It’s Memorial Day weekend, and WSIU is marking the occasion with a documentary centered around the Korean War. The radio station announced that “Shrapnel Down: My Korean War Story” will be broadcast on the WSIU stations.

The documentary will air on Sunday, May 29 at 2 pm and on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30 at 9 pm. The film plans to feature never-before-seen war footage caught by Iowa native and veteran Bill Rector during his tour of duty during the Korean War. 

“There are so many impactful stories WSIU proudly shares, and those of our brave U.S. veterans certainly deserve special attention,” film producer/director Mark St. George said. 

“In Shrapnel Down, I hope viewers will discover a personal story that lurks behind the great veil of war; of the humanity that was ever-present beyond the shots fired. Shrapnel Down is a documentary about war – true – but told through the camera lens of one extraordinary sailor who shares his story, documenting his experiences of war, friendship, and loss.”

Rector used an 8mm camera to document his war experiences, capturing this never-before-seen footage. In addition, the film contains an in-depth interview with Rector where he recounts vital moments such as the battles during the Blockade of Wonsan, the most prolonged battle in modern naval history, and the Court of Neptune ritual.

“The film is a time capsule that we are opening with viewers for the very first time,” St. George said. “The documentary features original, 8mm war footage that has, until now, been locked away. Shrapnel Down breaks the seal on this time capsule, and we’re happy to share it with viewers.”

Salem Media Group is signing newly graduated Harvard University student Julie Hartman to a deal. As part of this agreement, she will work with the company’s Podcast and Radio Networks and the Salem News Channel.

“I am honored that Salem Radio Network has entrusted me with this responsibility,” Hartman said, per Radio Ink. “Finding Dennis Prager’s work and getting to know him has illuminated my life’s vocation. 

“Because of him, I’ve been able to collaborate with many other remarkably talented people at Salem. My generation needs courageous, independent, truth-telling voices. My goal is to be among the best of them.”

Hartman appeared as a frequent guest on “The Dennis Prager Radio Show,” illustrating how college students are brainwashed with liberal ideologies in colleges across the country, including Harvard. 

During her time as a guest, she caught the eye of and hired her as a substitute host on the show, later doing a weekly podcast called “Dennis and Julie.”

“Julie represents a new generation of young media professionals, and we are adding some to the Salem platform, proving that even at Harvard you can come out a conservative if you keep your wits about you,” Phil Boyce, SVP of Spoken Word, said. 

“Her story is compelling and even riveting and will probably be a book and a movie someday.”

NPR is receiving a $1-million grant that will assist in the radio station’s efforts to focus on the diversity of content and employees. Furthermore, the company wants to appeal to a diverse audience, which is at the root of improving this aspect.

“This generous gift will help support the four main categories of our DEI work: audience, content, staffing, and workplace diversity,” NPR’s Chief Diversity Officer Keith Woods in the announcement, said, per Inside Radio.

“At NPR, diversity is not a program or initiative. It is an inextricable part of our mission to serve the American public.”

The network has grown to focus on DEI – or diversity, equity, and inclusion. NPR expresses the million-dollar funding will make it possible for the public radio station to continue that work, including the Reflect America and Code Switch Fellowships.

NPR has mainly concentrated on diversifying its audience, including collaborative initiatives conducted with Member Stations. 

The company wants to put a more significant effort into having the audience hear and see themselves and their communities in NPR reporting. Furthermore, the station also intends to display a greater diversity of life experiences and perspectives in its shows.

“I’m extremely proud to support NPR in bringing even greater intention to ensuring a culture that both represents and serves all,” said Foundation Vice Chair Mollie Hale Carter in the announcement. “As a mission-driven organization, inclusion provides the foundation for a strong and healthy future.”