Next to BBC's global business reporter Peter Day, "Marketplace" has been our favorite radio business program for the past 5 years. No longer.
Sadly Marketplace has gone corporate, abandoning its tradition of covering stories from the perspective of the 98% of us who aren't rich, as well as the best 21st century economic stories.
In a nice if surprising gesture, new host Kai Ryssdal responded to my email and invited me to analyze that evening's story on WalMart. I found that the reporter:
* Gave twice as much time to WalMart's side as the other;
* Quoted twice as many pro-WalMart people;
* Heralded relief that is only 0.00008% of annual income (LERN gave 62 times more as a percentage of our income); and
* Led with the slimy headline that if WalMart was running the Katrina disaster relief, it would have been flawless.
(the new corporate look, and voice of Marketplace)
What are your favorite sources of news?
Thanks for pointing out something several of us have noticed as well. I used to be a devoted listener to "Marketplace," now I switch stations the minute it comes on. It just does not seem relevant unless you are a corporate president.
It's a shame these folks don't realize they are losing a segment of their audience. Or maybe they do, and just don't care.
Posted by: Don | October 18, 2005 at 10:07 AM