http://news.linktv.org Link TV News Videos (Filtered by topics: Television) en-us Tue, 11 Jun 2013 11:34:00 -0700 Copyright 2011 Link Media, Inc. http://news.linktv.org/videos/how-istanbul-rose-up-radical?start=0 It started with a passion to protect one of the small spots of green in Istanbul, Gezi Park, but it was the violent, deadly response by police to a protest to save the space that stunned participants and witnesses watching it on TV. The clash unleashed a mighty wave of pent up anger at the government, and ignited the biggest civil uprising in the history of the Turkish Republic. The unrest has spread to more than 60 cities where protests are still going strong. Vice was at Ground Zero the day it all began.<br /> Tue, 11 Jun 2013 11:34:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/how-istanbul-rose-up-radical 2013 protests in Turkey, Istanbul, Protest, Unrest, Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Television It started with a passion to protect one of the small spots of green in Istanbul, Gezi Park, but it was the violent, deadly response by police to a protest to save the space that stunned participants and witnesses watching it on TV. The clash unleashed a mighty wave of pent up anger at the government, and ignited the biggest civil uprising in the history of the Turkish Republic. The unrest has spread to more than 60 cities where protests are still going strong. Vice was at Ground Zero the day it all began. http://news.linktv.org/videos/raw-video-jodi-arias-guilty-of-first-degree-murder?start=0 Jodi Arias held very still but clearly fought back tears as jurors in an Arizona courtroom found her guilty of first-degree murder in the gruesome slashing shooting death of sometimes lover Travis Alexander. Crowds awaiting the verdict outside erupted in cheers. The lurid case was broadcast live on TV to a captivated national audience. Prosecutors had argued that Arias planned the attack in a jealous rage. Arias, 32, first blamed the killing on masked intruders, then said it was self defense. She now faces a possible death sentence in the penalty phase of the trial. Wed, 08 May 2013 14:26:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/raw-video-jodi-arias-guilty-of-first-degree-murder Murder, Raw video, Arizona, United States, Television, Crime Jodi Arias held very still but clearly fought back tears as jurors in an Arizona courtroom found her guilty of first-degree murder in the gruesome slashing shooting death of sometimes lover Travis Alexander. Crowds awaiting the verdict outside erupted in cheers. The lurid case was broadcast live on TV to a captivated national audience. Prosecutors had argued that Arias planned the attack in a jealous rage. Arias, 32, first blamed the killing on masked intruders, then said it was self defense. She now faces a possible death sentence in the penalty phase of the trial. http://news.linktv.org/videos/how-to-speak-dothraki?start=0 Think you can command the dragons? All it takes is a few words of Dothraki, the fantasy language of HBO's uber popular <em>Game of Thrones</em>. But it's not an easy language to pick up. Californian creator and liguist David J. Peterson says Dothraki, as well as Irathient and Castithan for the Syfy series <em>Defiance</em>, are rather sophisticated systems that evolve as they absorb new words from other cultures. As they say in Dothraki: Dothras chek!&nbsp; Mon, 06 May 2013 10:12:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/how-to-speak-dothraki Game of Thrones (TV series), Dothraki language, Television, Defiance (TV series), Science fiction, HBO, The Guardian Think you can command the dragons? All it takes is a few words of Dothraki, the fantasy language of HBO's uber popular Game of Thrones. But it's not an easy language to pick up. Californian creator and liguist David J. Peterson says Dothraki, as well as Irathient and Castithan for the Syfy series Defiance, are rather sophisticated systems that evolve as they absorb new words from other cultures. As they say in Dothraki: Dothras chek! http://news.linktv.org/videos/hee-haw-jim-carrey-draws-bead-on-gun-lobby?start=0 Yukster Jim Carrey is taking a potshot at the late Charlton Heston's love affair with guns, and at the gun lobby the best way comedians know how: with a <em>Funny or Die</em> video posted on the Internet. Carey, who says he's fed up with the lack of action against US gun violence, joshes about guns in Heston's "cold dead hands" in a reimagined scene from TV's old <em>Hee Haw. </em>"Heston," who headed up the NRA in real life, ends up shooting off his foot in the spoof. Mon, 25 Mar 2013 18:05:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/hee-haw-jim-carrey-draws-bead-on-gun-lobby Jim Carrey, National Rifle Association (NRA), Funny or Die, Charlton Heston, Gun violence in the United States, Gun politics, Television, Internet, CNN Yukster Jim Carrey is taking a potshot at the late Charlton Heston's love affair with guns, and at the gun lobby the best way comedians know how: with a Funny or Die video posted on the Internet. Carey, who says he's fed up with the lack of action against US gun violence, joshes about guns in Heston's "cold dead hands" in a reimagined scene from TV's old Hee Haw. "Heston," who headed up the NRA in real life, ends up shooting off his foot in the spoof. http://news.linktv.org/videos/great-tv-satan-who-looks-like-obama-sparks-stir?start=0 Wait a minute ... that guy playing the devil on "The Bible" miniseries on the History Channel looks like ... Barack Obama! That's what struck lots of viewers who heated up the