December 14, 1998 - PLAYLIST!!!! United States Satellite Broadcasting, a four-year old company based in Oakdale, announced today it's selling out to a larger rival. Hughes Electronics, which owns DirecT-V, will buy U-S-S-B for an estimated 1-point-3 billion dollars. U-S-S-B provides movies, pay-per-view channels, and programming to DirecT-V subscribers, and is considered a pioneer in the direct broadcast satallite industry. Founder Stanley S-Hubbard -- of the Hubbard family that owns K-S-T-P -- says being part of Hughes will align them with the leader in the field.
December 14, 1998 - *******USE THIS VERSION********* A new film which opened last weekend offers an inside look at the music business and a slice of the Minneapolis music scene. Producer and Director Steven Greenberg, best known for his international mega-hit single "Funkytown," followed several Minneapolis bands for more than three years, documenting the glamour and excitement of their performances and the harsh realities of being a musician. Minnesota Public Radio's Chris Roberts has this report on "Funkytown" the movie.
December 14, 1998 - Mainstreet Radio’s Tom Robertson attends an early morning ritual in Bemidji, as locals of Swedish descent keep the Santa Lucia tradition alive with an annual celebration said to be one of the largest of its kind in the U.S.
December 15, 1998 - Duluth and the Iron Range are attempting to shed their dependence on heavy industry. They're putting tax dollars behind efforts to revamp the economy and attract technology-related jobs. In the past the DFL-dominated area enjoyed considerable power and influence at the Capitol, and put it to good economic development use. But the incoming Ventura administration, as well as the newly Republican House legislature, mean changes in the balance of power, and some are concerned that may effect the region's ability to remake itself. Minnesota Public Radio's Amy Radil reports. The head of the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board says the writing is on the wall for northern Minnesota's traditional industries including taconite and logging. IRRRB Commissioner Jim Gustafson says as a result the agency has ambitious plans to retool the Iron Ran
December 15, 1998 - Rivers of red ink are threatening to drown hog producers all across the midwest. Prices are the lowest they've been in more than 25 years. It's a variation on the oldest of economic forumula's too many hogs despite healthy demand. U.S. meatpackers can't process the animals fast enough to keep ahead of the glut. Some farmers wonder if the rise of a new form of hog marketing, the contract, is causing the industry's current problems. Mainstreet Radio's Mark Steil reports: These are gloomy days for hog producers. Everyone expected a price drop, but no one thought it would get this bad. J
December 15, 1998 - St. Paul-based U-S Satellite Broadcasting is being sold to Hughes Electronics -- the owners of DirecT-V -- for approximately one-and-a-quarter billion dollars. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo has more. NARRATION: Hubbard Broadcasting, owner of the K-S-T-P television and radio stations in the Twin Cities formed U-S-S-B, at a time when many doubted consumer interest in the technology. Programming is delivered through satellite dishes the size of a pizza box. U-S-S-B has not shown a profit since going public in 1996 even thought the satellite T-V industry now serves millions of subscribers. But chairman Stanley Hubbard says that will change once the deal is complete.
December 15, 1998 - The government watchdog group Common Cause Minnesota says conflict of interest allegations against a state senator point out why lawmakers should disclose how they make their money. A Senate ethics panel this week will look into a controversial consulting fee the University of Minnesota paid to D-F-Ler Dallas Sams of Staples. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports... The non-partisan group Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility raised questions last month about a consulting fee paid indirectly from the Univeristy of Minnesota to D-F-L State Senator Dallas Sams. The group says the 12-thousand-five-hundred dollar payment has the appearance of a kickback. Now, Common Cause Minnesota says the allegations underscore the ne
December 15, 1998 - MPR’s Bob Kelleher reports from Duluth, where the temperature soared close to 50 degrees on December 14th. This fell just short of a 100-year old record. Few seemed to mind the sunshine and distinct lack of ice or snow.
December 15, 1998 - Students who say they're concerned about cuts in financial aid, cheered as Governor-elect Jesse Ventura told them they should pay for college themselves. Ventura told students at North Hennepin Community College in Brooklyn Park that they'll enjoy their education more if they earn it. MPR’s Tim Pugmire interviews a couple students after event to get their take.
December 16, 1998 - MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews Steven Schier, Carleton College political science professor, about Thursday's impeachment debate. Topic of the inevitability of impeachment is addressed. Program also includes interviews with four of Minnesota's representatives in Congress (Martin Sabo, Bill Luther, Gil Gutknecht, and Bruce Vento), and Judge Andrew Danielson on perjury.