Monday January 9, 2006
Join the show: 1-800-433-8850 (kojo@wamu.org) or contact us
Week of January 9, 2006
Your Amazon.com purchases support WAMU 88.5
Your purchases from the NPR Store support WAMU 88.5
The news media plays a critical role in framing the legal and political fault-lines in Supreme Court showdowns. But in the era of sensational coverage and 24-hour news cycles, many feel it has been manipulated by various interest groups. Kojo explores the coverage of judicial confirmations, and gets tips for differentiating between groups with innocuous-sounding names like "The Center for American Progress" and "Progress for America."
Trevor Parry-Giles, Assistant Professor of Political Communication, University of Maryland, College Park; Author, “Character of Justice: Rhetoric, Law and Politics in the Supreme Court Confirmation Process” (Michigan State University Press)
Tom Rosenstiel, Director, Project for Excellence in Journalism
Bert Brandenburg, Executive Director, Justice at Stake Campaign
He'd been described as one of 'the most influential and feared men in Washington.' But no more. Over the weekend, Republican Tom DeLay gave up his bid to remain House Majority Leader. We look at the various Congressmen under consideration to take on the post, and examine what legacy DeLay's woes will have on Congress in 2006.
David Hawkings, Managing Editor, CQ Weekly
Gift cards were the third most requested gift this holiday season. But hidden fees and restrictions on some cards have created confusion among many consumers in this $18 billion industry. Now, some in Congress are calling for legislation to set rules for their use. We look at how gift cards are impacting the economy, and changing Americans' buying habits.
Scott Krugman, Vice President, National Retail Federation
Ylan Mui, Reporter, Washington Post
Dennis Moroney, Senior Bank Card Research Analyst, the Tower Group