Today, the FCC voted to move forward with a proposal to allow Internet Service Providers to charge websites for higher quality and faster delivery of their products. Also, The New York Times fired Jill Abramson from the paper’s top position after an alleged pay disparity. Then, we discuss the Medi-Cal sign-up increase, marijuana businesses, and Dr. Ed Catmull's new book: Creativity, Inc.
Net Neutrality: Is free and open access to the Web threatened?
It’s widely recognized that a founding principle of the Internet is free and open access to information by all users. But on Thursday, the Federal Communications Commission voted to move forward with a proposal to allow Internet Service Providers, like Comcast and Verizon, to charge websites for higher quality and faster delivery of their products.
This is otherwise known as the “fast lane” -- because by paying for this service, a company like Netflix, could improve the quality and speed of their entertainment stream to consumers.
But, to offsets costs, might such a large company ping consumers with higher costs to pay for the service? Is it possible small companies, unable to afford “fast lane” costs, will be relegated to the “slow lane”? Could companies, “slow laned”, eventually be blocked from access? Could this then lead to the obsolescence of those companies?
In this kind of climate do start-ups and non-profits stand an Internet chance? Does creating a more elite access to content mean the Internet is no longer free and open? How far could these kinds of restrictions to information go?
Guests:
Brian Fung, Technology Reporter at the Washington Post
Michael Weinberg, Vice President of Public Knowledge, a D.C.-based non-profit organization focused on preserving the openness of the Internet.
Jeffrey Eisenach, Director of the Center for Internet, Communications, and Technology Policy at the American Enterprise Institute - a think tank focus on free-market principles
Is the New York Times firing of Jill Abramson indicative of pay equity problems?
The New York Times appointed managing editor Dean Baquet executive editor yesterday after firing Jill Abramson from the paper’s top position.
Abramson was made executive editor in September 2011 and was the first woman ever to lead the New York Times. Abramson’s dismissal follows reports of clashes between her and management at the paper, including an alleged disagreement over pay disparity between Abramson and her predecessor, Bill Keller.
The Times has said that payment and pension plans for Abramson and Keller were “directly comparable,” and in his speech to the surprised newsroom yesterday afternoon, Arthur Sulzberger Jr. said only that he thought “new leadership will improve some aspects of the management of the newsroom.”
Abramson’s departure is already causing ripples in the journalism community -- many female journalists looked up to the editor. The decision has also sparked interest in pay transparency and discussion of pay equity at elite institutions.
How will this decision impact journalism at the New York Times and beyond? Is compensation equal in the upper echelons of elite institutions? Should payment be more transparent?
Guest:
David Folkenflik, media correspondent for National Public Radio
Heidi Hartmann, President, Institute for Women's Policy Research; labor economist whose work focuses on women and the economy, workforce participation and pay equity
By 2015, 30 percent of Californians will be on Medi-Cal - how will the state cope?
Governor Jerry Brown’s new budget estimate accounts for a significant rise in the portion of the population enrolled in Medi-Cal. By 2015, 30 percent of Californians will be enrolled, about 11.5 million people.
Governor Brown’s budget added $1.2 billion to account for the increase, giving a total $2.4 billion to Medi-Cal users. While some lawmakers are critical of the budget increase, within the medical community, there is only alarm that it’s not quite enough.
The California Medical Association has said that retaining 10 percent provider cuts will carry consequences for low-income patients.
How will Californians enrolled in Medi-Cal find doctors who take their insurance? Is the state prepared for the influx in new enrollees and new patients? How will doctors and nurses be compensated?
Guests:
Chris Megerian, Sacramento reporter for the Los Angeles Times. He covers state politics and the budget.
Emily Bazar, Senior writer at the the Center for Health Reporting, covering stories about the federal healthcare overhaul, Medi-Cal budget cuts, and other healthcare related issues
Dr. Hector Flores, M.D., co-founded and currently serves as the Medical Director of the Family Care Specialists Medical Group in East Los Angeles
How the business of pot grows an industry
Marijuana sales are booming, and with it, entrepreneurship is inspired. California is home to many ancillary businesses profiting from making products and services that partner well with cannabis. There’s Medical Marijuana, Inc, the first publicly traded company focused on cannabis and hemp-based products, based in San Diego.
Steep Hill Hallent, headquartered in Oakland, is a premiere marijuana research and development company that ensures medical marijuana has been tested for molds, mildews, and other safety concerns.
In Anaheim, Bhang Medicinal Chocolate makes cannabis infused truffles and chocolate bars. Kush Bottles in Santa Ana, creates child safe, medical grade containers for marijuana. According to ArcView Group, a San Francisco investment network and market research firm focused on legal cannabis, sales are expected to grow to $2.57 billion this year, up from $1.53 billion a year ago.
Chris Walsh, editor of the website Marijuana Business Daily, says that ancillary businesses are yielding an estimated annual revenue in the hundreds of millions, and likely much more. 21 states allow the sale of some form of pot.
As states around the US change their regulations with regards to legalizing marijuana use both medically, and recreationally, is weed business the new frontier?
Guest:
Chris Walsh, editor of the website Marijuana Business Daily, based in Colorado
Pixar’s co-founder on the business of creativity
A new book from Pixar co-founder Ed Catmull is getting rave reviews. Fast Company writes: “Steve Jobs—not a man inclined to hyperbole when asked about the qualities of others—once described Ed Catmull as ‘very wise,’ ‘very self-aware,’ ‘really thoughtful,’ ‘really, really smart,’ and possessing ‘quiet strength,’ all in a single interview.
Catmull, president of both Pixar and Walt Disney Animation, has written what just might be the most thoughtful management book ever.”
Catmull has experienced huge success since Pixar released Toy Story, its first feature film, in 1995. The Pixar team has consistently produced hits including "Finding Nemo", "Up" and "The Incredibles", while continually raising the bar for computer animation.
How has animation changed since Pixar released its first film? What advice would Catmull give to encourage a creative work environment? How does Catmull divide his responsibilities as president of both Pixar and Walt Disney Animation?
Guest:
Dr. Ed Catmull, Ph.D., Co-Founder and President, Pixar Animation Studios, Five-time Academy Award recipient, Author of“Creativity Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration”