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PITTSBURGH – WQED Multimedia proudly presents STEEL LINKS, a new documentary set against the cinematic backdrop of Pittsburgh’s dramatic bridges, winding rivers, and towering skyline. The one-hour show brings Pittsburgh’s grit, resilience, and legacy to life through the voices of some of its most iconic names.
Premiered June 10th on WQED, STEEL LINKS is narrated and hosted by Neil Walker, former Pirates second baseman and Gibsonia native. It weaves together intimate, inspiring stories from:
- Charlie Batch, former Steelers quarterback and Homestead native;
- Bill Cowher, former Steelers head coach and Crafton native;
- Wiz Khalifa, rapper and Pittsburgh native;
- Rocco Mediate, professional golfer and Greensburg native; and
- Carol Semple Thompson, World Golf Hall of Famer and Sewickley native.
“STEEL LINKS reminds us what makes Pittsburgh and its people so special,” says Jason Jedlinski, WQED’s President and CEO. “It reflects the grit, pride, and passion that power our region — and the stories WQED tells that remind us why we’re so proud to live and work here.”
The film debuted on WQED-TV (channel 13.1) at 9:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 10th, followed by an encore at 8:00 p.m. Thursday, June 12th, the day the United States Open Championship begins at the Oakmont Country Club. STEEL LINKS will subsequently become available to stream at wqed.org, pbs.org and in the PBS app. Tickets are now on sale for an in-person public premiere at the Lindsay Theater and Cultural Center in Sewickley at 7:00 p.m. Monday, June 9th.
“It’s like a love letter to the Pittsburgh that was, is, and continues to transform,” says filmmaker Brad Turkel, Founder and Owner of Shore Road Productions. A frequent collaborator with NBC Sports and the United States Golf Association, Turkel produced A Beautiful Day in Pinehurst for PBS North Carolina last summer and aimed to create something similar for WQED.
“What started as a celebration of the U.S. Open’s rich history at the Oakmont Country Club quickly evolved into a tribute to Pittsburgh itself,” says Turkel, whose wife is from here.
STEEL LINKS includes appearances by artist Cory Bonnet; golf historian Dave Moore; hip hop artist Fedd the God; producers E. Dan (ID Labs) and Will Dzombak (Taylor Gang); and roboticist Matthew Johnson-Roberson. Several prominent Pittsburgh chefs — Jessica Bauer (Altius); Roger Li (Parlor Dim Sum); Fiore Moletz (Burghers Brewing) — join Pittsburgh realtor Herky Pollock (Ritual House and Palm Palm) in a discussion with Table Magazine publisher Justin Matase and editor Keith Recker.
Major funding for STEEL LINKS was generously provided by UPMC, Edgar Snyder & Associates, and GBU Life with additional support from the Pittsburgh Pirates.
“Pittsburgh’s story is one of strength, compassion, and resilience — qualities we strive to reflect in the care we provide every day,” says Leslie C. Davis, President and CEO of UPMC. “We’re proud to support a film that celebrates the people and spirit that make our region so extraordinary.”
“STEEL LINKS captures what we’ve always known: Pittsburghers are proud of where they come from, and Pittsburgh is a place where integrity and hard work continue to define success,” says Armand Leonelli, Edgar Snyder’s CEO. “Supporting STEEL LINKS is one way we honor the values we share with the community and clients we serve.”
“As a company rooted in western Pennsylvania for more than 130 years, GBU Life is honored to help share the stories of those who’ve shaped — and continue to shape — our region’s legacy,” says Leslie Mann, Executive Vice President/CMO. “STEEL LINKS is a powerful tribute to our hometown heroes.”
About WQED
Founded in 1953 as America’s first community-owned television station, WQED was a forerunner to PBS. Known as western Pennsylvania’s Voice of the Arts, WQED Multimedia provides a vital platform that amplifies our region’s vibrant and diverse cultural assets. WQED’s Education team builds vital bridges between families and dozens of schools, libraries, and community partners — offering free and accessible resources wherever kids learn, live, and play.
About UPMC
UPMC is a world-renowned, nonprofit health care provider and insurer committed to delivering exceptional, people-centered care and community services. Headquartered in Pittsburgh and affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences, UPMC is shaping the future of health through clinical and technological innovation, research, and education. Dedicated to advancing the well-being of our diverse communities, we provide nearly $2 billion annually in community benefits, more than any other health system in Pennsylvania. Our 100,000 employees — including more than 5,000 physicians — care for patients across more than 40 hospitals and 800 outpatient sites in Pennsylvania, New York, and Maryland, as well as overseas. UPMC Insurance Services covers more than 4 million members, providing the highest-quality care at the most affordable price. To learn more, visit UPMC.com.
About Edgar Snyder & Associates
Edgar Snyder & Associates is a plaintiff’s personal injury law firm representing people hurt in all types of accidents since 1982. Office locations include Pittsburgh, Altoona, Harrisburg, and Johnstown, Pennsylvania. For more information, visit EdgarSnyder.com.