twitterverse with complaints. A spokesman for the History Channel said the operation has the "highest regard" for Obama and no slight was intended when casters picked sorta-clone Moroccan actor Mohamen Mehdi Ouazani to play the great satan. Now ratings are on fire. Mon, 18 Mar 2013 18:39:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/great-tv-satan-who-looks-like-obama-sparks-stir Barack Obama, Great Satan, Television, United States, Bible, History (TV channel), CNN Wait a minute ... that guy playing the devil on "The Bible" miniseries on the History Channel looks like ... Barack Obama! That's what struck lots of viewers who heated up the twitterverse with complaints. A spokesman for the History Channel said the operation has the "highest regard" for Obama and no slight was intended when casters picked sorta-clone Moroccan actor Mohamen Mehdi Ouazani to play the great satan. Now ratings are on fire. http://news.linktv.org/videos/reality-show-with-pistorious-dead-girlfriend-set-to-air?start=0 A reality show featuring the dead girlfriend of South African paralympian Oscar Pistorius will air on television. Reeva Steenkamp recently finished filming 'Tropika Island of Treasure' in Jamaica. The production company decided to show the program on South African TV with an on-screen dedication. Sat, 16 Feb 2013 13:24:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/reality-show-with-pistorious-dead-girlfriend-set-to-air Oscar Pistorius, Reality television, South Africa, Premeditated murder, Jamaica, Production company, Television, Shooting, 2012 London Olympics, Euronews A reality show featuring the dead girlfriend of South African paralympian Oscar Pistorius will air on television. Reeva Steenkamp recently finished filming 'Tropika Island of Treasure' in Jamaica. The production company decided to show the program on South African TV with an on-screen dedication. http://news.linktv.org/videos/ill-cut-off-your-snake-head-georgia-mps-come-to-blows-during-live-tv-debate?start=0 A live debate between Georgian MPs Koba Davitashvili and Sergo Ratiani on the TV channel Maestro ended up exploding into violence in Tblisi. But the irony is their respective political parties are currently in coalition with one another. Report by Ashley Fudge. <br /> Thu, 14 Feb 2013 16:16:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/ill-cut-off-your-snake-head-georgia-mps-come-to-blows-during-live-tv-debate Koba Davitashvili, Georgia, Tbilisi, Politics of Georgia, United National Movement, Georgian Dream, Member of parliament, Debate, Television program, Coalition government A live debate between Georgian MPs Koba Davitashvili and Sergo Ratiani on the TV channel Maestro ended up exploding into violence in Tblisi. But the irony is their respective political parties are currently in coalition with one another. Report by Ashley Fudge. http://news.linktv.org/videos/castro-makes-rare-appearance-to-vote?start=0 Retired Cuban leader Fidel Castro, 86, chatted with well-wishers and reporters in Havana in a rare appearance as he voted in the country's general election. It was the first time he was seen in public for any length of time since 2010.&nbsp;"The people are truly revolutionary, they have really sacrificed. We don't have to prove it, history will," he was heard saying on state TV.&nbsp; Sun, 03 Feb 2013 23:48:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/castro-makes-rare-appearance-to-vote Fidel Castro, Havana, Cuba, Election, Raúl Castro, Television, Cubans, Euronews Retired Cuban leader Fidel Castro, 86, chatted with well-wishers and reporters in Havana in a rare appearance as he voted in the country's general election. It was the first time he was seen in public for any length of time since 2010. "The people are truly revolutionary, they have really sacrificed. We don't have to prove it, history will," he was heard saying on state TV. http://news.linktv.org/videos/us-sheriff-warns-citizens-arm-yourselves?start=0 Wisconsin Sheriff David Clarke Jr. has taken out a radio ad urging residents to use firarms to defend themselves from violent criminals until his short-staffed police department can respond to calls for help. "You have a duty to protect yourself and your family," says the Milwaukee County lawman. "We're partners now. Can I count on you?" Watch Clarke defend the ad to Piers Morgan.&nbsp; Tue, 29 Jan 2013 21:01:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/us-sheriff-warns-citizens-arm-yourselves Piers Morgan, Police, Gun, Gun control, Gun violence, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, Self defense, Wisconsin, Duty to protect, Television Wisconsin Sheriff David Clarke Jr. has taken out a radio ad urging residents to use firearms to defend themselves from violent criminals until the short-staffed police department can respond to calls for help. "You have a duty to protect yourself and your family," says the Milwaukee County lawman. "We're partners now. Can I count on you?" Watch Clarke defend the ad to Piers Morgan. http://news.linktv.org/videos/wtf-ibm-supercomputer-loves-foul-mouthed-four-letter-words?start=0 IBM supercomputer Watson became famous for his lightning-quick responses on TV quiz show "Jeopardy!", but programmers are still seeking how to make his speech patterns sound natural. Recently Watson was allowed to learn from website Urban Dictionary, but it wound up giving him a foul-mouth. Sun, 13 Jan 2013 15:17:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/wtf-ibm-supercomputer-loves-foul-mouthed-four-letter-words Watson (computer), IBM, Jeopardy!, Urban Dictionary, Television, English language, Supercomputer, Computer Science, Newsy IBM supercomputer Watson became famous for his lightning-quick responses on TV quiz show "Jeopardy!", but programmers are still seeking how to make his speech patterns sound natural. Recently Watson was allowed to learn from website Urban Dictionary, but it wound up giving him a foul-mouth. http://news.linktv.org/videos/al-gores-current-tv-to-become-al-jazeera-america?start=0 Al Jazeera has bought itself a much bigger American presence with its purchase of Current TV, the cable news network founded by Al Gore. The Qatar-based network plans to rebrand the channel Al Jazeera America and produce more than half of its output in the US.