Once upon a time sleaze stories were associated with the likes of The National Enquirer. They would confront you while you were in line at supermarket checkout counters. Now, sexcapades, sensationalism and infotainment are pervasive. Step right up, it's showtime! Media circuses feature such big-time acts as Amy and Joey, Nancy and Tonya and of course O.J. The ringmasters are network anchors and talk show hosts. They measure guilt, innocence and moral worth. Market share, ratings and profits are the engines that drive the trend toward tabloid journalism. Lecture, interview.

Barbara Ehrenreich
Barbara Ehrenreich is a media critic, activist, lecturer and writer. Her articles and essays appear in The Nation and Z. She is the author of several books, including The Worst Years of Our Lives, Fear of Falling, Irreverent Notes from a Decade of Greed, Blood Rites and Nickel & Dimed.