Press Play with Madeleine Brand
UVA Rape Case, Governor Brown's Water Restrictions, and Mad Men
Last November, Rolling Stone printed a shocking story of a gang rape at the University of Virginia. A new report by the Columbia Journalism Review takes the reporter and magazine to task for failing to follow basic reporting practices.
By Madeleine Brand • • 52m ListenThe Columbia Journalism Review has released its report on Rolling Stone magazine’s story of an alleged gang rape at the University of Virginia. Their report concludes that there was a failure at every level of the magazine. We look more closely at the report and then ask, what makes rape such a difficult story to report on? Governor Jerry Brown is being criticized for not asking agricultural interests in the state to cut back on their water usage. Should he? Matthew Weiner, creator of the hit AMC series Mad Men, discusses the last season of the show, which debuted last night. And while Mad Men is one of the more prominent shows debuting new seasons right now, our TV folks break down what else is worth watching.
Banner Image: University of Virginia; Credit: Adam Fagen
In this episode
5 storiesUVA Rape Story Report
Last November, Rolling Stone printed a shocking story of gang rape at the University of Virginia. The story received much attention across the country, adding to the chorus of voices demanding more accountability for sexual assault on college campuses. But subsequent investigation has found that the rape victim’s story doesn’t hold up.
Read the story8 minThe Difficulties of Reporting on Rape
While Rolling Stone magazine failed at an institutional level, the authors of the Columbia report write that, “of all crimes, rape is perhaps the toughest to cover.” What makes reporting on rape more difficult than reporting on other crimes? Outside this one example of failure, how are American journalists doing handling these kinds of stories?
Read the story10 minWater Rights in California
Governor Jerry Brown defended his water use restrictions yesterday on ABC’s This Week. Criticism has come from those in California who believe farmers who grow water-hungry crops should have to cut back on their usage as well.
Read the story9 minThe Beginning of the End of 'Mad Men'
For millions of viewers, last night’s season premiere of AMC’s Mad Men was the beginning of the end. Only six episodes remain of the hit drama that explored the lives and careers of Manhattan advertising workers, chief among them the enigmatic character Don Draper.
Read the story15 minTV Roundup
Mad Men isn’t the only show grabbing viewers' attention. AMC’s Better Call Saul, a spin-off of Breaking Bad, is wrapping up its first season tonight. Also, a lesser-known show called Outlander, which is based on a series of novels set in 18th century Scotland, begins a new season on Starz.
Read the story8 min