<br /> Wed, 02 Jan 2013 23:05:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/al-gores-current-tv-to-become-al-jazeera-america Al Jazeera, Current TV, Al Jazeera English, News broadcasting, United States, Al Gore, Qatar, Television, Television network Al Jazeera has bought itself a much bigger American presence with its purchase of Current TV, the cable news network founded by Al Gore. The Qatar-based network plans to rebrand the channel Al Jazeera America and produce more than half of its output in the US. http://news.linktv.org/videos/thunderbirds-creator-gerry-anderson-dies?start=0 Thunderbirds are gone: Gerry Anderson, British creator of the beloved 1960s science fiction TV series, has died at the age of 83. Anderson pioneered the "supermarionation" technique for using marionettes on TV, though he moved away from puppetry later in his career.<br /> Wed, 26 Dec 2012 20:13:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/thunderbirds-creator-gerry-anderson-dies Gerry Anderson, Science fiction, Thunderbirds (TV series), Puppetry, United Kingdom, Television, Children's television series, Channel 4 News Thunderbirds are gone: Gerry Anderson, British creator of the beloved 1960s science fiction TV series, has died at the age of 83. Anderson pioneered the "supermarionation" technique for using marionettes on TV, though he moved away from puppetry later in his career. http://news.linktv.org/videos/odd-couple-actor-jack-klugman-dies?start=0 Jack Klugman, the lovable craggy-faced character actor loved by millions as the slob roomie in TV's 'The Odd Couple' and the crime-fighting coroner in 'Quincy, M.E.,' died Monday at the age of 90. Mon, 24 Dec 2012 21:14:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/odd-couple-actor-jack-klugman-dies Jack Klugman, The Odd Couple (TV series), United States, Quincy, M.E., Character actor, Television, Associated Press Jack Klugman, the lovable craggy-faced character actor loved by millions as the slob roomie in TV's 'The Odd Couple' and the crime-fighting coroner in 'Quincy, M.E.,' died Monday at the age of 90. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-101212?start=1376 <p>Anti-Morsi slogans lead to clashes between Islamists and liberals in Tahrir Square, African Union forces expand control outside of Mogadishu, Saudi Arabia ranks as world's second-worst country for women, and more.</p> Fri, 12 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-101212 Taliban, Israel, Islamism, Afghanistan, Tahrir Square, Women's rights in Saudi Arabia, Ghazni Province, Jalalabad Airport, Bahrain Uprising, Nobel Peace Prize Presenter, Male #1 Prime Minister Salam Fayyad denounced the settler aggression that has targeted olive trees in several provinces in the nation. During his participation in the start of the olive season with residents of the town of Jayyous in Qalqilya Province, Fayyad stated that settlers and the occupation are targeting this blessed tree due to its symbolism for our people. Reporter, Male #2 Salam Fayyad asserted that the olive tree embodies a close link between man and earth, and is a main source of income for citizens. It's being attacked by the occupation and settlers due to its importance and symbolism for our Palestinian people. Reporter, Male #2 Fayyad spoke during his participation in the olive season with the residents of the town of Jayyous, in Qalqilya Province, along with the participation of the Ministers of Agriculture and Communications, and a large number of representatives of agencies, organizations, and events. Guest, Male #3 (Salam Fayyad, Prime Minister) In addition to being a source of income, the olive tree is a symbol. It signifies the spirit of persistence, of clinging to rights, and of steadfastness, as well as the struggle to exist. For these exact reasons, it appears that the olive tree has become a hostile target, in addition to the targeting of Palestinian existence through their land. Reporter, Male #2 The Ministry of Agriculture assured that they would continue supporting farmers with all means available, and confront the practices of the occupation-- settlers' violations in general, and rights violations concerning olive trees in particular. Reporter, Male #2 The province of Qalqilya, like other Palestinian provinces, is suffering around the clock from activities by the occupation and settlers. Over ten thousand farmers from the province were harmed by the erection of the separation barrier, which was at the expense of their land, in addition to the confiscation of vast parts of their land in the province of Qalqilya to erect settlements. Reporter, Male #2 The town of Jayyous lost most of its land as a result of the apartheid barrier's construction. Residents are unable to reach their land with freedom or ease, in light of the occupation forces' control over movement through the metal gates installed along the separation barrier. Reporter, Male #2 Several calls were made from several directions to stand by the farmers in the face of settler attacks. During the past days, several towns and villages have suffered night attacks from settlers. They targeted hundreds of olive trees by cutting and burning them, and stealing their crop, in the face of an official Israeli silence. At the start of the olive season every year, occupation authorities and herds of settlers begin practices that target this tree. But Palestinians insist on holding on to this tree, and how could they not? It's the secret of Palestinian existence and resistance. Moeen Shadeed, Palestine TV, from the town of Jayyous, east of Qalqilya. ** Contact Mosaic News: mosaicnews{at}linktv{dot}org http://news.linktv.org/videos/us-2012-all-eyes-on-mitt-romney-ahead-of-first-tv-debate?start=0 Do not underestimate Mitt Romney's capacity as a debater, says Telegraph US Editor Peter Foster, as the Republican presidential candiate prepares to face off with incumbent Barack Obama in their first TV debate in Colorado. Wed, 03 Oct 2012 11:38:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/us-2012-all-eyes-on-mitt-romney-ahead-of-first-tv-debate US presidential election debates, 2012, US presidential election, 2012, Mitt Romney, Barack Obama, Politics of the United States, US presidential election debates, Mitt Romney presidential campaign, 2012, Rob Portman, John Kerry, Jim Lehrer Do not underestimate Mitt Romney's capacity as a debater, says Telegraph US Editor Peter Foster, as the Republican presidential candiate prepares to face off with incumbent Barack Obama in their first TV debate in Colorado. http://news.linktv.org/videos/can-turkish-tv-contribute-to-social-change-in-the-middle-east?start=0 The "Arab Spring" has changed several political regimes in the Middle East and is shaping modern culture in the region. Given Turkey's historical and political influence, how much sway does the country's television and movie exports hold in contributing to this social change? Mon, 02 Jul 2012 09:33:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/can-turkish-tv-contribute-to-social-change-in-the-middle-east Arab Spring - duplicate, Media of Turkey, Turkey, Middle East, Arab culture, Social change, Arab world, Television, Film, Media The "Arab Spring" has changed several political regimes in the Middle East and is shaping modern culture in the region. Given Turkey's historical and political influence, how much sway does the country's television and movie exports hold in contributing to this social change? http://news.linktv.org/videos/adding-insult-to-injury-violent-greek-politician-sues-victims?start=0 After several days in hiding, a Greek far-right member of parliament has reappeared to announce he intends to press criminal charges and bring lawsuits against two women he violently attacked on live TV. Mon, 11 Jun 2012 14:07:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/adding-insult-to-injury-violent-greek-politician-sues-victims Ilias Kasidiaris, Golden Dawn (Greece), Liana Kanelli, Greek general election, 2012, Politics of Greece, Greece, Far-right politics, Assault, Violence against women, Ant1 A Greek far-right member of parliament is pressing criminal charges against two woman he attacked on live TV. He says he was provoked. After throwing a glass of water at one left-wing rival, Ilias Kasidarias, spokesman for the far-right Golden Dawn party, lashed out at another. Al Jazeera's Charlie Angela reports. http://news.linktv.org/videos/raw-video-greek-far-right-politician-assaults-women-on-live-tv?start=0 Ilias Kasidiaris, a spokesman for Greece's far-right Golden Dawn party, has thrown water at one female politician and then attacked another on live television. A statement on his party's website said Kasidiaris was "provoked." Thu, 07 Jun 2012 08:34:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/raw-video-greek-far-right-politician-assaults-women-on-live-tv Golden Dawn (Greece), Ilias Kasidiaris, Liana Kanelli, Greece, Syriza, Communist Party of Greece, Ant1, Assault, Far-right politics, Politics of Greece Ilias Kasidiaris, a spokesman for Greece's far-right Golden Dawn party, has thrown water at one female politician and then attacked another on live television. Radical left Syriza party member Rena Dorou had brought up a court case pending against Kasidiaris during a morning talk show on the Greek channel Antenna, prompting the attacks on her and Communist Party member Liana Kanelli, who was struck three times. A statement on the Golden Dawn website said Kasidiaris was "provoked." A public prosecutor has ordered his arrest. http://news.linktv.org/videos/democracy-now-may-3-2012?start=2746 Egypt's military rulers face growing unrest as 11 are killed in pre-election clashes. Rupert Murdoch faces an "unprecedented firestorm" after a British parliamentary report said he was "not a fit person" to run a major international media company. FCC orders US media companies to disclose rates for political ads in billion-dollar TV campaigns. And Robert McChesney, co-founder of Free Press, says the Murdoch hacking scandal represents a "moment of truth" for US media. Plus headlines, and more.