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Pop Culture

Record Run on 'Jeopardy!' May Be at an End

The unprecedented success of a contestant on Jeopardy! may finally come to a close Tuesday, according to a wide range of rumors. The big winner, Ken Jennings, has accumulated more than $2.5 million over the course of some 70 shows.

Record Run on 'Jeopardy!' May Be at an End

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Technology

Verizon Attempts to Block City's Move to Provide Internet Access

Philadelphia wants to hook up the entire city with high-speed, wireless Internet access in order to spur economic development. But Verizon has successfully backed a state bill that would make it illegal for any government entity in to compete with the telecom company in providing high-speed Internet service. NPR's Larry Abramson reports.

Verizon Attempts to Block City's Move to Provide Internet Access

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Opinion

Walter Cronkite: History's Lessons

The Mike Todd Party: Cronkite Recalls a TV Low

Former CBS anchor Walter Cronkite has been at the center of some of broadcasting’s most sublime and memorable moments. But 46 years ago, Cronkite was conscripted into a program that remains one of television’s most memorably vulgar shows: the 1957 Mike Todd party at Madison Square Garden.

The Mike Todd Party: Cronkite Recalls a TV Low

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Arts & Life

Actor Paul Reubens, 'Pee-Wee Herman'

Fresh Air

The complete 45-episode series of the TV show Pee-Wee's Playhouse is now out on DVD. Reubens originally created the Pee-Wee character at the Los Angeles improv group called The Groundlings. Pee-Wee's Playhouse went on the air in 1986. It ran on CBS for 5 years, garnering 22 Emmys.

Actor Paul Reubens, 'Pee-Wee Herman'

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Keeping an Eye on the FCC's 'Indecency' Watch

A crackdown by the Federal Communications Commission on what some view as indecent content has left broadcasters nervous, while many advocacy groups are cheering. NPR's Renee Montagne talks with two experts about whether the FCC's newfound vigor is stifling free speech or has been long overdue.

Keeping an Eye on the FCC's 'Indecency' Watch

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Analysis

The Arab Media and the Assault on Fallujah

The Arab media covered the U.S. offensive in Fallujah with deep skepticism. Critics of the United States have a strong voice on Arab radio, television and newspaper accounts. But the Arab media also listens to what Americans say about Iraq. NPR's Steve Inskeep reports.

The Arab Media and the Assault on Fallujah

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Technology

File-Sharing Tool Grows in Popularity

BitTorrent, the current hot program for sharing files on the Internet, combines the computing power of several file sharers to ease the transfer of large files -- such as movies. Is it the next phase in the arms race between the entertainment industry and file sharers, or the future of legal distribution? Hear Joel Rose of member station WHYY.

File-Sharing Tool Grows in Popularity

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Dan Rather Will Step Down

CBS News anchor Dan Rather announces he's stepping down in March. Despite being one of the country's most recognized newsmen, Rather will resign amid controversy over forged documents used in a report on President Bush's National Guard service. Hear NPR's Kim Masters.

Dan Rather Will Leave 'Evening News' in March

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Opinion

Media Often Fails to Distinguish Opinions from Facts

Commentator Drew Westen studies the way that psychology and politics intersect, and he says the format of cable TV news -- throwing out a topic to two representatives of opposite sides -- capitalizes on a design flaw in the human brain. People believe what they want to believe, no matter what the facts are.

Media Often Fails to Distinguish Opinions from Facts

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Technology

Michael Richards on the New 'Seinfeld' DVD

Seinfeld is one of the best-loved television comedies of the past 20 years. Now it's coming out on DVD, to the pleasure of many fans. Michael Richards, who played frenetic, frizzy-haired Kramer, talks with NPR's Steve Inskeep about the show that made nothing cool.

Michael Richards on the New 'Seinfeld' DVD

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