Vanity Fair
Contributing Editor at Vanity Fair; former reporter for the Wall Street Journal and author of War at The Wall Street Journal, about Murdoch’s purchase of the paper in 2007
PROFILE
Sarah Ellison
Guest
FROM Sarah Ellison
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
What's Behind Yahoo's Downturn When Marissa Mayer took the helm of Yahoo four years ago, she vowed to reinvigorate the technology company as a major media brand. Her most visible strategy - big bets on big names, like hiring Katie Couric as Yahoo’s “Global Anchor.” And it seemed like the bet was paying off - Couric’s original interviews were viewed millions of times. In August, Mayer made her last high-profile hire, Martha Nelson, the former top editor of Time, Inc. But less than a year later, Yahoo is in bad shape. It will shed 15 percent of its staff and its core business may be up for sale. The reason for the failure, according to a new article in Vanity Fair , is that Yahoo’s new talent has been competing with Kim Kardashian’s...uh...rear end for clicks.
Which Way, L.A.?
Rupert Murdoch on the Witness Stand Rupert Murdoch and his son, James, answered questions from members of Parliament today for almost three hours. Rupert Murdoch apologized, denied previous knowledge and blamed subordinates for the cell phone-hacking and bribery scandal rocking Britain's political elite. We hear about the testimony and the protester who threw shaving cream at the elder Murdoch's face.
To the Point
Rupert Murdoch on the Witness Stand Britain's 80-year old press lord, Rupert Murdoch, and his son, James, answered questions from members of Parliament today for almost three hours, saying that phone hacking and bribing police officers are wrong. Both denied knowing that News Corp policies were broken so often and blamed subordinates they accused of betraying them and their company. At one point, a protester managed to throw a small amount of shaving cream in the elder Murdoch's face. We hear about the substance and the drama as the scandal develops.
Which Way, L.A.?
Who Will Buy the Tribune Company? Yesterday was the deadline for bids for Tribune Publishing , owner of the Los Angeles Times . As recently as Tuesday, investment analysts were saying there might not be any bids at all. Yet, there were, from the Chandler family , the former owners; from Eli Broad and Ron Burkle, working together; and from a private equity firm interested in the Tribune’s TV stations. That’s according to Sarah Ellison in today’s Wall Street Journal .
Which Way, L.A.?
Local Billionaires Make a Bid for the LA Times Yesterday, LA Times Editor Dean Baquet was forced out by Tribune Publishing over the issue of cuts in the editorial staff. Today, the paper reports on its website that local billionaires Ron Burkle and Eli Broad have offered to buy it.
Which Way, L.A.?
Another Shoe Falls at the LA Times This afternoon, the Wall Street Journal Online reported that LA Times Editor Dean Baquet had been forced out of his job. Baquet confirmed it to the news room staff. Then publisher David Hiller made the official announcement, saying that Baquet will be replaced by Jim O'Shea, now editor of the Chicago Tribune . Tribune Publishing owns the Times.
Recommended
To the Point
Is the threat from Russia missing from the Russia meddling probe? There's much being made about the Trump administration's possible ties with Russia. But the bottom line is Russia's effort to influence American democracy. Do the President and his aides care enough to take action before voters go back to the polls?
To the Point
Who's to blame for the opioid crisis? Some of the lawyers who took on Big Tobacco are now going after Big Pharma. It’s all about the deadly epidemic of opioid use. Are the drug companies to blame? What about the users? Later, on today’s Talking Point: making sense of Britain’s upset election.
To the Point
Human Rights in the era of Donald Trump President Trump’s UN Ambassador, Nikki Haley, said today the US might pull out of the United Nations’ Human Rights Council. Serious violators of human rights are members of the Council itself–and a US resignation could make things worse. Later on today’s show, now that he’s into his second term, comedian turned US Senator Al Franken is telling jokes again.
To the Point
Trump's new look at civil rights and global warming President Trump is reportedly ready to pull the US out of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. We look at the possible consequences. On the second half of the program, we hear about cuts in Obama-Era civil rights programs called for by the Trump Administration's first budget plan.