Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Net Neutrality, Jill Abramson & the Fight Over GMOs
The FCC rules on net neutrality, the NY Times fires its executive editor, new research on earthquakes, bee populations plummet, and the fight over GMOs.
By Madeleine Brand • • 52m ListenThe FCC voted today to allow internet providers like AT&T, Verizon, and Comcast to provide faster speeds for companies willing to pay. Jill Abramson has suddenly been fired from her job as executive editor at the New York Times, shocking the media world. New research shows that pumping water out of the aquifer in the central valley has caused more earthquakes. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says bees are still dying at an alarming rate, and beekeepers are suffering hive theft. Also, scientists say foods containing GMO ingredients are safe to eat, but almost all Americans want GMO foods to be labeled.
Banner Image: People hold signs during one of many worldwide "March Against Monsanto" protests against Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and agro-chemicals, in Los Angeles, California October 12, 2013. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson
In this episode
5 storiesNet Neutrality
There is one internet... for now. But by a 3 to 2 decision the FCC voted today to potentially allow broadband providers such as AT&T, Verizon, and Comcast to make deals with content companies for preferential treatment. This could create a two-tier system for the internet: faster speeds for web companies willing to pay compared to ones who don’t.
Read the story11 minNY Times Fires Its Executive Editor
Jill Abramson has been fired from her job as executive editor at the New York Times for “newsroom management issues.” Her replacement is Dean Baquet, former editor at the LA Times who becomes the first African American to hold the post. But all the talk today is about the firing of Abramson.
Read the story7 minDroughts and Earthquakes
Could the drought be causing earthquakes? New research shows that pumping water out of the aquifer in the central valley has increased seismic activity.
Read the story6 minBees
Bees are crucial to pollinating many, many crops. But they’ve been mysteriously dying off for the past decade, which is bad news for beekeepers, farmers, and anyone who eats fruits and vegetables. And today, more bad news: the U.S.
Read the story12 minThe Fight Over GMOs
Scientists say foods containing GMO ingredients are safe to eat, but 93% of Americans want GMO foods to be labeled, and there are 84 GMO labeling bills in 29 states, as well as two competing bills in Congress. What’s going on here?
Read the story10 min
