Week 9 - Radio

Unless you do a lot a driving you probably don’t rely on the radio much for your news. The prevalence of video-driven news content on television and the internet is probably more enticing for most of us when we want to keep informed.

But with the iPod phenomenon in full effect there are more choices than ever for audio news in the form of podcasts. Most are available for free and have relatively few commercial interruptions.

So without completely turning this post into a podcast endorsement, here now are a few of this week’s radio/podcast news stories about President Obama.

NPR and KCRW

Santa Monica based KCRW is our local radio source for NPR news and political commentary. Here are a few recently aired stories.

NPR: Story of the Day Podcast - Link

This story details the growing frustration that Americans are experiencing with the poor state of the economy. Some are frustrated with the Obama administration for failing to spark a major economic turnaround, others say he’s been in office for less than three months and to give him time. Obama reminds citizens that the turnaround process will take years and possible multiple attempts at different solutions. We need to be patient and turn our frustration into constructive energy.

To the Point - Link

The Obama administration’s delicate balance with Mexico. Tensions are growing over the increasing drug-related violence taking place in Mexico. Fears that violence is spinning out of control in Mexico and will spill over into the U.S. if actions are not taken. Over 7000 related deaths have occurred in the past 16 months.

Which Way L.A.? - Link

Here, Which Way L.A.? covers President Obama’s recent town hall style appearance in Los Angeles. While republicans on Capital Hill make up some of Mr. Obama’s most fierce critics, republican Governor Schwarzenegger appeared as one of his biggest supporters. Schwarzenegger said Obama’s stimulus plan will bring $51 billion to California. The mood of the meeting was more like a campaign event rather than a town hall meeting. People were ecstatic about meeting and talking to the President.

Television Podcasts

Meet the Press - Link

NBC’s weekly Sunday news television program is available in podcast form. This week they discussed the public outrage following the AIG bonuses and Gov. Schwarzenegger talks of collaborating with President Obama about retooling government infrastructure. Also covers the nation’s supposed frustration with Obama’s reform plans. The mood of the program is quite clear from the style of the intro, the music is dramatic and the announcer sounds frantic. Is the end near!?

NewsHour with Jim Lehrer - Link

PBS news program NewsHour’s style is almost the polar opposite of Meet the Press. A very calm and collected take on the news. This podcast covers how Obama is lobbying for democratic support of his budget plan while party leaders are seeking changes to it. Obama administration claims it will cut the deficit in half in five years, critics say it will lead us further into the red.

Is radio dead?

While some may think the radio platform is boring compared to video-driven news, it can be quite powerful in the right reporters hands. Just listen to the powerful imagery Edward R. Murrow provides in his historic report of the bombing of Trafalgar Square in London. - Link