Fresh Air with Terry Gross, February 28, 2002: Interview with Leonard Downie Jr. and Robert Kaiser; Review of the soundtrack from the film “Gosford Park.”

Since its national debut in 1987, Fresh Air with Terry Gross has been a highly acclaimed and much adored weekday magazine among public radio listeners. Each week, nearly 4.8 million people turn to Peabody Award-winning host Terry Gross for insightful conversations with the leading voices in contemporary arts and issues. The renowned program reaches a global audience, with over 620 public radio stations broadcasting Fresh Air, and 3 million podcast downloads each week. Fresh Air has broken the mold of 'talk show' by weaving together superior journalism and intimate storytelling from modern-day intellectuals, politicians and artists alike. Through probing questions and careful research, Gross's interviews are lauded for revealing a fresh perspective on cultural icons and trends. Her thorough conversations are often complemented by commentary from well-known contributors. Fresh Air is produced at WHYY-FM in Philadelphia and broadcast nationally by NPR.
(1.) LEONARD DOWNIE JR. and ROBERT G. KAISER. The two Washington Post journalists have co-written the book, 'The News about the News: American Journalism in Peril.' (Knopf) Downie has been at the paper since 1964. He's been executive editor since 1991. Kaiser joined the Post in 1963 and is now associate editor and senior correspondent. Their book is an investigation of why the journalism we watch and read is so bad. They offer suggestions on how to improve the institution.(2.) Music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews the soundtrack from the film 'Gosford Park,' directed by Robert Altman. The film features original music and songs from the 1920s and 1930s. The CD has just been released. (Decca)