Podcast: Steve Crabtree, WVLT-TV in Knoxville, TN

In today's edition of RTDNA Podcasts we chat with Steve Crabtree, the vice president for of news and station operations at WVLT-TV in Knoxville, TN.

Crabtree chats with RTDNA about the station's recent coverage of an arrest involving three University of Tennessee football players. WVLT-TV got exclusive video of the arrests overnight and through some smart decision making and fact checking came out on top of the local market in covering this big local story.

(Click here to listen to the podcast)

The Buzz: Is it Still Selling Out if You're Trying to Be Ironic?

By Ryan G. Murphy, Digital Media Editor

The weekly alternative newspaper “Creative Loafing” (Tampa Bay edition) is making waves this week by auctioning off editorial content in its Jan. 20 edition to the highest bidder to support The Children’s Home charity. Items up for bid include the paper’s cover, a story inside the edition, a 5-start restaurant review (never previously given), a band review and photo shoot, and a raving review (again with photos) of a party thrown by the highest bidder.

If nothing else, the paper is generating publicity – a clear intention if you look past the altruistic gesture to The Children’s Home.

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Story Idea: Is the Backyard Chicken Coop Making a Comeback?

Is the backyard chicken coop making a comeback? In some cities, including Denver and Portland, Maine, it's legal to keep chickens at home. In others, where it's still prohibited, residents are agitating for change.

Urban chicken farming has become more appealing lately, thanks in part to the recession. According to USA Today, Backyard Poultry magazine has seen subscriptions climb 42% in the past year. "A simple coop, a pen and a little feed are such a low entry bar that people are flocking to try their hand at keeping chickens in a tough economy."

Also see: Resources - Government Sites

No need to search for federal government agencies with a hand in the economy. We've created a list for you.

Click here to view the list