Hollywood Meets the Internet and Economic Reality

Making News

Loan Modifications Starting to Slow Foreclosures ()

Many troubled homeowners may or may not agree, but Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner today proclaimed an important milestone in the effort to prevent mortgage foreclosures. James Hagerty reports on real estate for the Wall Street Journal.

Guests:

• James Hagerty: Reporter, Wall Street Journal

Main Topic

Hollywood Meets the Internet and Economic Reality ()

With so much free content on-line, the business model for movies just doesn't work any more. Revenues from DVD's are declining fast, as is backing from wealthy "angels" with big money to spend. And this was a summer of box-office flops. Studios are becoming revolving doors for executives, and are basing productions on comic books, graphic novels, webisodes and video games that can be serialized and "branded" for easy marketing. "Specialty" projects aimed at adults are fewer and farther between. We see how the wide world of entertainment is changing.

Guests:

• Patrick Goldstein: Columnist and blogger, Los Angeles Times
• James McQuivey: Media and Technology Analyst, Forrester Research
• Mark Gill: Founder and CEO, The Film Department
• Jordan Levin: Co-Founder, Generate

Reporter's Notebook

Rangel Retains Gavel Despite GOP Corruption Allegations ()

After years of high-profile scandals that knocked Republicans off pedestals on Capitol Hill, Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi promised the "most open and ethical" Congress in history. Now Republicans are striking back. Charles Rangel, one of the senior members of Congress, is chair of the Ways ad Means Committee, which oversees the Internal Revenue Service. Among other charges, the New York Democrat is accused of failing to report his own income. Gail Russell Chaddock reports for the Christian Science Monitor.

Guests:

• Gail Russell Chaddock: Congressional Reporter, Christian Science Monitor

Links:

• Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW)