Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Marriage Laws, Got Milk?, and the Business of Online Dating
On today's Press Play: Defending same-sex marriage, declining milk sales, the growing world of online dating, secrets of the Vatican, and TV rating struggles.
By Madeleine Brand • • 52m ListenAttorney General Eric Holder says gay rights are one of “the defining civil rights challenges of our time,” and he’s encouraging state AGs to avoid defending laws against same-sex marriage. We talk about that, plus the milk industry is trying to rebrand after slumping sales. We get into the niche worlds of online dating and hear from a guy who hacked his way to true love. Plus, after years of stories that have shocked Catholics and non-Catholics alike, there is still much we’ve never heard about, until now. And Piers Morgan is out at CNN. We talk about cable news’ attempts to boost ratings.
Banner Image: Recently married couples leaving the City Hall in Seattle are greeted by well-wishers on the first day of same-sex marriage in Washington state after enactment of Washington Referendum 74; credit: Dennis Bratland
In this episode
5 storiesGay Marriage Laws in the Spotlight
Attorney General Eric Holder has called gay rights one of “the defining civil rights challenges of our time.” This week, Holder said that state Attorneys General are not obligated to defend state laws that discriminate against gays and lesbians.
Read the story8 minGot Milk? Why Not?
The milk industry is abandoning it’s famed “Got Milk?” ad campaign. Milk producers are trying to bolster sales after milk consumption has waned. We look at why milk sales are down, and how the industry may try to rebrand.
Read the story7 minThe Business of Online Dating
Online dating is a $2 billion-a-year industry. Part of that success has been thanks to the sheer number of websites out there. Besides the big-name sites like Match.com or eHarmony , there are lots of niche sites for people with specific interests -- such as BronyPassions.com , the matchmaking site for fans of the cartoon “My Little Pony.”
Read the story10 minSecrets of the Vatican
Secrets, scandal, money, power and abuse -- and the Vatican. In a new special airing tonight on PBS’s Frontline, producer Antony Thomas takes a deep dive into the scandals that have rocked the church. After years of stories that have shocked Catholics and non-Catholics alike, there is still much we’ve never heard about, until now.
Read the story15 minGoodbye Piers, Hello Ronan
The 24-hour cable news channels are struggling, and the networks are trying to figure out how to get their ratings back. CNN just cancelled Piers Morgan’s 3-year old show, and MSNBC offered a slot to the very young Ronan Farrow. Will these changes bring back viewers?
Read the story8 min