<br /> Thu, 03 May 2012 10:54:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/democracy-now-may-3-2012 Leveson Inquiry, News Corporation, Rupert Murdoch, News of the World phone hacking affair, United States, FCC, News of the World, Egypt, Ministry of Defense (Egypt), Supreme Council of the Armed Forces During this year's election, political analysts estimate as much as $5 billion will be spent on TV campaign advertising. Now, a new ruling by the Federal Communication Commission requires broadcasters to post political advertisement data online, making it easier for the public to see exactly who is buying those ads. We speak with Robert McChesney, co-founder of the national media reform organization Free Press, and Justin Elliott, a reporter at ProPublica working on a project called "Free the Files," that asks people and journalists across the country to visit TV stations, acquire paper data on political ads, and then post the files online at ProPublica.org. Ending a yearlong campaign and week-long farewell, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich formally terminated his presidential candidacy Wednesday in Arlington, Virginia. However, Gingrich is likely to remain a familiar face if a new online advertisement by Obama's re-election campaign is any indication. The advertisement strings together some of Newt Gingrich's criticism of Mitt Romney expressed earlier in the Republican primary season. This is a part of that ad. NEWT GINGRICH: As a man who wants to run for president of the United States who can't be honest with the American people, why should we expect him to level about anything if he's president? You certainly have to say that Bain, at times, engaged in behavior where they looted a company leaving behind 1,700 unemployed people. There was a pattern in some companies, a handful of them, of leaving them with enormous debt, and then, within a year or two or three, having them go broke. I think that is something he ought to answer. I don't know of any American president who's had a Swiss bank account; I'd be glad for you to explain that sort of thing. The Romney machine can drive down turnout. It can run over opponents with negative ads. It doesn't seem capable of inspiring positive turnout. And the result is, I think, very, very worrisome if you're thinking about the fall campaign. That was an excerpt of a new online advertisement by President Obama's re-election campaign. During this year's election, political analysts estimate an unprecedented $3.2 billion will be spent on TV campaign advertising. Well, late last month, the Federal Communications Commission, or FCC, voted two to one to require broadcasters to post political ad data on the web, making it easier for the public to see exactly how those dollars are spent on TV advertising in this election and who's spending it. For more, we're joined now from Madison, Wisconsin, by Robert McChesney, co-founder of Free Press, the national media reform organization, author of a number of books on media and politics. And here in New York, we're joined by Justin Elliott, a reporter at ProPublica who has been working on a project called "Free the Files" that asks online contributors to visit TV stations, acquire the paper data on political ads, and post—they will post the files online. Shortly after the FCC ruling, he wrote a piece called "FCC-Required Political Ad Data Disclosures Won't Be Searchable." We welcome you both to Democracy Now! Justin Elliott, explain the significance of this not-very-well-covered FCC ruling. Is it a surprise it wasn't very well covered by the very media that it will affect, the TV networks? Right. Well, most of the big media corporations in the country were actually lobbying against this pretty vigorously at the FCC. Whether or not that related to coverage, it's—you know, it's impossible to prove. But the significance of this is, this political ad information, it shows you who's buying ads, how much they're paying, when they're running, whether or not the stations accepted ad buys from different campaigns. It's been public for years, but it's been stuck on paper files at stations. You literally have to go look at it, pay to make copies if you want copies. So now it's going to be going online. This election, it will only be in the top 50 markets, and then other stations will have two years to come into compliance. So it's pretty significant. And what's the information that's going to come out? Well, the information, I mean, it gets on a really granular level of which campaigns and super PACs and other outside groups are buying ads. It also shows you whether the stations are accepting ads from different groups or rejecting them. The reason that's important is that stations legally have to give equal opportunity to different candidates to buy ads. They can't show favoritism in who they sell ad time to. They also legally have to give campaigns the lowest rates on advertising. That's a measure to keep the cost of political campaigns down. So this should also shed light on whether or not they're fulfilling those obligations. Because it will actually show the rates that they're charging? Yeah, it shows, on an ad-by-ad level, you know, whether, say, the Obama campaign bought an ad during Judge Judy, how much they paid for it. These files are updated immediately. So, I mean, we hear a lot about how much money the campaigns are raising, who's giving them money. This is really where the majority of the money is going, towards campaign advertising, which right now is kind of in the dark. But now this will only affect the broadcast networks, not cable television at all, right? Right, this is only for the broadcast networks, though that is where the majority of ad dollars are spent on—for campaigns. Robert McChesney, you've been writing about this for a long time, about media and money. Give us examples of how the landscape has changed dramatically and what you expect this year. I