07 Jun 2013

Media General and Young Broadcasting Announce Merger Agreement

By Media General
  • The combined company will own or operate 30 network-affiliated TV stations across 27 markets reaching 14% of U.S. TV households
  • Media General's dual-class stock structure will be unwound as part of the transaction
  • The transaction will be immediately accretive on a free cash flow per share basis
  • New Media General intends to refinance its combined debt at a substantially lower cost of capital

Richmond, VA - Media General, Inc. (NYSE: MEG) and privately held Young Broadcasting Holding Co., Inc., both local broadcast television and digital media companies, today announced a definitive agreement to combine the two companies in an all-stock merger transaction.  The new company will retain the Media General name and will remain headquartered in Richmond, VA.

Young Broadcasting owns KWQC-TV6 in the Quad Cities.

Media General owns 18 network-affiliated stations, and Young owns or operates 12 network-affiliated stations.  The combination will create a company with 30 stations operating in 27 markets, reaching 16.5 million, or 14%, of U.S. TV households.  On a pro forma basis, 2012 revenues were $605 million, including approximately $115 million of political revenues.

The new company will have a strong balance sheet, including significant tax carryover net operating losses that will survive the merger, and an enhanced credit profile, creating opportunities to refinance existing debt at a significantly lower cost of capital.  The merger will be accretive to free cash flow in the first full year.  The companies have identified $25-30 million of operating and financing synergies.

The balance of network affiliations will include CBS (11), NBC (9), ABC (7) Fox (1), CW (1) and MNT (1).  Sixteen of the 30 stations are located in the Top 75 DMAs.  The new company will be more geographically diverse and will have a presence in more markets that generate strong political revenues.  Its increased size will enhance its ability to participate in retransmission revenue growth, share growth of national and digital advertising, and syndicated programming purchasing.

J. Stewart Bryan III, chairman of Media General, said, "The business combination of Media General and Young is a transformational event that will benefit shareholders, employees and the communities we serve.  The combination provides immediate accretion to free cash flow, a strong balance sheet, the opportunity to refinance debt at a much lower cost and attractive synergies.  Young's management and its owners share Media General's commitment to quality local journalism and to operating top-rated TV stations, making this merger a unique and compelling combination with significant growth potential.  I have agreed to vote all of my shares to unwind Media General's dual-class stock structure and to approve the transaction.  I look forward to benefiting as a continuing long-term shareholder in the new Media General."

31 May 2013

WQPT AWARDS 2013 BROADCAST SCHOLARSHIP

By Lora Adams

MOLINE, IL - The 2013 WQPT Broadcast Scholarship has been awarded to Victoria Hanson of Cambridge (IL), a senior broadcasting major at Western Illinois University's Macomb campus.

 Victoria Hanson WQPT.jpg

"Victoria is the type of student who simply gets the work done, and she does a quality job at the same time," said Roger Sadler, WIU broadcasting professor.

Hanson is a member of Students in the Illinois News Broadcasters Association, and is a 2013 inductee in the National Broadcasting Society.

"I am so thankful to have won WQPT's broadcast scholarship. My final semester will be this fall, and I can't believe my college years are coming to an end. I am excited for my future,  and thanks to WQPT, I will have a little less financial stress." Hanson said. "I have been a television reporter on WIU's newscast for two years, and I will be a television anchor in the fall for a second semester. I hope to become a television anchor or reporter for a local television station on the East Coast."

WQPT is a media service of Western Illinois University located in Moline.

# # #

29 May 2013

The QUAD CITIES FILM COALITION welcomes Liz Gilman, Executive Producer of Produce Iowa, Office of Media Production, Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs

By J Douglas Miller
The Quad Cities Film Coalition is hosting a welcoming visit for the head of the replacement organization of the former Iowa Film Office on June the 11th.  Liz Gilman has been named the Executive Producer of Produce Iowa, Office of Media Production, which is a unit of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs.  Her appointment was announced earlier this month in Des Moines, Iowa, by Mary Cownie, Director of the Department of Cultural Affairs.
Ms Gilman will be touring the area, meeting with various community leaders, becoming acquainted with the Quad Cities area production community both in front of and behind the camera, as well as those who are interested in media production of all kinds in the digital age of computers.
The main focus of Produce Iowa is to rebuild the infrastructure of the promotional efforts of the production industry of the State of Iowa and to promote the abilities of the production community itself within the state as well to those outside of the state who are interested in utilizing the production professional's skills of the state while doing production in Iowa.  The Office of Media Production will also be engaged in the identification of new trends in media production and the advancements that are being made within the State of Iowa as those trends evolve on a global basis.
Ms Gilman will also be briefing an Ad Hoc committee of the Quad Cities Film Coalition, concerning the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs program and exhibit, HOLLYWOOD IN THE HEARTLAND, which is slated for development in the coming year and an unveiling in Des Moines at the State Historical Museum of Iowa, which is near the Capitol, in June of 2014.  The program is being co-sponsored by the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, Preserve Iowa, Main Street Iowa and Iowa Tourism.
HOLLYWOOD IN THE HEARTLAND's objectives are to bring attention to the many contributions that have been made to Hollywood through the actors that made their way to the silver screen from Iowa and became noteworthy, the motion pictures that have been shot in the state over the years and the many historic motion picture exhibition experiences that can be had throughout the state through the extensive theater venues located in the State of Iowa.  A vast inventory of these historic venues that are in existence and those that are long gone across the state is currently be developed.  The history of the film industry and its many facets with Iowa connections will also be explored through this program.  A virtual, (on the internet and otherwise) and real tour will be available for the public to experience once the proposed exhibit and program has matured in June of 2014.  Tours are contemplated across the State of Iowa to take place over the expected three years of the program.
The Iowa Quad Cities has a rich and deep history that is to be explored and contributed to this effort by the Quad Cities Film Coalition to the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs and its co-sponsors, which spans motion picture and live entertainment going back over 100 years.
Davenport, Bettendorf and Scott County has an extensive background to share with regards to the many motion picture venues that have existed here going back to the 19th Century and the dawn of the motion picture era.  At one time, over 30 theaters existed in the Davenport and Bettendorf and Scott County area alone with some of the most famous actors of the era visiting the region from time to time to make personal appearances.  Most of these venues are gone but some still do exist though they are not used as theaters any more.  Two of the remaining four motion picture palaces of the golden era in the State of Iowa, with seating in the thousands, still exist here in the presence of the Adler Theatre (the former RKO Orpheum) in Davenport and the Capitol Theatre also in Davenport.
Many motion pictures stars came from the area going all the back to the silent era through to the present including Nate Pendleton, former President Ronald Reagan, Hugh Marlowe and Jock Mahoney to name a few, as well as Linnea Quigley, the B-Movie Queen, who was born in Davenport and graduated from Bettendorf High School.  All of these and numerous other notables in the industry can be researched by checking Davenport, Iowa on imdb.com the motion picture data base.
The area contributed greatly to the advancement of film related to inventions, manufacturing, production, and distribution industries globally through such companies as the Victor Animatograph Company, one of the inventors, developers and manufacturers of the first 16 mm cameras and projectors in 1923.  Alexander F. Victor was the holder of over 60 motion picture related patents that advanced the industry tremendously during the first half of the 20th Century.  At one time, the Victor Company, which began in downtown Davenport, employed over 500 people in the area in a large factory on the edge of the city in Northwest Davenport just after World War II.
Blackhawk Films contributed to the development of an advanced method of classic film distribution for over 50 years and became world famous because of the distribution agreements that they had acquired which included the Fox Movie Tone Newsreels and many others similar rare novelty items as well as a large number of the films of the most important actors and players in the silent era including Charles Chaplin and those of the golden age of the studios.  Blackhawk Films' products were highly prized by film buffs from around the world and are still considered to be the finest of their kind today.  Blackhawk Films was owned by the Eastin/Phelan Corporation of Davenport.
There will be a reception held at the Lodge Hotel in Bettendorf, Iowa in the Garden Atrium next to the Black Bear Lounge to introduce Ms. Gilman to the local production community at large and those who are interested in Produce Iowa and the Office of Media Production.  Musical entertainment will be provide by members of the BUCKTOWN REVUE.
All are invited to this event which will include the opportunity for the local media to interview Ms. Gilman about her tour and impressions of the region.  The event will last from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm.
You can contact Liz Gilman, Executive Producer of Produce Iowa, the Office of Media Production, directly in Des Moines at 515-725-0044 for an interview in advance of her appearance in the Iowa Quad Cities on the 11th of June.
Doug Miller, the co-founder and facilitator of the Quad Cities Film Coalition, the main sponsor of this tour and reception event is available at 563-349-1041 for more information.
We would like to thank the Lodge Hotel and the BUCKTOWN REVUE for the gracious contributions.
BELOW IS A NEWS RELEASE FROM THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS ABOUT MS. GILMAN'S APPOINTMENT EARLIER THIS MONTH IT IS AVAILABLE FOR YOUR REVIEW AND USE.
29 May 2013

Tony Wilkins Named General Sales Manager for KLJB-TV Fox 18 and KGCW-TV Quad Cities CW in Davenport, Iowa

By Stephanie De Pasquale-Soebbing

Grant Communications, Inc. is proud to announce that Tony Wilkins has been named as the General Sales Manager for KLJB-TV Fox 18 and KGCW-TV Quad Cities CW in Davenport, Iowa.

