This week on On the Media: Why the media has a soft spot for the FBI, and Bob digs for the latest techniques in writing obituaries.
KBOO
Portland, Oregon public radio station KBOO made a boo-boo a couple of weeks ago after playing the song “Revolution,” a feminist track with explicit lyrics. One angry listener resulted in one large FCC fine. Brooke talks to First Amendment lawyer Marjorie Heins about America’s ever-changing standard of decency.
Trafficant: Media Darling?
Ohio Congressman James Traficant is set to stand trial for bribery and racketeering, but that didn’t stop him from guest hosting a local radio show this week. In fact, some critics say he might just be able to woo potential jurors for his trial toward his side. From NPR member ...
Tom Grant
Tom Grant’s 14 years as a TV reporter in Spokane, Washington have convinced him of one thing: he’s better off writing for newspapers. The award-winning journalist speaks with Bob Garfield about his former career and the switch from broadcasting to print.
Obituary Writers Conference
This week journalists gather in Las Vegas for the Third Annual Obituary Writers Conference. Wonder what cutting edge techniques have developed in obituary reporting since last year? Bob goes digging for the answer.
G-Men
In recent years the FBI has faced increasing criticism over a series of high profile blunders and this week did nothing to improve its image. But despite all the negative coverage, the media has always had a soft spot for the G-Men. Brooke has the story.
Letters
Brooke and Bob respond to listener mail. Got something to say? Email us.
Non-Traditional Casting
Broadway isn't known as the Great White Way for nothing--at least if you ask the relatively few minorities found in it. But some people are trying to change that whitewash by way of non-traditional-casting for roles that had originated with white actors. On The Media's Tony Maciulis reports.
Ugly Actors
Hollywood is famous as the place where the beautiful and talented go to make it big in film. It always has been, it always will be. Even so a raging bull market for the less-than-beautiful has also emerged. Indeed, it's flush times for the unsightly as Bob discovers.


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