Vietnam: Another View

WQED has long reported on the Vietnam War – with a significant focus on veterans. But the perspective of the Vietnamese people is equally compelling - and all too often, unheard. After the fall of Saigon in 1975, many Vietnamese people made desperate scrambles to flee the country. Their exoduses were fraught with danger – some escaping in tiny boats or by airlift. Others fled under U.S. policies allowing the emigration of children fathered by American troops as well as people who fought against the Communists. And some of them found new lives in Western Pennsylvania. Now they share their stories of life before the war, their escape to freedom, eventual success in Pittsburgh, and in some cases, haunting emotional scars.

Vietnam: Another View aired on Nov 09, 2017.


View more from WQED

Series: Specials

Pittsburgh has long been a vibrant mix of technology and tradition, a blending of ethnic customs and civic pride. As our city and its people evolve to meet the challenges of the 21st century, Pittsburgh continues to grow: inspiring new ideas, new businesses and a changing landscape. But can we create a better quality of life for all our communities? How do we make it a city where young people of color can stay and prosper? And how do we make our businesses more equitable and inclusive?

Original airdate: Jun 01, 2017


First-time psychotic episodes are frightening, confusing and distressing for the entire family. Traditionally, teens and young adults experiencing first-episode psychosis (FEP) have been pulled out of school and/or society – only to begin a lifelong journey of spotty treatment, recurring episodes, and unfulfilled hopes of a career, happy marriage and children. But new research shows a significant success rate for people who receive proper, coordinated care after a first episode. This documentary shows who’s leading the FEP treatment movement, while families share personal stories of heartbreak, success and hope. The program also explores fascinating research on young adult brains that could lead to life-changing treatment of psychosis.

Visit the "Living with Mental Illness" website

Original airdate: Mar 30, 2017


Church has always been an important part of African-American life. While Western Pennsylvania is blessed with hundreds of predominantly black churches, this documentary focuses on just five - but each with a very different story: a church with ties to the underground railroad (Bethel A.M.E. in Monongahela), one known for its rich music program (Mount Ararat Baptist in Pittsburgh's Larimer neighborhood), a small church soldiering on despite dwindling membership (Allen Chapel A.M.E.

Original airdate: Feb 23, 2017


The number of seniors is rising dramatically in the United States. But the number of medical professionals and family members who can provide care for these older adults is seriously lagging. WQED is proud to partner with Highmark Blue Cross, Blue Shield in this multi-platform project that includes a television documentary and digital-first content focusing on challenges for both the aging seniors and their caregivers.

Visit the Caregivers Website

Original airdate: Feb 14, 2017


As the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump nears, moderator Chris Moore sits down with a group of local voters who talk openly about who they voted for in the presidential election and why.  Voters explain the campaign messages that appealed to them, and discuss whether they feel post-election healing is a possibility.

Original airdate: Jan 19, 2017


Western Pennsylvania has a rich history of volunteerism. This documentary focuses on three local volunteers who give their time in three different ways: John Edward Hutchinson of the Greensburg VFD is believed to be the nations oldest-living volunteer fire chief; Former Pittsburgh Steeler Charlie Batch combines athletics and academics in a highly-successful program for at-risk youth; Linda Lafferty organizes Blessings in a Backpack in Wilkinsburg, providing food for students who might not have a meal waiting at home. 

Original airdate: Dec 16, 2016


Pages