think Justin said something like $3.2 billion expected to be spent. You're talking about $5 billion. Well, no one knows the numbers, and as Justin pointed out, we're now going to have a chance to get a better sense of what the actual numbers are, since so much of this money is being spent by loosely regulated super PACs as a result of Citizens United. I think that the crucial point is—that comes out of this extraordinary victory, and it is a great victory—is that the commercial broadcasters in this country, which get their broadcast licenses for free, monopoly licenses to serve the public, opposed getting this—making this information accessible to people, because it sort of showed the dirty game that's developed in this country. Twenty years ago, the average commercial television station got 2 or 3 percent of its revenues from candidate ads and actually had local news coverage on their station. Today, depending on the state you're in, it looks like the average commercial television station, these 50 big market network stations, will have anywhere from 15 to as much as 30 percent of their revenues just from political candidate ads, and they're doing far less coverage of politics whatsoever. So we're getting inundated with inane advertising, and we're having very little journalism. What little journalism we do get tends to be just monitoring the ads and sort of cheering them on. Well, Bob McChesney, isn't it, in essence, a relationship between the coverage and the advertisements, that the degree that the stations provide less coverage of political campaigns, it requires the politicians then to somehow get their message out one way or another, so the stations have, in essence, a vested interest in terms—economically, in less political coverage? Absolutely. It's just logic of business that they would do this. I had a friend who was running for governor in a Midwestern state as a Democrat, who went around the state, and he wasn't getting any television coverage. And he finally complained to the manager of a station. And they said, "You want to get coverage? Buy an ad." There's been an interesting report in the Committee to Protect Journalists—or, rather, the Columbia Journalism Review, looking at just one relatively small race, the Pennsylvania congressional primary between Democrats. Journalist Ken Knelly provided a comprehensive analysis of the local TV news coverage compared with the amount of political ads that ran on the same TV stations. His headline says it all: "28 hours of political ads (and a few minutes of news)." There were 3,300 ad spots run on the stations serving the predominantly Democratic district. Lost in the hours of ads, Knelly writes, was "very occasional" news reports on the race, and even those news reports had very little substance. I think that's the pattern everywhere. I mean, all the research shows this. I don't think there's any listener or viewer of Democracy Now! who would say, "No, that's not the case in my town. We're really doing a great job here." We've seen a complete falloff of coverage in news media of elections. We're in a situation now, Juan and Amy, where we've got lots of statewide elections that will be virtually no coverage whatsoever, that people will be voting for people they have no idea about, except possibly through advertising, and even then, they might—if they're, you know, avoiding the ads, they might not even have that. Justin Elliott, I'd like to ask you about the vote itself. It was a two-to-one vote in the FCC? Aren't there other members on the FCC? Actually, there are—there are two members who are waiting confirmation in the Senate. Right now it's only three members. It was a party-line two-to-one vote. The Republican dissented. And as Bob mentioned, I mean, the industry really launched a pretty aggressive lobbying effort against this. A lot of the biggest names really in journalism—I mean, News Corporation; Walt Disney, which owns ABC; NBC; the broadcast division of the Washington Post — a lot of these companies also own major newspapers—they were first lobbying to kill this rule. When it got up close to the vote, they made a counterproposal to water it down. The FCC rejected that, but the National Association of Broadcasters, which is the powerful industry trade group in Washington, has said that they're looking at their options, and some people think they might file a lawsuit, which could theoretically hold this up, but we don't know yet. So this is the media fighting against greater public disclosure. The companies that own the media. That own the media. So, Justin, you're calling on people to go to all these stations? Yeah, so my colleagues at ProPublica are asking people—you know, other journalists, journalism students, readers—to go to the stations, especially once this ruling goes into effect, which is expected sometime later this campaign. It will be stations outside the top 50 markets that the rule won't apply to at first. Go to the stations. You don't need an appointment. Ask for the political file. Make the copies, scan them in, send them to us. And we're going to be posting them online. It's called "Free the Files," if you go to ProPublica.org. Click on that. http://news.linktv.org/videos/killed-him-a-bear-when-he-was-only-three?start=0 Albert Einstein. Leonardo da Vinci. Kim Jong-un? According to North Korean TV, the 20-something Jong-un is "a genius among geniuses." And state media has been busy pumping up the image of Kim Jong-un as a worthy successor to his father and grandfather. Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:25:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/killed-him-a-bear-when-he-was-only-three Kim Jong-un, North Korea, Genius, Korean Central News Agency, Korean People's Army, Workers' Party of Korea, Kim Jong-il, Kim Il-sung, State media, Next Media Albert Einstein. Leonardo da Vinci. Kim Jong-un? According to North Korean TV, the 20-something Jong-un is "a genius among geniuses." And state media has been busy pumping up the image of Kim Jong-un as a worthy successor to his father and grandfather. Taiwan’s Next Media Animation has the story. http://news.linktv.org/videos/chinese-television-regulator-orders-fewer-commercials?start=0 China’s television regulator tells stations they can’t interrupt drama and documentary programs with commercials starting in January 2012. Ads will be permitted only between such programs. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:33:00 -0800 http://news.linktv.org/videos/chinese-television-regulator-orders-fewer-commercials China, Television, Advertising, China Central Television, Communist Party of China, LinkAsia China’s television regulator tells stations they can’t interrupt drama and documentary programs with commercials starting in January 2012. Ads will be permitted only between such programs. http://news.linktv.org/videos/outrage-as-chinese-tv-cuts-back-on-entertainment?start=0 China is restricting the amount of entertainment television that can air each week. LinkAsia contributor Charlie Custer reports that Chinese netizens are not amused. Fri, 04 Nov 2011 18:12:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/outrage-as-chinese-tv-cuts-back-on-entertainment China, State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television, China Central Television, Chinese Media, Sina Weibo, Television, Super Girl, Government of the People's Republic of China, Microblogging, Charlie Custer China is restricting the amount of entertainment television that can air each week. LinkAsia contributor Charlie Custer reports that Chinese netizens are not amused. ---- Microbloging is explosively popular in China, but it is still nothing compared to the popularity of entertainment programs like reality shows and talent competitions that are broadcasted nationwide via satellite television to even China’s most rural areas. Now, it appears the Chinese government may be cracking down on both microblogging and entertainment television. The central committe also seems anxious to clamp down on microblogs. According to the People’s Daily, the official mouthpiece of the party, the government needs to strengthen guidance and better regulate sites llike Weibo, but the paper did not say what exact measures would be taken. I spoke to Jeremy Goldkorn, an expert on China’s Internet, about the possible implications. Jeremy Goldkorn: Well, I think they will...there may be increased regulation. There has been talk about a particular permit that will be needed for microblogging service and this would fit in with the government behavior in the past, for example, online video. When it first started, that’s YouTube-like sites, like Youku or Tudou, there was no special permit for online video. But as the services became popular, a new regulation was introduced requiring online video providers to have a special permit. And not all of them got the permit. This may well happen with microblogs. On the other hand, I don’t know if the government even needs to do that because there are only two real players in microblog in the microblog scene in China. The main one is Sina Weibo, the other one is Tencent, although it is difficult to judge the true popularity of the service because they have basically given microblogs to users of their other services, and it is certainly not as lively as Sina. Sina is the microblog service where the real discussion is going on. So I don’t know if it is even necessary for the government to introduce a new permit. There are certainly without doubt squeezing Sina and making it very clear that they have to control the discussion on Weibo if they want to continue running their business happily. So it is possible there won’t be any new regulation, but there will be just constant squeeze from the propaganda department, and from MIT, the Internet regulator, and possibly from GAPP, the body that regulates news. Charlie Custer: But it was the specific directives about entertainment programs on satellite television cutting their number and mandating the broadcasting of two hours of state-approved news each night that really got China’s social media going. “They are not just limiting entertainment, what they are limiting is a citizen’s right to choice.” One user wrote. “Why is it the State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television can’t stand seeing people happy, do they have some grudge against the masses? We people are tortured enough by work, few vacations, the healthcare system and education, now we can’t even go home and relax by watching some entertaining TV?” Another wrote: ”Limiting entertainment, limiting freedom, limiting discussion, what is this, the cultural revolution?” Jeremy Goldkorn: I think there are two aspects to this. I think on the one hand, it is part of a push to instill so-called “socialist values” in the country that seems to be going on at the moment, which essentially is a push to make people more loyal to the Communist Party. I think it is also connected with a genuine concern that society is losing its way morally, and I think there is some genuine concern, not that it is all completely cynical attempt to legitimize the