FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
UNC-TV PREMIERES NEW SITUATION REPORT SPECIAL
Liberating Belgium, Remembering America’s Sacrifice: Thursday, November 7, at 10 PM
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, 11/4/19 — UNC-TV Public Media North Carolina premieres the new Situation Report special, Liberating Belgium, Remembering America’s Sacrifice, Thursday, November 7, at 10 PM, on the UNC-TV PBS & More channel.
This hour-long special follows in the bootsteps of troops from North Carolina and beyond whose efforts during World Wars I and II helped secure victory and liberation from Axis forces in Belgium and Europe. Many of these soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives in the cause of freedom, and Belgians still honor their lives through memorials and Memorial Day services. UNC-TV’s Military & Veterans Affairs Director Jeff Smith and a small production crew traveled to Belgium in May to capture these sites, sounds and recollections through first-person interviews.
Along the way, they explored Belgian cities and countryside, attending memorial services and locating sites of historical import to the Allied efforts during the two World Wars. Jeff met with and interviewed U.S. military, diplomatic staff and civilians, as well as local municipal leaders and the Belgian citizens who remain grateful for the service and sacrifice of American troops. Their recollections, stories and artifacts provide powerful and unforgettable narratives to the greater story of battles “for the defense of freedom and the salvation of the world” (from the WWI Memorial at Fort Loncin, Liège, Belgium).
While on the ground in Belgium over their 12-day reporting marathon, Jeff and the team worked 10-to 12-hour days; Jeff then spent his nights documenting his travels and experiences in an engaging, behind-the-scenes blog (unctv.org/sitrep). The blog, consisting of a dozen information- and image-packed entries, follows the UNC-TV team from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Brussels and back again.
Situation Report: Liberating Belgium, Remembering America’s Sacrifice was made possible by contributions from UNC-TV Public Media North Carolina members and by the generous support of Louise Bennett. This program was produced by UNC-TV Public Media North Carolina in partnership with the American Battle Monuments Foundation, the American Overseas Memorial Day Association, Belgium, Visit Flanders and the Wallonia Tourism Bureau.
ABOUT UNC-TV PUBLIC MEDIA NORTH CAROLINA
On air, online and in person, UNC-TV Public Media North Carolina connects North Carolinians to each other, the world and endless possibilities. Through its unique partnership of public investment and private support, the statewide network includes in-person engagement, digital-first social and online content delivery, and four over-the-air channels—UNC-TV PBS & More, the North Carolina Channel, Rootle 24/7 PBS KIDS Channel and the Explorer Channel. Additionally, it provides emergency services support for the state and free educational services and resources for teachers. Visit unctv.org and join the conversation at facebook.com/publicmediaNC, instagram.com/publicmediaNC and @publicmediaNC on Twitter.
CONTACT Rebekah Radisch, UNC-TV: rradisch@unctv.org 919-549-7177
