On The Media - TV & Radio

Air Kiss (On The Media)

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 23:41 GMT

Darryl Pinckney is a serious writer and journalist who has been a regular contributor to the New York Review of Books for more than 30 years. He was also, for more than a year, a fiercely ardent fan of the long-running CBS soap opera "As the World Turns." How did he get hooked? Pinckney explains.

Scaling the Summit (On The Media)

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:37 GMT

With the stage set and the script written and revised, the actors hit their marks on Thursday for the President’s first bipartisan Health Care Summit. After much anticipation both Republicans and Democrats sat through a more than six hour discussion of the labyrinthine reform proposals. But what sound does a policy debate make when (finally) everyone can hear it?

Operating Theater (On The Media)

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 21:03 GMT

In Haiti this past week, American networks featured their medical correspondents acting as both reporter and doctor, often simultaneously. On CNN, CBS, NBC and ABC, newsmen and women became part of the story, raising ethical questions both medical and journalistic. A former television news producer, a former medical reporter and media ethicists weigh in.

Danger In Numbers (On The Media)

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 20:48 GMT

Some OTM listeners following the coverage of the earthquake in Haiti have written us to point out the sheer numbers of reporters who had made their way to the stricken island. In a commentary for The New Republic, senior editor Noam Scheiber suggests that the press should cover disasters like Haiti the same way it covers the day-to-day activities of the President: through a pool.

Food, Water, Information (On The Media)

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 22:59 GMT

While American and other foreign journalists struggle to report on the earthquake in Haiti, members of the Haitian media are having a much more difficult time keeping their own citizens informed. To address that problem, Internews, a non-profit organization that cultivates journalism in the developing world, is trying to help. Mark Frohardt, the group’s vice president for Health and Humanitarian Media, explains how.

The Seriously Late Show (On The Media)

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 23:04 GMT

This week Conan O'Brien announced that he would likely leave NBC rather than begin his show at 12:05 AM. This is not the first stormy period in late night's history. In 1993, during Letterman’s defection to CBS, Bob Garfield auditioned for his own talk show on All Things Considered.

Clash of the Cable Titans (On The Media)

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 20:46 GMT

The owners of cable giants like Time Warner and Cable Vision began a very public feud this month, with each side accusing the other of corporate greed and disregard for their consumers. Columnist Dan Gross, of Slate and Newsweek, explains what's going on, and what it’ll mean for consumers (hint: nothing good).

Ambushing the Ambushers (On The Media)

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 20:43 GMT

In recent years, "The O'Reilly Factor" has adopted an old tradition from "60 Minutes"-era TV journalism: the ambush interview. In this piece we originally aired in June, we spoke with Gawker's investigations editor John Cook who says Bill O'Reilly uses the ambush to settle personal scores. Plus, OTM producer PJ Vogt describes shadowing Cook as he tried to ambush an ambusher.

The Art of the Ambush (On The Media)

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 20:45 GMT

Legendary producer Lowell Bergman worked for "60 Minutes" for nearly 15 years. He describes the ambush interview's surprising origins and thorny legal history. In this interview, originally broadcast in June, he also explains why reporter Mike Wallace eventually stopped using the technique.

In Memoriam, James F. Brown (On The Media)

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 19:42 GMT

James F. Brown, the former director of Radio Free Europe, died last month. Arch Puddington, author of Broadcasting Freedom: The Cold War Triumph of Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty says Brown led RFE to focus more on journalism and less on propaganda.

Big Enough to Fail (On The Media)

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:39 GMT

Last week, Comcast moved one step closer to acquiring NBC-Universal when the two companies reportedly agreed on a valuation of NBC-Universal at around $30 billion. The idea of combining distribution and content has always seemed like a good idea to media moguls, but Craig Moffett, analyst at Bernstein Research, says it never really works out.

Bye Bye Lou (On The Media)

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:39 GMT

CNN's Lou Dobbs surprised his viewers this week when he announced he was leaving the network after three decades. While speculation is circulating about where he'll land, we revisit this 2006 interview in which Bob asked Dobbs how he gets away with advocating from behind the anchor desk.

