recorded in the museum's Nobis Boardroom.

"The Figge Art Museum is a Midwest gem, so the decision to record at such a beautiful location was a no-brainer," says Medix Dental's Communication Director Laura Simmons. "I expect more and more businesses will take advantage of the state-of-the-art facility here in our own backyard, especially as video marketing continues to become a necessary marketing standard."

Highly acclaimed Josh Ford of Ford Photography (Davenport) shot and edited the playful video. "When thinking of locations for Medix Dental's video, it was difficult to envision it happening anywhere else," says Ford. "The architecture of the Figge Museum is so beautiful. My wife and I were married there, and we continue to appreciate the Figge's employee efforts and programs they continue to provide our hometown."

The video can be seen at www.medixdental.com, Medix Dental's Facebook page, or on Medix Dental's YouTube channel at youtube.com/medixtech.  See more of Josh Ford's work at www.ford-photo.com.

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Hello again! Here are my new releases that have recently gone up on Amazon. Between Christmas and the present three new books have been released, and I'd like to tell you a little more about them. You can see the 3 images in the "Hellfire & Damnation" short story series, organized around Dante's "Inferno" and the crimes or sins punished at each of the 9 Circles of Hell. Give special attention to the cover art by famed artist Vincent Chong on books II and III. The paperback versions of Volumes I and II are available from Amazon or the Merry Blacksmith Press; Volume III is available from Amazon or Quad City Press. Look for some KDP promotions in April and/or May, which I'll notify you about and check WeeklyWilson for the Virtual Tour that commences on March 15th for H&D III.
- Connie Corcoran Wilson

"Hellfire & Damnation" is a series of short stories organized around the theme of describing the sins or crimes punished at each of the 9 Circles of Hell within Dante's "Inferno." The first award-winning book was published by the Merry Blacksmith Press; the second book, by the same publisher, included a short story made into a short film, one requested by the Berkeley Fiction Review which won an ALMA (American Literary Merit Award) on September 12, 2012. Now comes "Hellfire & Damnation III," nine stories, ranging from the tale of a deranged Satanic cult leader who convinces a young man of limited intelligence to commit murder, to a story set in New Zealand (which is up as a "free" sample on Weekly Wilson, "The Battle of Gate Pa." Check out this latest installment of "Hellfire & Damnation," available in both print and e-book versions, at Hellfire And Damnation The Book, where the trailers for all 3 books and critical praise can be accessed. http://youtube/dHmcLzmxmd0 A virtual tour begins March 15th for this third book, and a list of the tour stops for the unpaid bloggers can be accessed on WeeklyWilson.com.

"Ghostly Tales of New Mexico & Arizona: Route 66" a breaks out of the stories contained within Quixote Press' Volume II of "Ghostly Tales of Route 66" in e-book format, with illustrations replaced. Previously, an e-book existed comprised of text only. That book will return, but these shorter books, broken out by state, with the original pictures and some additional pictures added. You can expect to see Texas, California, Ilinois and Missouri in future months and "Ghostly Tales of Oklahoma: Route 66" is available now as e-book only at Amazon.

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