Fresh Air with Terry Gross, July 23, 2003: Interview with Eric Boehlert and John Hogan; Commentrary on Celia Cruz.

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.) Journalist ERIC BOEHLERT ('BO-lert') writes for the online magazine Salon. He's been covering the story surrounding Clear Channel Communications Inc., a media conglomerate that owns 1,200 radio stations nationwide. Last January it was the subject of an inquiry by the Senate commerce committee because of claims that Clear Channel 'bullies artists, replaces local programming with automated formats and uses hard-nosed tactics against competitors.' (THIS INTERVIEW CONTINUES INTO THE SECOND HALF OF THE SHOW) (2.) CEO of Clear Channel Radio, JOHN HOGAN. Radio is just a part of Clear Channel Worldwide, headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. It includes TV stations, outdoor advertising displays and live entertainment productions and venues throughout the US and in 65 countries around the world. (THIS INTERVIEW CONTINUES INTO THE SECOND HALF OF THE SHOW).(3.) Music critic MILO MILES has an appreciation of Celia Cruz, the Cuban singer who died last week at the age of 77.