Programs

For decades, Walter Cronkite was known as "the most trusted man in America." Millions across the nation welcomed him into their homes, first as a print reporter for the United Press on the front lines of World War II, and  later, in the emerging medium of television, as a host of numerous documentary programs and as anchor of the CBS Evening News, from 1962 until his retirement in 1981.

On the show this week, I feature the first Darryl Purpose album in 7 years, and the new collection from the beautiful singer Sally Barris. I’ll also play songs from new albums by Anne Hills, Luke Powers, and The Broken Stares, among other talented artists. Tune in and listen this Saturday at 8pm to Fresh Folk on Utah Public Radio.

  In the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombings, we’ll ask you what the proper balance should be between privacy and security, between rights and safety.  We’re all glad, of course, that ubiquitous security and cell phone cameras helped in the rapid capture of the alleged perpetrators in Boston, but are you comfortable with the idea of surveillance cameras on every corner or the increasing ability of law enforcement and others to snoop into what used to be private areas of your life?  Are you willing to give up some privacy rights for increased safety? Do you worry your rights will be eroded? What should the rules be regarding these new technologies?

In the first test in the nation of an “Ag Gag” law, a Utah woman was recently charged for using her cell phone to film a slaughterhouse. Charges against Amy Meyer were subsequently dropped.  Under Utah’s law (H.B. 187) passed in 2012, it is illegal to film an agricultural operation while trespassing or entering the premises on false pretenses. Meyer says that she became an animal rights activist and vegan after learning about the conditions in factory farms and that people deserve to know where their food is coming from. <--break->Supporters of the law say that these secret recordings do nothing to help the public and that if a person suspects wrongdoing at an agricultural operation the proper step is to contact law enforcement.