Television

The new Netflix series “House of Cards,” starring Kevin Spacey, was the first television series to be released all at once, and all online.  The show has sparked a relatively new trend called “binge-watching,” meaning a viewer can devour an entire series in one sitting at the very moment it is released. Baltimore Sun media critic David Zurawik discusses the trend, and online streaming and DVRs as the new normal. 

A look at television’s mid-season offerings such as “Downton Abbey,” which is back on PBS for its third season. Plus, a look at other TV news with Baltimore Sun media critic David Zurawik, author of the Sun’s “Z on TV” blog. 

Baltimore Sun media critic David Zurawik returns for his monthly take on television.
Guest host: Korva Coleman

The practice of solitary confinement in prisons is under increasing criticism. What isolation practices does Maryland use? We talk to Urbanite contributing writer Michael Corbin, and Maryland Correctional Institute for Women assistant warden Kendall Gifford.

McDaniel College president and pop culture analyst Roger Casey on what the fall TV season has to offer.

Mailbag.

Maryland Morning Culture Calendar.

Maryland Democrats Barbara Mikulski and Ben Cardin were two of 93 U.S. Senators to vote for a defense authorization bill that some say will shift the balance between civil liberties and national security. University of Maryland senior law and policy analyst Anthony Villa walks us through the bill.

Dr. Robert Wicks wants us to be grateful for what we already have.

McDaniel College president and pop culture analyst Roger Casey tells Tom Hall about some holiday gift ideas that feature Baltimore on the little screen.

Author Lauren Silberman talks with Nathan about her book, Wicked Baltimore.

The “public-private partnership” is getting the attention of public officials who see potential for private funding of public capital projects. We’ll talk to an expert on PPPs, Comptroller Peter Franchot, and Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown, who’s chairing a commission on the oversight of these partnerships.

McDaniel College president and pop culture analyst Roger Casey on how we’ll be watching TV in the future…and what else we’ll be watching at the same time.

Treats for aesthetes!

Where should the city spend money–and where should it cut back? We take a look at mayoral candidates’ positions.

Former City Paper writer Tom Scocca on his debut non-fiction book, “Beijing Welcomes You: Unveiling the Capital City of the Future.”

Baltimore Sun media critic David Zurawik takes a look at news coverage ramping up for 2012 presidential election, Scott Pelley’s taking over as anchor of the CBS Evening News and Katie Couric’s move to ABC.