President and CEO of Grant Communications, Inc., Drew Pfeiffer announced today the promotion of Mr. Wilkins to the position.

Mr. Pfeiffer said, "Mr. Wilkins has been with Grant for thirteen years. His accomplishments are many. Rising to be the General Sales Manager was entirely due to his hard work and dogged determination. Nothing pleases me more than the opportunity to promote one of our own. We all expect much more for this young man."

Corporate Director of Sales, Jaime Horowitz, expressed his confidence that Mr. Wilkins would continue to develop the sales efforts of the stations. "I believe with Tony's vast experience he will be a huge asset to our team", said Horowitz.  "His use of marketing tools to grow local businesses will be a huge benefit to our community.  With his leadership skills I know that he will continue to grow the talents and sales of our sales team."

Mr. Wilkins' responsibilities will include supervising and training an already outstanding local sales team.  He will work with them to improve sales opportunities, grow revenue and market share

Mr. Wilkins is a graduate of Southern Illinois University.  He resides in Davenport, Iowa with his wife and two sons.

-30-
14 May 2013

WQPT RECEIVES WARN GRANT

By Lora Adams

MOLINE, IL -WQPT, Quad Cities PBS has received a grant from the PBS Warning Alert and Response Network (WARN) program to a fund power backup and hardening project for WQPT studios and transmitters.

WQPT will purchase, install and test back-up equipment required to maintain the station's broadcast of Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) to cellular telephone companies for up to 72 hours in the event of a power outage. WQPT will have the system installed by August 31.

"We are pleased to be working with PBS and the Department of Commerce on the WARN program. Not only will it improve uninterrupted service to our viewers in times of emergency or crisis, but it will protect their investment in public television," said WQPT Director Mary Pruess.

On June 1, 2010, the Department of Commerce awarded PBS a grant under the WARN Act of 2005, which allowed PBS to implement a project establishing the PBS WARN program. With this grant, PBS assists stations like WQPT comply with an FCC a mandate to provide a backup pathway for sending WEAs from FEMA to cellular phone companies. One year later, the Department of Commerce authorized an additional round of funding, which allowed PBS to award sub-grants for the purchase and installation of the generators, UPS systems and related power backup and hardening equipment that would ensure continuous dissemination of WEAs.

For more information on Wireless Emergency Alerts and the Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS) visit http://www.pbs.org/about/WARN.

WQPT signed on the air November 3, 1983. WQPT's signal covers all or part of 10 counties in western Illinois and three in eastern Iowa. The station reaches 309,000 households and estimates 50,000 households view the station on a weekly basis.

WQPT is a public media service of Western Illinois University Quad Cities located in Moline, IL.

# # #  
14 May 2013

100-Year-Old Iowa Mystery!

By Chad Lewis
Creature Attacks Iowa

Hello,

I thought you would be interested in the bizarre Iowa case that led to my newest book,  The Van Meter Visitor: A True and Mysterious Encounter with the Unknown

For several nights in 1903, the small town of Van Meter, Iowa was terrorized by a giant bat-like creature that emerged from an old abandoned coal mine.

The identity of this mysterious visitor was never discovered. Over 100 years later, we set out to Van Meter to shine a light on this amazingly bizarre case. Filled with eye witness reports, historic photos, and current accounts of the paranormal, this in-depth book looks to discover what really happened in the town of Van Meter.

If you agree that this Iowa mystery would be of interest to your readers, I have included all the information along with an attachment of what the creature looked like, and would love to talk to you about the bizarre case.

Keep an eye out,

Chad Lewis

715-271-1831

www.thevanmetervisitor.com

www.unexplainedresearch.com

 

A True and Mysterious Encounter with the unknown

Over 100 years after the mysterious visitor terrorized Iowa, three researchers set out to Van Meter to shine light on this amazingly bizarre case. Filled with eye-witness reports, historic photos, and current accounts of paranormal events, this in-depth book looks to discover:

  • Was it an unknown animal?
  • Was it mass hysteria?
  • Was it an extraterrestrial?
  • Was it a hoax?
  • Or was it something far stranger?

