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.


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Series: Specials

Award-winning mini documentaries from the WQED archives are compiled into this new half-hour program. This episode showcases the wartime contributions of Pittsburgh-area women. Scheduled features (prior to final edit) include Florence Reynolds (WASP pilot), Lillie Lesesne (WAC nurse), Eleanor Berge (WAVE), Eva Turner (WAC), Sally Stephenson (WAVE), Laurette Smith Cribbins (home front “Rosie the Riveter”) and Julia Parsons, who cracked German U-Boat code.

Original airdate: Mar 10, 2016


What is the state of the US economy? Ask different people and you'll get different answers. But polls show it's consistently one of the top concerns in the country, especially in an election year. So what economic issues are priorities for people in this region and what changes would they like to see? We're taking a closer look at employment, wages, debt and more in our election 2016 special "The Economy and Jobs".

Original airdate: Feb 25, 2016


Two award-winning mini documentaries from the WQED archives are compiled into this half-hour program. Madame Dawson’s Opera Company tells the story of Mary Cardwell Dawson who formed the National Negro Opera Company in 1941, opening doors and launching careers for African-Americans who had little access to classical music training. The feature also highlights efforts to restore the grand Victorian-style house in Pittsburgh where the opera company was founded.

Original airdate: Feb 18, 2016


In six years, Pittsburgh police have solved only half the murders in the city. Statistics like this are at the center of an investigative series which examines the aftermath of unsolved murders, which overwhelmingly affect black families and communities. The local media collaboration includes a four-part online series by Public Source, radio reports by WESA-FM, research assistance by the New Pittsburgh Courier and a one-hour discussion broadcast at WQED hosted by Chris Moore.

Original airdate: Feb 04, 2016


Pittsburgh is a hotbed of something known as the Maker Movement, which can encompass anything from designing robots to sewing your own clothes. It melds high tech and low tech, it touches all ages, and it teaches skills that are useful in everyday life and necessary for the 21st Century. We profile four young "Makers" and just a few of the women and men who are "Making" leaders, and see how the Maker Movement is motivating local youngsters to explore and grow.

Original airdate: Jan 21, 2016


Pittsburgh is widely known for re-inventing itself: from steel giant to a leader in medicine, technology and education. Now you can add laughter to the list. The city is gaining a national reputation for its contributions to comedy. Pittsburgh comedy venues are not only bringing in more nationally-known acts, but are producing more comics and troupes who are performing across the county. An increasing number of comedians, improvisers, actors and writers are making their way to New York, Los Angeles and Chicago after honing their skills in Pittsburgh.

Original airdate: Jan 14, 2016


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