Director of Marketing and Local Content, Lora Adams, says the station first went live on November 3rd, 1983, with four hours of programming. Now it's on the air 24 hours a day, featuring 25 per cent of PBS programs.
"And the rest of it comes from other public broadcasting facilities - people like NETA and APTS and of course independent producers and we of course produce our own stuff as well."
The station was first owned by Black Hawk College, then transferred to Western Illinois University in 2010. At one time WQPT employed 23 people, but Adams says after out-sourcing some technical and office functions, they're now down to seven.
"All of those really tough decisions over the years in order to be fiscally responsible were done, and I believe that's why we've hit 40 years."
It's also supplemented the on-air programs with educational outreach, including Imagination Station, the Ready to Learn Races, and many more.