MOLINE, ILLINOIS - On Thanksgiving night 2010 WQPT premiered a brand new public affairs program called "The Cities with Jim Mertens." This Thanksgiving the program celebrates one year on the air. Producer Lora Adams said "We've interviewed more than 100 guests, everyone from Governor Branstad to original Freedom Rider, Diane Nash. Plus, we've been able to introduce our audiences to variety of local musicians and artists."
Host Jim Mertens had wanted for some time to do a longer format public affairs program. "I have the best of both worlds," Mertens said referring to his job as morning anchor at WQAD and his hosting duties for WQPT. "We've had the opportunity to talk with folks about the most up-to-the minute topics. From the flooding on the Mississippi to a couple who were caught in the civil unrest in Egypt to most recently, discussing the construction projects taking place in downtown Moline. We're also really excited that the Victor and Doris Day Foundation,
who were the original funders for the program, have once again provided funding for a second year" Mertens said.
"The Cities" is taped at Fusion Communications in Davenport, Iowa and airs on Thursdays at 6:30 pm and Sundays at 5:30 pm. WQPT is a media service of Western Illinois University, located in Moline, Illinois.
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Host Jim Mertens had wanted for some time to do a longer format public affairs program. "I have the best of both worlds," Mertens said referring to his job as morning anchor at WQAD and his hosting duties for WQPT. "We've had the opportunity to talk with folks about the most up-to-the minute topics. From the flooding on the Mississippi to a couple who were caught in the civil unrest in Egypt to most recently, discussing the construction projects taking place in downtown Moline. We're also really excited that the Victor and Doris Day Foundation,
who were the original funders for the program, have once again provided funding for a second year" Mertens said.
"The Cities" is taped at Fusion Communications in Davenport, Iowa and airs on Thursdays at 6:30 pm and Sundays at 5:30 pm. WQPT is a media service of Western Illinois University, located in Moline, Illinois.
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