Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Toyota Settlement, A Mystery Itch and Dodgers TV
Toyota settles for $1.2 billion, a mysterious diseases emerges, Dodger TV launches, KCET's CEO steps down, and the Oscar Pistorius murder trial continues.
By Madeleine Brand • • 52m ListenAttorney General Eric Holder announced a $1.2 billion settlement today with Toyota over how the company handled deadly malfunctions in 2009. We get the details and a rundown of other car news with our regular automotive commentator. Next, a mysterious disease is causing itching and rashes, but nobody can explain it. Is it real or psychosomatic? Plus, how the new Dodger cable network could change the way we watch all TV in the future. Also, the longtime CEO of KCET has stepped down. What does it mean for the future of public television in L.A? And we’ll hear about how the Oscar Pistorius murder trial has become South Africa’s version of the O.J. Simpson trial.
Banner Image: Toyota Corolla involved in a head on collision; credit: Ryanandlenny
In this episode
5 storiesToyota, GM and Tesla
Attorney General Eric Holder announced a $1.2 billion settlement with Toyota over the way it handled deadly problems with its cars back in 2009. It all stems from the issues of sudden acceleration, which lead to the death of a California family. We discuss that, GM’s own recall issues, and Tesla’s fight with lawmakers in several states.
Read the story12 minA Mystery Itch
There’s a new illness with thousands of sufferers -- but it may not be real. Sufferers claim to experience painful itching and welts on their skin with hair-like growths coming out of them. The ailment is called Morgellons Disease, but nobody can explain it and the medical community isn’t even convinced it’s a real condition.
Read the story13 minWhy Dodgers TV Matters To Everyone
The Dodgers open their season this weekend in Australia with a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. But here at home, there’s only one way to watch the team. A $7 billion deal between the Dodgers and Time Warner Cable has created a channel called SportsNet LA, which has exclusive rights to all Dodger TV broadcasts.
Read the story7 minSea Change at Public TV
The CEO of L.A.’s public TV station, KCET, is stepping down after 18 years. Al Jerome presided over KCET during a tumultuous time for public television stations everywhere, but especially here. A few years ago, he broke with PBS -- just before that network’s huge bit, Downton Abbey, debuted. It’s been downhill for the station ever since.
Read the story6 minPistorius Trial Takes Over South Africa
The Oscar Pistorius murder trial in South Africa has the entire country entirely captivated. The famous athlete known as the “Blade Runner” is in court for shooting and killing his girlfriend, whom he says he mistook for an intruder.
Read the story8 min