The Right Place at the Wrong Time (On The Media)

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:21 GMT

The story of 16 year-old Chicago student Derrion Albert being beaten to death outside his high school became a national story after video surfaced of the beating. The video is horrifying even in today’s violence-soaked media landscape. Fox Chicago was the first outlet to acquire the footage and news director Carol Fowler explains why it was their journalistic duty to air it.

Fight or Flight (On The Media)

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 20:56 GMT

Massive fires raging through Southern California dominated the news this week, with much of the coverage focused on airplanes soaring above the flames, dropping bright red fire retardant. Great TV to be sure. But Los Angeles Times media columnist James Rainey says the media focus too much on airplanes, to the detriment of the fire fight.

Movie Critic (On The Media)

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 21:02 GMT

The Supreme Court will hear arguments this week about a controversial 2008 film, "Hillary: The Movie," whose broadcast was stopped when federal election officials determined it was paid political speech. But New York Times legal correspondent Adam Liptak says the case is about more then a movie, the court is actually looking to make a much broader decision about whether the precedent for campaign finance regulation needs to be rethought entirely.

Color Me Offended (On The Media)

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 19:32 GMT

After Fox News Channel’s Glenn Beck called President Obama a racist , the online liberal group ColorofChange.org got 20 or so of Beck's advertisers to remove their ads from his show. But Fox is still getting their ad dollars. Plus, why not just turn off the TV if you don't like a program? ColorofChange.org Executive Director James Rucker explains what the group accomplished.

Don Hewitt (On The Media)

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 20:33 GMT

Don Hewitt, who founded "60 Minutes" and changed the trajectory of journalism in America, died this week at the age of 86. Brooke spoke with him in 2001 and so this week we replay that interview.

Getting A Second Opinion (On The Media)

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:55 GMT

When ABC broadcast its exclusive health-care-reform town hall meeting with President Obama on Wednesday, one group cried foul. The Media Fairness Caucus, newly formed with some 40 Republican House members, wrote to ABC News president David Westin to complain that Obama wouldn't, couldn't be challenged enough to satisfy them. Both Westin and Caucus head Rep. Lamar Smith of Texas weigh in.

Torturous Wording (On The Media)

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:45 GMT

Last week, NPR Ombudsman Alicia Shepard caused a minor uproar after responding to angry emails from listeners over NPR's use of the phrase "enhanced interrogation techniques" to describe treatment of terrorism suspects under the Bush Administration. Shepard talks about NPR's policy and her own opinion on the use of the word "torture."

Ambushing the Ambushers (On The Media)

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 19:50 GMT

In the past few years, "The O'Reilly Factor" has adopted an old tradition from "60 Minutes"-era TV journalism: the ambush interview. We talk to John Cook, investigations editor for Gawker, who says that Bill O'Reilly uses the ambush to settle personal scores. Plus, OTM producer PJ Vogt describes shadowing Cook as he tried to ambush an ambusher.

The Art of the Ambush (On The Media)

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 19:58 GMT

Legendary producer Lowell Bergman worked for "60 Minutes" for nearly fifteen years. He describes the ambush interview's surprising origins and thorny legal history. He also explains why reporter Mike Wallace eventually stopped using the technique.

Pitch Perfect (On The Media)

Tue, 26 May 2009 17:32 GMT

It seems the lowly infomercial is finally enjoying its moment in the sun. So far this year it has garnered a book, a reality show and even a television documentary by CNBC. We asked our producer Mike Vuolo to find out what is so compelling about the hard sell.

Qapla! (On The Media)

Thu, 21 May 2009 19:50 GMT

In September 1966, Gene Roddenberry dispatched the crew of the Starship Enterprise on its maiden voyage through space and time and into the American living room. It was an inauspicious start, but forty years later the Star Trek universe is still expanding. The new film debuted last weekend and shot to number one, with a nearly $80 million opening weekend. In a piece we originally ran in 2006, Brooke explored the various television incarnations of the franchise and the infinitely powerful engine behind it all: the fan.

