Category: media

Movie piracy is rampant on the web. And not just old stuff, but movies that are currently in theaters. Get yourself some broadband and the quality rivals today’s VCR. For free. Tick, tick, tick… – CBC 02/01/00

— and destroyed by protesters. Director Deepa Mehta, a leader of India’s new wave of filmmakers was trying to film in Varanasi. Hindu nationalists destroyed the set because they said it was disrespectful to their religion. – BBC 02/01/00

— after American and Canadian TV networks sue to stop it. The Toronto internet site had been live-streaming television networks over the web. – CBC 02/01/00

Last week director Michael Moore attempted to parody what some feel is a carnival atmosphere around executions. To an execution in Texas, Moore brought along “a marching band, cheerleaders, and a lighted “scorecard” of executions — filming the entire episode during the execution. ‘They kept trying to pump us up by saying, isn’t this great? Aren’t you excited? They tried to portray a party atmosphere where none existed,’ says one demonstrator in attendance.” Moore’s display was said to be so extreme that even death penalty groups were offended. – MSNBC 01/31/00

The Federal Communications Commission recently approved licensing of micro-radio stations, and thousands of low-wattage broadcasters are expected to take to the air, increasing the diversity of voices. This despite vocal opposition by the radio industry. How did it happen? Thank the low watt pirates. – Reason 01/30/00 

— wins top prize at Sundance Film Festival. – New York Times 01/30/00

Amidst the talk of American cultural encroachment, Europe is struggling with its unified identity. “There is a struggle going on to create a cultural identity for this united Europe, and one of its arenas is the European film. If defining that identity now is more elusive artistically, financially and geographically than ever before, one thing is certain: the film will be in English.” – New York Times 01/30/00

The Time Warner/EMI merger creates the largest record company in the world. But the business is falling apart, and all the mega-mergers in the world don’t fix the problems confronting the commercial recording business. It’s all just circling the wagons. – The Economist 01/29/00

• ANYTIME, ANYWHERE: MP3 downloads that turn your computer into a stereo with instant access. The old ways are dead. – Boston Globe 01/28/00
  
  
• WE NEED YOUR HELP, says MP3 to its users. If enough of you get free music, maybe the courts will back off. – Wired 01/28/00

Veteran Washington Post journalist Juan Williams takes over as host of NPR’s “Talk of the Nation,” succeeding Ray Suarez. He begins February 24th. – NPR 01/28/00

They sure love their Diana Down Under. A list of the 50 most-watched TV programs ever in Australia. – Sydney Morning Herald 01/28/00