Author / Speaker Bio

For nearly two decades Chad Lewis has traveled the back roads of the world in search of the strange and unusual. From tracking vampires in Transylvania and searching for the elusive monster of Loch Ness to trailing the dangerous Tata Duende through remote villages of Belize and searching for ghosts in Ireland's haunted castles, Chad has scoured the earth in search of the paranormal.
Chad has been featured on the Discovery Channel's A Haunting, William Shatner's Weird or What, ABC's Scariest Places on Earth, along with being a frequent contributor on Ripley's Believe it or Not Radio. With a Masters Degree in Psychology, Chad has authored over 15 books on the supernatural, and extensively lectures on his fascinating findings.  The more bizarre the legend, the more likely it is that you will find Chad there.
13 May 2013

New Book on Rural Education Teaches America History Recounted In "We Were Pretty Darn Good"

By Rick Martin

There was a time when country living was a significant part of American life. That time and place needed an educational system that would work, and whatwas finally made to work is the subject of a new book by Steve Grineski. We Were Pretty Darn Good, a story of progressive education in rural communities, links President Theodore Roosevelt's Report of the Country Life Commission with the need to educate thousands of children born on farms and homesteads. Author Steve Grineki, with an eye for vivid detail, traces the response to that report.

Focusing on the teacher preparation at the legendary Morehead Normal School in Minnesota and the contributions of its graduates to the transformation of America, Steve Grineski traces the results of the teaching efforts over two generations, With verbal sketches of several "darn good" teachers and the specific results of their teaching efforts, he brings into clear focus, the training and dedication of the rural teachers who brought to their students, the world of analytical thought and inspiration, much of it driving bountiful changes to significant measures of the  American landscape. We Were Darn Good is a fascinating book and is a long overdue chapter, not just in the annals of American education, but in the wider panorama of American history

Steve Grineski PhD serves as liaison between the Minnesota State University-Morehead  Teacher Education and the Moorhead, Minnesota, Alternative Education programs. He has presented and been published widely in diverse areas including cooperative learning and corporate school reform..

We Were Darn Good is available at Barnes and Noble bookstores, Books a Million, BN.com and Amazon and bookstores nationwide.

13 May 2013

Library Lines: Biking, History & More

By Rock Island Library
Explore the World of Bike Touring & Book Writing Monday

bicylists blurred Discussion:

Bike Touring and Book Writing,

Monday, May 13,

6:30 to 7:30 pm,

Rock Island Main Library

 

Rock Island author Chuck Oestreich will informally discuss his novel, "Bicycle Moon," and lead a discussion about practical tips for touring on a bike. Chuck has toured cross-country on bike in the United States and 10 countries.

Writing a novel has been one of his lifelong dreams, and he'll talk a little bit about the story and share some practical tips he's learned over the years about bicycle touring. Come share your own tips and stories about touring on two wheels!

 

No books will be for sale, but if you have one, bring it along! Event is free and open to the public.
Learn about the Rock Island Civil War prison

Heritage Documentaries logo Film & Discussion:

The Rock Island Civil War Prison:

Andersonville of the North?

6:30 to 7:30 pm, Thursday, May 23

Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street.

The event is free and open to the public.

 

The 30-minute documentary tells the story of the Rock Island Confederate prison camp using dramatic photos and other high-definition images. It documents the life of prisoners using their own words from diaries and letters and demonstrates that the death rate at Rock Island was much lower than the astonishing death rate at Andersonville Prison in Georgia. The title, "Andersonville of the North," is derived from a passage in Margaret Mitchell's literary classic, Gone with the Wind.

 

Writers/directors Ed Isenberg and Ezra Sidran will be present to discuss the production and answer questions. The documentary is also available on DVD.
New Service for Music Lovers!

Now you can download music from the Rock Island Library - and what's more, you can keep it.

 

Freegal Music service Rock Island Public Library has joined Library Ideas™' network of public library websites that offer access to over 3 million songs, including Sony Music's catalog of legendary artists. The Freegal™ Music Service will allow the Rock Island Public Library to increase the size and diversity of its music collection by offering access to over 10,000 music labels from 65 different countries.

