While revelations about the unsavory methods of Rupert Murdoch's media empire fill the newspapers, his role in supporting the neoliberal transformation of the UK -- first under Margaret Thatcher, then Labour's Tony Blair, and now under David Cameron -- is perhaps more scandalous. Social historian Iain Boal discusses media, labor, and austerity in Britain, as well as the gutting of higher education.

Is the bicycle the anti-car? Historian of technics Iain Boal discusses an unknown side to the bicycle's history, from the paving of roads to King Leopold's genocide in the Congo. Boal also speaks about another iconic 20th century means of crossing space -- the radio -- and considers the political economy of elected boards at America's first listener-sponsored radio network, Pacifica. (Encore presentation.)

Is the bicycle the anti-car? Is it an unalloyed eco-friendly means of transport, without the dangers inherent in the automobile? Historian of technics Iain Boal discusses an unknown side to the bicycle's history, from the paving of roads to King Leopold's genocide in the Congo. Boal also discusses another iconic 20th century means of crossing space -- the radio -- and considers the political economy of elected boards at America's first listener-sponsored radio network, Pacifica.

Global warming is upon us and, without question, immediate action needs to be taken. But should we be asking ourselves who might stand to profit from this moment of crisis?  In an essay prepared for the COP 15 climate meeting, historian Iain Boal addresses the perils of catastrophism and green capitalism.