7 chapters across the catalog
The PBS NewsHour is criticized for a perceived shift in objectivity following the 2016 election. A specific segment featuring an obituary for former Archer Daniels Midland CEO Dwayne Andreas is questioned, as Andreas had not been associated with the company for 20 years. The tribute is viewed as a favor to a long-time corporate underwriter.
High Fructose Corn Syrup Health Risks and Pepsi's Formula Change
New research links high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) to liver damage and obesity, yet the topic is rarely covered by PBS, which is sponsored by HFCS producer Archer Daniels Midland. Pepsi-Cola recently announced it would remove HFCS from its sodas in the coming year due to health concerns. The hosts also note that organic ketchup from Canada often avoids HFCS, unlike most American brands.
The Informant Movie, Archer Daniels Midland Price Fixing
The release of the film "The Informant," starring Matt Damon, brings the true story of whistleblower Mark Whitaker and Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) to the public. The hosts discuss how ADM engaged in massive price-fixing schemes while maintaining a wholesome image through PBS sponsorships. They note that while Whitaker served prison time, many corporate executives faced minimal consequences.
NPR Underwriting and Archer Daniels Midland Corruption
NPR CEO Vivian Schiller is heard on tape admitting that "underwriting" is essentially the same as advertising or sponsorship. This leads to a scathing critique of Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), a frequent NPR underwriter. ADM is described as a corrupt organization involved in global price-fixing and corporate espionage, as depicted in the book and film "The Informant." The hosts argue that such sponsorships inevitably influence news content.
Archer Daniels Midland Scandal and The Informant Movie
The upcoming release of the film "The Informant," starring Matt Damon, brings renewed attention to the Archer Daniels Midland price-fixing scandal of the 1980s. The story highlights the legal complexities of secret recordings and wiretapping. A review of the source book is scheduled for a future segment.
The Informant, Archer Daniels Midland Price Fixing Scandal
The book "The Informant" by Kurt Eichenwald chronicles the 1990s price-fixing scandal at Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) involving the amino acid lysine. ADM executives conspired with Japanese competitors to limit production and set global prices for the livestock feed additive. The investigation utilized 800 hours of FBI surveillance tapes to expose corporate corruption and political influence-peddling.
Food Market Derivatives, Shorting the Food Index
New stock market derivatives allow investors to bet on the performance of food company indices. "Ultra" derivatives can quadruple gains or losses based on the movement of stocks like Archer Daniels Midland. The hosts discuss the ethics and financial strategy of profiting from food shortages through 401k-compatible short positions.