 

Registered cardholders of the Rock Island Public Library with accounts in good standing can download three Freegal Music tracks in the MP3 format each month at no direct cost via the library website. The library underwrites the purchase of the music. Downloaded tunes become part of the patron's personal music library - they do not disappear or need to be returned after a set period.

 

Freegall is compatible with a number of devices, and Freegal Music apps are available in the Apple® App Store and Google Play®.

  • Users must have a Rock Island Public Library card in good standing. As a subscription service, Freegal is not available to patrons of other libraries. (Unless your library also subscribes. Contact your home library.)
  • Patrons will need their Rock Island Library card number and PIN to access the website.
  • Up to three (3) songs may be downloaded per patron per week. Downloads can't be withdrawn once finalized. Each song does have a sample clip so you can listen before you download.
  • Users must download from home. This service is not available from library computers.

Full instructions are available on the Rock Island Library website under "Download This." A free class will also be offered at 6:30 pm on June 19 at the Main Library.

 
PrairieState Legal Services at Main Once a Week

Hours have changed for a new awareness service from Prairie State Legal Services at the Main Library, 401 19th Street.

 

Trained volunteers from Prairie State Legal Services will be available from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm on Mondays only, on the 2nd floor.  Prairie State will offer information and assistance with navigating public benefits for food, cash, medical assistance, disability and township assistance.
More Ways to Stay in Touch!
Find us on Facebook Follow us on TwitterBookletters logo 75 pix Library Logo
10 May 2013

Rock Island Library Hosts Civil War Documentary Screening

By Lisa Lockheart

Rock Island, IL: The Rock Island Public Library will host a screening and discussion by Heritage Documentaries on Thursday, May 23 of "The Rock Island Civil War Prison: Andersonville of the North?" The screening starts at 6:30 pm in the Community Room of the Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street. The event is free and open to the public.

The 30-minute documentary tells the story of the Rock Island Confederate prison camp using dramatic photos and other high-definition images.  It documents the life of prisoners using their own words from diaries and letters and demonstrates that the death rate at Rock Island was much lower than the astonishing death rate at Andersonville Prison in Georgia. The title, "Andersonville of the North," is derived from a passage in Margaret Mitchell's literary classic, Gone with the Wind.

Writers/directors Ed Isenberg and Ezra Sidran will be present to discuss the production and answer questions. The documentary is also available on DVD.

For more news about Rock Island Public Library events, visit www.rockislandlibrary.org, call 309-732-7323 (READ) or follow the Rock Island Library on Facebook and Twitter. A monthly calendar of library events is available online and at Rock Island Library locations.

(end)
09 May 2013

Negotiation and Peacebuilding Series Coming to Moline Public Library

By Jennifer Christiansen

The Moline Public Library and the Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities welcome historian Dr. Arthur Pitz as he leads the series Building Peace in the Middle East, beginning in June.  The program will be held four consecutive Tuesdays, June 11, June 18, June 25th and July 2nd, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Moline Library, 3210 41st Street.

Participants will learn the art of conflict resolution and international relations through the methods of the Harvard Negotiation Project.  These principles will be applied to current issues facing the Middle East through active group discussion and consensus building.

This grant-funded program is provided by the generosity of the United States Institute of Peace, the independent, nonpartisan conflict management center created by Congress to prevent and mitigate international conflict without resorting to violence. USIP works to save lives, increase the government's ability to deal with conflicts before they escalate, reduce government costs, and enhance national security. USIP is headquartered in Washington, DC with offices in Baghdad, Iraq, and Kabul, Afghanistan.

As part of its congressional mandate, USIP devotes a portion of its budget to support organizations that will advance the field of conflict management by developing new techniques, establishing best practices, and professionalizing the field through education and training. The Public Education for Peacebuilding Support is a program of USIP administered by the Institute of International Education.

Space is limited for this event, so registration is required.  Participants may sign up by visiting the Moline Public Library or calling 309-524-2470.

Illinois teachers may choose to attend this series for 8 CPDUs, with a $25 fee through the Rock Island County Regional Office of Education or one hour of graduate credit from Aurora University for a $100 fee.  Contact RIROE at 309-736-1111 for more information.

###

Pages

Subscribe & Listen to Reader Podcasts

On Stands Now

 

Tagged Content

    

Two Ways to Subscribe

1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates.

You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities.
(Did you know we publish a new Real Astrology and RCR Crossword every week?) 

Subscribe!

* indicates required

2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48

Get 12 issues mailed monthly for $48 per year.

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Subscribe now.