Tea Time All The Time (On The Media)

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 19:21 GMT

Fox News’ relentless promotion, some might say co-sponsorship, of this week’s tax day tea parties made us wonder: did Fox News cover the events or help to create them? Brooke takes a look at the coverage.

On the Outs (On The Media)

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 17:47 GMT

Rush Limbaugh's keynote speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference in DC last weekend received much media attention and left pundits wondering if he's the de facto leader of the republican party? A question the White House was more than happy to discuss. But Limbaugh wasn't the only radio professional at CPAC. We too were curious about the future of conservatism and its future media message. So Bob attended and came back with this report.

Meet the New Boss (On The Media)

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 17:52 GMT

It's a difficult time to lead any media company and it's no different at National Public Radio. NPR's new President and CEO Vivian Schiller took the reins in January, shortly after a round of layoffs and the cancellation of two shows. Schiller talks about the tough economic times, what to do about the web, and the question of NPR's relationship with its many member stations.

Boxed In (On The Media)

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 20:51 GMT

Last week Boxee, a company whose new software makes it easier than ever to watch internet video, was ordered by Hulu to stop using their content. Journalist Paul Smalera says this won't be the last shot fired in the battle for TV-internet convergence.

Tomorrow's Tonight (On The Media)

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 20:53 GMT

Conan O'Brien is poised to take his place as the new host of The Tonight Show. But as Bob explains, 11:30 PM on NBC isn't what it used to be.

Digital Killed the Analog Star (On The Media)

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 22:00 GMT

This week, TV stations began the switch from analogue broadcasts to digital. Legislators and viewers have had three years to prepare for the change, yet it was fraught with complications. Kim Hart, a Washington Post reporter, explains why.

The Die is Cast (On The Media)

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 22:01 GMT

Comcast is now the cable monopoly in 40 of the top 50 markets. It’s the third largest phone company in the US, and the largest provider of broadband internet to homes, with nearly 15 million customers, many of whom apparently hate Comcast. Wired Magazine senior writer Daniel Roth parses the troubled reputation of a media giant.

Prosecutorial Discretion (On The Media)

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 20:59 GMT

When it comes to investigative reporting of criminal activity, news organizations have traditionally worked parallel to, not in collaboration with, law enforcement, lest journalists be viewed as agents of the government. Why then is NBC ambushing alleged war criminals with foreign prosecutors in tow? Goucher College president Sanford Ungar discusses the day a news crew arrived on his campus.

The Face Never Lies (On The Media)

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 21:17 GMT

The new FOX show "Lie To Me" follows a psychologist who can detect a lie by watching a person's minute facial gestures and body movements. Sounds implausible, except that much of it is real. The show's main character is based on the life and work of Dr. Paul Ekman, who serves as the program's scientific adviser. Ekman explains what it's like to watch his life's work on TV.

Money Talks (On The Media)

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 20:30 GMT

Pharmaceutical companies spend millions on marketing. Some of those dollars end up in the hands of doctors, researchers and in one case, a public radio host from "The Infinite Mind." An article in Slate back in May led to an investigation by Sen. Charles Grassley, whose findings ended up in a New York Times piece last week. We spoke with NPR's David Folkenflik and Sen. Grassley about the controversy.

Correction: Brooke and Bob make a correction to this story.

Cover Ups (On The Media)

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 21:03 GMT

Should reporters lie or misrepresent themselves in order to get an important story? Undercover reporting has long been an effective, exciting and, some would argue, necessary journalistic tool. But at a time when the public's trust in the press is waning, can journalists afford to lie? Brooke talks with undercover reporters and their critics.

NBC's Olympics Experiment (On The Media)

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 20:58 GMT

NBC News has called its Olympic coverage "the most ambitious single media project in history." But the real ambition is in how NBC plans to experiment with Olympics ratings in the hopes of changing the advertising business model on network TV. Grant Robertson of Toronto’s Globe and Mail explains.

Public Relations Retaliation (On The Media)

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 19:57 GMT

Last week Fox News aired doctored photos of a New York Times reporter and editor in retaliation for a story Fox didn't like. The New York Times' David Carr wrote about the incident and exposed the unusually aggressive tactics the Fox News public relations team sometimes uses against reporters.

