To the Point
Public Radio, Capitalism and Native Advertising
Public radio tells listeners it depends on them, not corporate advertising. Now Ira Glass, of This America Life, says "public radio is ready for capitalism." Newspapers are running ads that look just like their stories. In the age of podcasting and native advertising, important lines are beginning to blur.
By Warren Olney • • 51m ListenPublic radio tells listeners it depends on them, not corporate advertising. Now Ira Glass, of This America Life, says "public radio is ready for capitalism." Newspapers are running ads that look just like their stories. In the age of podcasting and native advertising, important lines are beginning to blur.
Also, Ireland makes history with the first gay marriage referendum. On today's Talking Point, Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian is about to be tried for espionage in Iran -- although no evidence has been revealed, and the proceedings may be secret. We talk with his very worried brother.
Photo: Ira Glass, seen here hosting the 2014 Peabody Awards, has stirred up a proverbial hornet’s nest with his comments about public radio and capitalism. (Peabody Awards)
In this episode
3 storiesIreland Makes History with First Gay Marriage Referendum
In Ireland, how influential is the Roman Catholic Church? In the 1980's, voters soundly rejected both divorce and abortion. But today's referendum on legalizing same-sex marriage may tell a different story, as we hear from Henry McDonald, Ireland correspondent for the Guardian and the Observer .
Read the story6 min'Native Advertising' and Audience Trust
Newspapers, magazines and websites are making big money from advertisements that look just like their news stories. NPR, which has always relied on underwriters as well as listener support, is supposedly an alternative to commercial broadcasting, but Ira Glass of This American Life says, " Public radio is ready for capitalism ."
Read the story33 minDetained American Journalist on Trial in Iran
Iran is about to put an American reporter on trial for espionage — without telling him what the evidence is. There’s real concern that the proceedings may be held in secret. Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian has been in prison for ten months and is scheduled to go on trial next week in Tehran.
Read the story11 min