Communist Party. But I think there is another factor too, which is that China Central Television, which is so closely connected with staff that it can be difficult to tell the two apart sometimes, is worried about losing viewers, because the provincial stations have proved better at producing entertaining television, and I think that this is certainly a factor in this new regulation as a desire to make the provincial stations a little less entertaining so that people are more likely to stick with CCTV. Charlie Custer: And as many Weibo commenters have pointed out, the crackdown on entertainment may do little more than force more and more people online, where they can already view entertainment programs on demand. If the government really wants to crack down on excessive entertainment, it may need to restrict the usage of online video sites. In Beijing, I’m Charlie Custer for LinkTV. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-070711-world-news-from-the-middle-east?start=221 <p>Somalia faces escalating humanitarian crisis, Benghazi holds mass rally in show of support for Libya's revolutionaries, Yemen's Saleh addresses the nation from Saudi Arabia, and more.</p> Thu, 07 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-070711-world-news-from-the-middle-east Protest, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Israel, Palestinians, Police, Yemen, Libya, Afghanistan, Syria Saleh: There is a challenge. We will always confront this challenge. And I would like to express my pride with the security institutions and with the Yemeni army. They stood with the constitutional legitimacy of Yemen. These stances are nothing strange and they represent all the Yemeni people. I would like to thank the Yemeni army for all their efforts to absorb this situation. I salute once again the army; I salute the people and I would also like to salute Saudi Arabia and their assistance. http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-050911-world-news-from-the-middle-east?start=969 <p>Thousands rally for reform in Morocco. Yemeni security forces fire on protestors in Taiz, killing three. Syria broadens crackdown on anti-government protestors. Heavy fighting erupts again in Misurata. Bahrain detains another human rights activist.&nbsp; Tunisia PM raises possibility of election delay. Copts and Muslims denounce sectarian violence in Egypt. Hamas urges US and EU to support reconciliation deal with Fatah. Power struggle in Iran. And Bin Laden's successor, Ayman al-Zawahiri.</p> Mon, 09 May 2011 00:00:00 -0700 http://news.linktv.org/videos/mosaic-news-050911-world-news-from-the-middle-east Protest, Egypt, Human rights, Libya, Tunisia, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Hamas, Syria, Morocco, Bahrain Presenter, Female #1 Giza security agencies and Egyptian armed forces arrested 23 suspects in connection with the Imbaba riots. Among the detainees are the two main conspirators in the case. The Giza Investigative Department arrested Yasin Thabet, the husband of the woman responsible for sparking the riots. The Egyptian authorities also arrested the owner of a café near Mar Mina Church. Giza Security Chief Farouk Lashin turned the suspects over to state prosecutor's office for questioning. The Ministry of Health said that the death toll stands at 12. In addition, 240 people were injured in the clashes. Presenter, Male #1 In a show of solidarity with the victims of Imbaba, hundreds of people staged a sit-in rally in front of the Maspiro television building. The protestors are calling for the trial of the suspects accused of sparking the riots. The Ministry of Health announced that 67 people were injured in the riots that broke out yesterday in front of the Maspiro building in the Tahrir area. The ministry added that most of the victims sustained light injuries, and were treated at the scene. Reporter, Male #2 This is the second of such incidents in less than two months. Hundreds of Christian Copts staged an open sit-in rally in front of the Maspiro building. The protestors vowed to continue their sit-in until all of their demands are met, most notably the trial of all suspects involved in the attacks on the Mar Mina and the Virgin Mary Churches in Imbaba. Guest, Male #3 (Christian protestor) We are calling for the trial of all instigators. We are after the main conspirators who incited the suspects to burn the church and attack the Copts. Guest, Male #4 (Muslim protestor) The noble Azhar must reclaim its status as the minaret of Islam. It's not the rule of sheikhdom as claimed by the Salafis and the Muslim Brotherhood. Guest, Male #5 (Copt) Every now an then a new problem arises. Why is this happening to us? How long do we have to live like this? If it continues, Egypt will be ruined. Guest, Female #2 (Muslim) We launched this revolution for the sake of Egypt. There's no difference between Muslims and Christians. Religion is for God, and a country is for everyone. Reporter, Male #2 Amid the relative calm and the renewed clashes, some irresponsible elements are trying to provoke members of the army and police forces, which were deployed in the area to help protect the television building as well as the safety of the sit-in groups. The authorities warned that anyone breaking the law will be punished. Sadly, the area in and around the Maspiro TV building is often turned into sit-in protest camps. This not only paralyzes traffic but also prevents others from using the area. After all, we are all Egyptians, Muslims, and Christians alike. In front of Maspiro, Sharif Radwan, Egyptian Satellite Television.