How funding clawbacks for public media will impact California and the nation’s news landscape
Both chambers of Congress have voted to move forward a $9.4 billion rescissions package to eliminate two years of already-approved funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), including a $1.1 billion clawback. The bill now heads to the President’s desk to sign. If enacted, LAist stands to lose $1.7 million in annual funding. That represents 4 percent of our operating budget—the equivalent of 13 staff positions. For some smaller public media newsrooms, the cuts represent much larger, potentially devastating, budget shortfalls. Today on AirTalk, Austin Cross speaks with Alex Santamaria, CEO of LAist, Elizabeth Arakelian, director of radio at Fresno public radio station KVPR, and Gary Knell, former president and CEO of NPR from 2011-2013.
Learn more about how these cuts will affect LAist here.
What did Love Island USA teach us about the potential and pitfalls of reality television?
As the wildly popular reality TV show Love Island USA comes to a close, after an astounding 30-plus episodes, viewers are left to dissect the two-hour-long finale and start to take stock of the season overall. The show, in its seventh season, has become the internet’s obsession and has already embedded itself in the cultural zeitgeist, perhaps in ways we can’t fully grasp yet. Joining us to talk about the potential and pitfalls of the moment’s most popular reality TV show is Dominic Patten, executive editor at Deadline Hollywood, and Shamira Ibrahim, freelance culture writer and critic. Did you watch Love Island USA? We want to know what drew you in, or what turned you away. Call us at 866-893-5722 or email us at atcomments@laist.com.
Got a hankering for a good cheeseburger? Hangaburs has you covered.
LAist's second annual Tournament of Cheeseburgers will conclude this weekend with this year's winner being announced at Smorgasburg LA on Sunday. So, we thought it fitting to invite last year's winners, Hangaburs, to join Austin Cross in-studio to try their winning smash burgers. What's the key to a great burger? The simplicity of the toppings paired with an exceptionally cooked patty, and Hangaburs has proven that they are the burgers to beat. Joining us are Alicia Lopez and Cecilia Ledezma, co-owners of Hangaburs, a burger pop-up that serves L.A.
You can try Hangaburs for yourself this Sunday at Smorgasburg LA, part of LAist's Tournament of Cheeseburgers Event. They are not competing in the tournament this year, but will be serving their winning burgers.
FilmWeek: 'I Know What You Did Last Summer,' 'Eddington,' 'Smurfs,' and More!
Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Amy Nicholson, Charles Solomon, and Peter Rainer review this weekend’s latest movie releases in theaters and on streaming platforms.
Films:
I Know What You Did Last Summer Wide Release
Eddington In Select Theaters
Smurfs Wide Release
Afternoons of Solitude Laemmle Monica Film Center
Finally Dawn Laemmle Glendale | Available on VOD
Sunday Best Streaming On Netflix July 18
Bury Me When I’m Dead Available on VOD
Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker’s Apocalypse American Cinematheque Los Feliz 3 (3-Days Only, July 20, 23-24)
Wall to Wall Streaming On Netflix
Godzilla’s 70 years chronicled in new book
What was originally a creature feature that metaphorically gets into the horrors of nuclear bombs, Godzilla has now become a media icon that’s lasted for more than 70 years. In Steve Ryfle’s new book, Godzilla: The First 70 Years: The Official Illustrated History of the Japanese Productions, the author digs into the well-known monster's filmography and the significance each adaptation carried. It takes you through the monster’s many nemeses and friends, as well as the special effects work that would eventually win the property its only Academy Award. Joining us to discuss the first 70 years of Godzilla is Steve Ryfle, former LA Times reporter and author of the book Godzilla: The First 70 Years: The Official Illustrated History of the Japanese Productions.
“Godzilla: The First 70 Years: The Official Illustrated History of the Japanese Productions” is out now; for more information on the book and where to purchase it, click here.
