MOLINE, IL -- PBS, CPB and WQPT recently announced the launch of a new veterans' initiative, which will roll out over the next several years, that features national content, along with local community engagement efforts to increase dialogue and solutions as our nation's veterans transition to civilian life. The initiative includes national, multi-platform content on PBS under the banner of "Stories of Service," and the community engagement campaign funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), "Veterans Coming Home."
"The programs featured as part of 'Stories of Service' tell the compelling stories of those who have served and provide a deeper understanding of our nation's military history," said Paula Kerger, PBS president and CEO. "As America's storyteller, we hope to spark conversations in communities and give the public an opportunity to share their personal or family story of service through local events and programs. Across the public television community, stations will be creating their own content and providing resources to returning veterans and their families."
"Americans will connect to these powerful stories of courage, commitment and sacrifice. They will see the veterans as people who have so much to contribute as they return to civilian life. And once they hear and see these stories, they will be compelled to respond through their local public media stations to work with local business and veterans organizations, faith based and community groups," said Pat Harrison, CPB president and CEO. "We know CPB's partnership with PBS, America's public media stations, local veterans and business organizations, working with the men and women who are sharing their personal stories, will create opportunities for our troops and their families in the communities in which they live and continue to serve."
"WQPT is very happy to be working once again with WVIK to create our own 'Stories of Service,'" said WQPT General Manager Mary Pruess. "Our two year Embracing Our Military initiative has already featured national programming, local programming and community events to better inform our Quad Cities and surrounding communities about the role the military and their families play in our area."
PBS and WQPT's 'Stories of Service' programming kicks off with the May 21 premiere of "Coming Back with Wes Moore," which is funded by CPB. The series explores Moore's search for answers to important questions about veterans returning from war. Longer range, the programming line-up includes the highly anticipated 2016 documentary on the Vietnam War from Ken Burns and Lynn Novick.
Currently, the PBS and WQPT programing under "Stories of Service' includes our veterans interstitials created in partnership with WVIK, "Moments in History" interstitials created in partnership with the Rock Island Arsenal, "Inside the Gates," produced by CBS4 and upcoming programming like: "Death and the Civil War," American Experience (7 p.m., June 24); "Day of Days - June 6, 1944 ( 7 p.m. June 10); "Unsung Heroes - The Story of America's Female Patriots (7 p.m. and 8 p.m. June 17); and Nova's "Escape from Nazi Alcatraz" (8 p.m. June 12). More about information about WQPT's programming can be found at wqpt.org.
Upcoming programming includes:
"Coming Back with Wes Moore"
7-9 p.m., May 21, 28 and June 4
A three-episode series, executive produced by best-selling author and veteran Wes Moore and Joel Olicker of Powderhouse Productions, tells the story of Moore's search for answers to some of the most difficult questions facing vets returning from war. Each episode focuses on a different stage of coming home: "Coming Back," "Fitting In" and "Moving Forward." (Produced by Powderhouse Productions; funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting [CPB] Diversity and Innovation and Bank of America.)
"Death and the Civil War" (encore)
7-9 p.m., May 24
Based on Drew Gilpin Faust's "This Republic of Suffering," this acclaimed program by Ric Burns explores a critical aspect of the Civil War experience: the implications of the war's staggering and unprecedented death toll. "Death and the Civil War" is written and directed by Ric Burns, edited by Li-Shin Yu, and produced by Robin Espinola, Bonnie LaFave, and Ric Burns. Oliver Platt is the narrator. The original concept was developed by Paul Taylor, and the cinematography is by Buddy Squires, Stephen McCarthy and Allen Moore. Music is by Brian Keane. Executive producer is Mark Samels; exclusive corporate funding for American Experience provided by Liberty Mutual Insurance. Major funding provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. Major funding for "Death and the Civil War" provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the Human Endeavor. Additional funding provided by the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, Dedicated to Strengthening America's Future Through Education; the Nordblom Family Foundation and the Gretchen Stone Cook Charitable Foundation, members of the Documentary Investment Group; and by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting [CPB] and PBS and public television viewers.)
NOVA's "D-Day's Sunken Secrets"
7-9 p.m., May 15
NOVA joins an exclusive team as they carry out the most extensive survey ever done of the seabed bordering the legendary D-Day beachheads of Normandy, revealing the ingenious technology that helped the Allies overcome the German defenses and ultimately liberate Europe from the Nazis. (Produced by WGBH Science Unit; major funding for NOVA provided by Boeing, The David H. Koch Fund for Science, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting [CPB], and PBS and public television viewers. Additional funding for "D-Day's Sunken Secrets" provided by The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations.)
About WQPT-Quad Cities PBS
WQPT-Quad Cities PBS is a media service of Western Illinois University. Founded in November 1983 the station has received local and national awards for their production work and educational outreach.
About PBS
PBS, with its over 350 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and online content. Each month, PBS reaches nearly 109 million people through television and over 28 million people online, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; to hear diverse viewpoints; and to take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS' broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry's most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. PBS' premier children's TV programming and its website, pbskids.org, are parents' and teachers' most trusted partners in inspiring and nurturing curiosity and love of learning in children. More information about PBS is available at www.pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org websites on the Internet, or by following PBS on Twitter, Facebook or through our apps for mobile devices. Specific program information and updates for press are available at pbs.org/pressroom or by following PBS PressRoom on Twitter.
About CPB
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), a private, nonprofit corporation created by Congress in 1967, is the steward of the federal government's investment in public broadcasting. It helps support the operations of more than 1,400 locally-owned and -operated public television and radio stations nationwide, and is the largest single source of funding for research, technology, and program development for public radio, television and related online services.
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