On The Media - TV & Radio

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.

The X Factor (On The Media)

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 18:17 GMT

For over 50 years, outlaw American radio broadcasters exploited a legal loophole and aired powerful pirate radio from the Mexican side of the border. So called ‘border blasters’ - or ‘X stations’ - were true innovators whose influence continues to be felt today. OTM’s Jamie York tells the story.

Strike and Spare (On The Media)

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 18:01 GMT

Barring a last minute resolution, Hollywood writers will strike November 1st over revenue sharing for online distribution of TV programs. Time arts reporter Rebecca Winters Keegan says this could mean more game shows, reruns and late-night Top Two lists.

Occult Classics (On The Media)

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 19:20 GMT

The amount of supernatural-themed TV shows this season is a little ... supernatural. But New York Times TV critic Alessandra Stanley says we’ve always looked to the paranormal for entertainment and the current spike might be happening for a reason.

Pride and President (On The Media)

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 21:33 GMT

In January, President Bush granted an interview to NPR’s Juan Williams. Last week, the White House rang to offer Williams a second sit-down but NPR declined. Why? NPR’s Ellen Weiss explains.

The Marketing Sí Change (On The Media)

Mon, 24 Sep 2007 19:17 GMT

Spanish-speakers in the U.S. have for decades endured clichéd advertising in their native language, that is when targeted by admen at all. But New York Times Magazine writer Cynthia Gorney says that a marketing sea-change occurred seven years ago when the national census revealed a Latino demographic boom.

Who is Alexis Debat? (On The Media)

Mon, 24 Sep 2007 19:26 GMT

The most recent tale of journalistic fraud features Washington D.C. insider and former ABC News consultant, Alexis Debat. Debat has claimed many affiliations and accomplishments (notably an interview with Barack Obama published in Politique Internationale) which have since been discredited. Mother Jones national security correspondent Laura Rozen tells us more about this flim-flam man.

Debat Debacle (On The Media)

Mon, 24 Sep 2007 19:28 GMT

When folks at ABC News learned of Debat’s embellished resume in May, they asked him to resign immediately and investigated his work, but did not inform their audience. Now, in light of news this week of Debat’s faked interviews, ABC is conducting a second internal investigation. Senior vice president and spokesman, Jeffrey Schneider explains.

Seeing Red (On The Media)

Mon, 04 Jun 2007 22:20 GMT

We all remember the Hollywood Ten, the industry blacklist instigated by political demagogues. But there was also a broadcast blacklist, spearheaded by five little-known crusaders. Historian David Everitt explains how these self-styled communist-hunters bent the broadcasting industry to their will.

Time-Shifting Paradigm (On The Media)

Mon, 04 Jun 2007 22:24 GMT

This week, Nielsen released ratings that for the first time include DVR watchers. Broadcasting & Cable’s Marisa Guthrie explains how it will help networks and advertisers reposition themselves in the new world of time-shifters.

Pulling Back the Curtain (On The Media)

Tue, 29 May 2007 22:13 GMT

Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes here at OTM? (Hint: Not everybody speaks as cleanly as it might seem.) A few years ago, we invited reporter John Solomon backstage to see how the sausage is made.

Ratings vs. Reputation (On The Media)

Mon, 23 Apr 2007 21:01 GMT

NBC News’s decision to broadcast Cho Seung-Hui’s final message earned the network major ratings, and a heap of criticism. But you had to look north of the border to find a major news outlet that didn’t follow NBC’s lead. CBC editor in chief Tony Burman explains why the CBC left the manifesto alone.

Morning Sickness (On The Media)

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 19:15 GMT

It had to be one heck of a slow news week for the media to be shocked by a show hiding in plain sight. Racist humor has been a staple of Imus in the Morning for decades, but somehow that never deterred journos and politicos from hawking their wares with the I-Man.

Color Commentary (On The Media)

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 19:15 GMT

Black vernacular has so pervaded the wider culture that even older white men like Don Imus want to claim it. But American Skin author Leon Wynter says African-Americans themselves may no longer be able to afford their own self-deprecating humor.

The Greening of America (On The Media)

Mon, 26 Feb 2007 22:29 GMT

Three years old and in bankruptcy, Air America lurches along. The brothers Green are buying the network, but industry watcher Brian Maloney says they’re not really buying anything at all.

One if by FCC (On The Media)

Mon, 26 Feb 2007 22:29 GMT

This week, XM and Sirius announced plans to merge. The deal still awaits approval by regulators, whose license of the satellite radio companies explicitly forbids their merger. But despite the hurdles, telecom analyst Blair Levin says it’s likely a go.

Space-Time Continuum (On The Media)

Tue, 16 Jan 2007 18:20 GMT

Judging from our mail, the public’s biggest frustration with news media is about what is and what isn't covered. But complaints are anecdotal, unless you count column inches and airtime minutes. Enter the News Coverage Index. Mark Jurkowitz of the Project for Excellence in Journalism explains.

Hate The Player, Not The Game (On The Media)

Tue, 16 Jan 2007 18:21 GMT

Fox News Channel is still cable news’ leader of the pack, but the competition is gaining fast. Some commentators see Fox’s ratings decline as a repudiation of partisan, fear-mongering media. But Rolling Stone contributing editor Matt Taibbi says hate media is alive and well.

The Specials (On The Media)

Wed, 27 Dec 2006 22:11 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.

Troubadour of Truthiness (On The Media)

Wed, 27 Dec 2006 22:13 GMT

Comedy Central's Stephen Colbert has nominated himself to represent “You,” the winners of Time Magazine's person-of-the-year honors. He kids of course, but Brooke suggests there is some truthiness to it, too.

