Press Play with Madeleine Brand
North Korea and China, 'The Interview' On Demand and L.A.’s Trash Problem
Chinese officials are standing up for North Korea in the wake of the Sony hack, but are the close ties between the two countries fraying? Also, a look inside the North Korean tourism industry.
By Madeleine Brand • • 52m ListenWe start with a look at the relationship between North Korea and China. Chinese officials are standing up for North Korea in the wake of the Sony hack, but are the close ties between the two countries fraying? Then, a look at North Korean tourism and how much access Western travelers have when visiting that country. In our weekly television roundup we turn to “The Interview” and whether it will ever see the light of day. KCRW DJ Anne Litt shares her picks for the best songs of 2014. And finally, why are L.A.’s streets so cluttered with trash?
Banner Image: Korean AirBoeing 747-400 taxiing at Haneda Airport, photo by Kentaro Iemoto
In this episode
5 storiesExamining North Korea-China Ties
Chinese officials went on the record today about the hack of Sony Pictures, saying that while they oppose cyberattacks, there’s no proof that North Korea is behind it. China is North Korea’s only major ally. But as North Korea becomes more isolated and more brazen in its actions, could that change?
Read the story9 minInside North Korea’s Tourism Industry
One thing the international hacking controversy has highlighted is the vast cultural gap between the U.S. and North Korea. North Korea is notoriously hard to access as a Westerner, and the U.S. State Department recommends against any travel there by American citizens.
Read the story7 minWill 'The Interview' Ever See the Light of Day?
Even people who wouldn’t normally be into bro-mantic comedies are now eager to see The Interview, the Seth Rogen film that’s created an international uproar. But despite the accidental publicity, Sony isn’t revealing when Americans might have the chance to see the film. It won’t be in theaters, but what about on-demand streaming?
Read the story10 minThe Best Songs of 2014
This is the season of the “Best Of” list and KCRW is not immune. The station’s DJs have compiled their much-awaited “Best Albums of 2014.” Madeleine recently sat down with Anne Litt to talk about her picks for the year’s top tunes.
Read the story13 minLA’s Trashy Streets
The end of the year brings a time of renewal. Out with the old, in with the new! And apparently, a lot of Angelenos are taking that to heart. Our streets and sidewalks are regularly littered with furniture, televisions, mattresses and other discarded items.
Read the story8 min
