5 chapters across the catalog
Al Jazeera America Closure, Final Broadcast, Media Landscape
Al Jazeera America aired its final broadcast, marking the end of the Qatar-funded network's attempt to enter the U.S. market. The sign-off featured anchors thanking viewers for supporting "the voice of the voiceless." The network's closure is seen as a predictable failure of a massive, top-down media organization that failed to find a significant audience.
Producers Guild of America, Membership Requirements for Podcasters
A listener's inquiry suggests that multiple associate executive producer credits on the show may qualify individuals for membership in the Producers Guild of America (PGA). The PGA requirements for "New Media" projects include verifiable international releases, which the hosts believe the podcast meets. Joining the guild is discussed as a way to access benefits such as health insurance and industry voting blocks.
A critical review of the 2012 Miss America pageant highlights instances of perceived media manipulation and political bias. Miss California, Laura Kepler, is noted for explicitly mentioning her desire to "manipulate the media," while the eventual winner, Miss Wisconsin, is criticized for failing to answer political questions directly. The discussion contrasts the traditional Miss America pageant with Donald Trump's Miss USA and examines the intelligence of contestant responses regarding Occupy Wall Street and the 1% wealth gap.
Presidential Helicopter Order, New America Media Report
A report from New America Media details an $11 billion order for presidential helicopters, which the hosts characterize as a massive procurement scam. The discussion highlights the lack of mainstream reporting on the specific companies involved and the overall cost of the project.
Writers Guild of America Strike, Strategic Blunder Analysis
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike is characterized as a strategic blunder due to a lack of clear metrics for new media monetization. While writers are legitimately concerned about declining DVD residuals, the focus on unproven internet revenue streams is viewed as premature. The labor action may inadvertently cause television networks to scale back their digital distribution experiments to avoid future contractual obligations.
