On the Media explores how the media “sausage” is made, casts an incisive eye on fluctuations in the marketplace of ideas, and examines threats to the freedom of information and expression in America and abroad. For one hour a week, the show tries to lift the veil from the process of “making media,” especially news media, because it’s through that lens that we literally see the world and the world sees us.
While maintaining the civility and fairness that are the hallmarks of public radio, OTM tackles sticky issues with a frankness and transparency that has built trust with listeners and led to more than a tripling of its audience in five years.
Since OTM was re-launched in 2001, it has been one of NPR’s fastest growing programs, heard on more than 200 public radio stations. It has won Edward R. Murrow Awards for feature reporting and investigative reporting, the National Press Club’s Arthur Rowse Award for Press Criticism and a Peabody Award for its body of work.
OTM among my favorite podcasts. I rarely miss an episode (one hour per week on Fridays)
Your task: For 7 extra credit points, be the FIRST to listen to the following OTM episode and post responses to the questions listed. The second person will get 4 points. Everyone should listen to this voluntarily (are you used to my dogma yet?).
Listen to the 2 January 2009 Show, broadcasted from China in the lead-up to the Olympic Games (note the three separate streams on the OTM webpage)
1. What is the significance of 3T, 1F?
2. What’s the significance of the perpetual panda stealer?
3. Describe a significant controversy surrounding “Wolf Totem”.
4. What is the dilemma journalists face with regard to martyrs?
5. Cite 2-3 other interesting perspectives that you learned form this episode.