The Olbermann Effect (On The Media)

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 17:33 GMT

The presidential nominees have finally emerged, but the real victor this primary season is cable news. Especially MSNBC, whose ratings have spiked dramatically. The New York Times’ Brian Stelter says the high ratings may come with a cost, but MSNBC’s Executive in Charge Phil Griffin dismisses allegations that Keith Olbermann’s liberal bent will damage the network’s credibility.

Punditmonium (On The Media)

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 17:50 GMT

Gene Weingarten, writer for the Washington Post Magazine, got an idea: he would lock himself in a room for 24 hours straight with 5 TV's, 2 radios and a laptop all tuned to loud, opinionated pundits. After basically losing his mind, he tells us what he learned.

Playing One On TV (On The Media)

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 17:52 GMT

Some pundits are born not made. But not everybody is a natural bloviator. One Washington P.R. firm has trained journalists for their star turns. OTM's John Solomon, attended one class to see if he had what it takes.

Al Jazeera's American Face (On The Media)

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 20:18 GMT

For the past two years, David Marash has been the face of Al Jazeera English as their Washington anchor. Recently Marash decided to leave the network, however, citing anti-American bias. He joins us to talk about his time there and his decision to depart.

Letters (On The Media)

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 19:43 GMT

An update on the merger of satellite radio monoliths XM and Sirius. Plus, listeners weigh in about our program marking the fifth year of the Iraq war.

At the Wire's End (On The Media)

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 18:43 GMT

The series finale of "The Wire" aired last weekend. The media loved the show for its realistic depiction of an ailing American city but OTM's Mark Phillips takes a look at what happened when "The Wire" turned its attention back on the media.

NPR CEO O-U-T (On The Media)

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:34 GMT

After only 18 months as head of National Public Radio, CEO Ken Stern stepped down on Thursday by “mutual agreement” with the board. Current reporter Karen Everhart says Stern’s ideas about the direction of public radio, including an aggressive push into digital media, met with resistance from influential member stations.

Broadcasting to the Converted (On The Media)

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:01 GMT

If you still get your TV from over-the-air analog broadcast, you'll receive only static in less than a year - that is, unless you get a new TV or a converter box. The Washington Post's Rob Pegoraro says there's widespread confusion even though it's not that complicated.

Click here to get a coupon for $40 off a digital converter.

Smurfiversary (On The Media)

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:04 GMT

The Smurfs turn 50 this year and this week the first season of the U.S. television series was released on DVD. Over the years, the little blue creatures have been criticized by feminists, embraced as Communists, and even used by UNICEF in a shocking ad campaign.

Obama's Debut (On The Media)

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 17:59 GMT

The one time Barack Obama appeared on "Saturday Night Live," he played himself (at a Halloween party hosted by the Clintons). This weekend, however, "SNL" will debut an Obama caricature that head writer Seth Myers says proved a challenge to create.

Pimp My News (On The Media)

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 16:09 GMT

MSNBC’s David Shuster, while not the only reporter in trouble for using a p-word this week, is the only one suspended for doing so. The Huffington Post’s Rachel Sklar says Shuster’s suspension and NBC’s apologies may have more to do with Chris Matthews than a single inappropriate blunder.

The Shows Go On (On The Media)

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 16:10 GMT

The Writers Guild of America voted this week to end a 100-day strike that left many television shows in limbo. So did they get what they bargained for? NPR’s Kim Masters says the Guild has successfully spun the deal as a victory.

Strike Three (On The Media)

Mon, 07 Jan 2008 17:33 GMT

Now in its third month, the Writers Guild strike pits studio honchos against those who pen their programs – with advertisers caught in the middle. Jack Myers, of the Media Business Report, believes this game of chicken may last well into the summer.

The Specials (On The Media)

Mon, 24 Dec 2007 20:50 GMT

Since they were first broadcast some four decades ago, “How The Grinch Stole Christmas,” “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” have become as much a part of the season as tinsel and mistletoe. Reporters Alex Goldmark and Rachel McCarthy explore what makes the classic Christmas specials so ... special.