University News
WQPT Joins Forces with Western
May 3, 2010
MOLINE, IL – WQPT, the Quad Cities public televison affiliate for the past 27 years, became a part of the Western Illinois University-Quad Cities family May 1.
According to Joe Rives, vice president for Quad Cities, planning and technology at WIU, the Black Hawk College and Western Illlinois University boards approved the transfer at their respective meetings in October 2009, and the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) approved the transfer in December. The agreement transfers the ownership of WQPT's broadcast license and all physical and monetary assets to Western and the WIU Foundation.
"The acquisition of WQPT by Western is consistent with the public service component of our strategic plan. Western serves as a resource and stimulus to educational, community and cultural development. Having WQPT as a part of Western fits into our mission, and also provides yet another way for Western to promote not only its outstanding programs and achievements, but the rich history, wonderful events and diverse communities in the Quad Cities region," Rives added.
The WIU Foundation will provide the nonprofit status for the station, and WQPT will have a community advisory board and a development board, which will identify and obtain operating funds for the station. WQPT, which covers 17 counties in eastern Iowa and northwestern Illinois, will exist as a self-funded department with the University structure and will be responsible for generating its revenue needs.
Eight full-time and two part-time WQPT staff became Western employees upon the May 1 transfer, and will be moving into leased office space at a later date at Moline's Crown Center, 3800 Avenue of the Cities.
Master control and primary studio facilities will be located at Fusion Communications in Davenport, IA.
"Western Illinois University has welcomed us with great enthusiasm," said WQPT General Manager Rick Best. "We're prioritizing the many partnerships that will result from WQPT being part of the University."
An open house will be held at a later date at the Crown Center. For more information about WQPT at Western Illinois University-Quad Cities, contact Best at (309) 796-2424 or RL-Best@wiu.edu.
Posted By: Darcie Shinberger (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing
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