Les Misunderstood (On The Media)

Mon, 11 Dec 2006 21:55 GMT

Watch out BBC, CNN, and Al Jazeera, there’s a new 24-hour news channel in town. “France 24” launched this week. Journalism professor Jack Doppelt talks about the commercial viability of exporting Frenchness to the world.

Playing One On TV (On The Media)

Mon, 27 Nov 2006 21:20 GMT

Increasingly, print journalists are joining TV's ranks of talking heads. Punditry comes easy to some reporters. But not everybody is born to bloviate. And so one Washington P.R. firm is training journalists with little or no TV experience for their star turns as pundits. OTM's John Solomon attended one class to see if he had what it takes.

Gettin' Lou'd (On The Media)

Mon, 20 Nov 2006 18:35 GMT

Andrea Batista Schlesinger is somewhat obsessed with CNN’s Lou Dobbs. As executive director of the Drum Major Institute for Public Policy, she shares many of Dobbs’ concerns about the middle-class squeeze. After writing him an open letter earlier this year, she was invited to be a guest on his show. It didn’t go well. She tells Bob the story.

Borderline Journalism (On The Media)

Mon, 20 Nov 2006 18:36 GMT

Lou Dobbs has his story, and he’s sticking to it. Every evening, the host of CNN’s Lou Dobbs Tonight features reports under headings like “Broken Borders” and “War on the Middle Class.” And people are responding – in the past three years, his audience has skyrocketed. Dobbs makes no apologies for his strong viewpoints on illegal immigration. But what’s such an outspoken advocate doing behind CNN’s anchor’s desk? Bob puts the question to Dobbs.

All That Jaz (On The Media)

Mon, 20 Nov 2006 18:40 GMT

Move over, BBC – there’s a new game in town. This week, Al Jazeera finally launched its new English-language service. Al Jazeera English has correspondents stationed all over the world, and is fronted by some very well-known newsmen. But that wasn’t enough to win it a cable deal in the United States. Bob takes a look at the channel’s prospects with AJE anchor Dave Marash and Arab media scholar Marwan Kraidy.

Faker-- and Harder (On The Media)

Wed, 28 Mar 2007 20:46 GMT

If viewers of Comedy Central's Daily Show tend to be "stoned slackers," at least they're informed stoned slackers. That's the upshot of a recent study from Indiana University. It found that at least as far as hard news is concerned, the "fake news" show is every bit as substantive as the network newscasts. WFIU's Adam Ragusea reports.

The Remote's Golden Jubilee (On The Media)

Wed, 28 Mar 2007 20:46 GMT

Fifty years ago, the television viewing experience was forever altered by the introduction of the wireless television remote. This week, Bob and Brooke celebrate the all-powerful magic wand-- by fighting over it.

Picturing the Worst (On The Media)

Tue, 31 Oct 2006 17:57 GMT

The assault this week in Pennsylvania’s Amish country was the sixth deadly school shooting in as many weeks. Media commentators are pointing to the possibility of a copycat effect, but few are examining the media’s own complicity therein. School violence researcher Loren Coleman tells Bob that a little more restraint on the part of the media wouldn’t hurt.

Fox Turns Ten (On The Media)

Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:01 GMT

Fox News Channel turned ten this week. Over the course of its decade on the airwaves, it’s been a boon for its base, and a scourge for its enemies. Love it or hate it, it seems the network is here to stay. Happy Birthday, Fox, from your friends at NPR.

Rabbit Redux (On The Media)

Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:28 GMT

In 1971, a young air force sergeant in Saigon broadcast a pirate radio show from a secret room in a brothel and regaled his comrades with off-color musings on sex, drugs and rock ’n’ roll. After a mere 21 days on the air 35 years ago, Dave Rabbit remains a bit of a cult figure. So he’s decided to resurrect his old persona from Iraq. Rabbit spoke with Brooke on Tuesday before shipping out.

The Cable-Knit (On The Media)

Tue, 31 Oct 2006 20:20 GMT

Cable TV and the cable bandwidth that makes it possible have proved to be too popular. Once seemingly unlimited, bandwidth is a limited commodity again. Soon though, it may not matter. Video on Demand, most often used to watch special events or missed shows, is popularizing an alternative means of delivery. And, as Alex Goldmark explains, it may soon become the door through which all new channels must pass.

Anchor’s Away (On The Media)

Tue, 31 Oct 2006 20:45 GMT

Erstwhile CNN anchor Aaron Brown anchored much of that network’s coverage of the September 11th attacks and their aftermath. Five years later, he joins Brooke to reflect on the moment when media earned unprecedented good will from the American people…and the intervening years when they lost it again.

Participant Potatoes (On The Media)

Tue, 31 Oct 2006 20:53 GMT

Watching TV used to be a purely passive experience. But these days, viewers are sitting up, voting, playing along, and in many cases taking control of the script. In Convergence Culture: Where Old and New Media Collide, MIT professor Henry Jenkins examines the new media landscape from the point of view of advertisers, networks, and audience members. He converges with Bob to discuss.

Qapla! (On The Media)

Tue, 31 Oct 2006 21:00 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. Brooke explores the various television incarnations of the franchise and the infinitely powerful engine behind it all: the fan.

The Listeners of National Public Radio (On The Media)

Tue, 31 Oct 2006 21:30 GMT

As a listener of NPR you may have at one time or another been stereotyped as an educated, white, maritini swilling, New York Times reading, Volvo driving, West Wing watcher. Using a new and very detailed profile, Brooke investigates how much truth there is in the stereotype.