Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Remembering Joan Rivers and Breaking Up with Football
For years, small businesses have complained that the website Yelp manipulates their reviews based on whether or not they purchase ad space on the site. A group of them finally sued, and yesterday a federal appeals court ruled against them. What are the implications of the decision, and how much power does Yelp have in determining which businesses succeed?
By Madeleine Brand • • 52m ListenYesterday, a federal appeals court ruled against a group of businesses who’d sued the website Yelp. The business owners claim that the consumer-rating site manipulates its reviews to favor businesses that purchase ads. What are the implications of the decision, and how much power does Yelp have in the market? We also hear from writer Steve Almond about his transformation from sportswriter and football superfan to anti-football advocate. In our weekly film segment, it’s all about the buzziest movies on the festival circuit, which is in full swing right now. Finally, remember Joan Rivers with one of the filmmakers behind the 2010 documentary Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work.
Banner Image: Joan Rivers, who passed away on Thursday, September 5th 2014. Credit: David Shankbone
In this episode
4 storiesYelp and the Business of Ranking Businesses
For years, small businesses have complained that Yelp manipulates their reviews. They claim that Yelp extorts them by asking them to purchase advertising, and if they decline, their good reviews disappear and their negative reviews move to the top.
Read the story12 minBreaking Up with Football
Former sportswriter Steve Almond was a huge football fan for 40 years. But ethical and moral issues led him to boycott the game at all levels. He writes about his about-face in his latest book, Against Football : One Fan's Reluctant Manifesto.
Read the story12 minFilm Fest Buzz
The Toronto International Film Festival kicked off yesterday, Telluride wrapped up on Monday, and curtains close on the Venice Film Festival tomorrow. Today in our weekly film roundup, we talk about the buzziest flicks coming out of the festival circuit.
Read the story16 minThe Real Joan Rivers
Legendary comedian Joan Rivers died yesterday at the age of 81. She was the child of Russian immigrants and a pioneer for women in show business. She was also divisive, one of those people others tend to love or hate. But who was she really? A 2010 documentary called Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work tried to answer that question.
Read the story9 min
