Reading the Fine Print: An Interview with David Cay Johnston
When you receive your monthly phone bill, utility statement, or 401(k) summary, there are often myriad fees and charges included that defy understanding by the average consumer. We assume them to be legitimate costs for using these services, but as Pulitzer-Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author David Cay Johnston writes in his new book, there's plenty that is illegitimate about them.
Jo Ann and Dave talk with Johnston about his latest book, The Fine Print: How Big Companies Use "Plain English" and Other Tricks to Rob You Blind. Johnston shows how major corporations work with the government to relax rules, re-write regulations, and enforce only the ones that benefit them. As part of KBOO's fall membership drive, listeners who become members or renew their membership at the suggested level will receive a copy of Johnston's book as a thank you gift while supplies last (call-in early while copies are available).
Jo Ann Hardesty is a former state legislator, former director of Oregon Action and past board president of Portland Community Media, as well as a long-time leader in the struggle for racial and economic justice. Dave Mazza is a journalist and former editor of The Portland Alliance who has covered and been involved in Portland's civil rights, environmental, labor and peace movements for over 20 years.
Join Jo Ann and Dave every Thursday as they bring you guests and conversations on issues that are important to you. Support Voices from the Edge by becoming a KBOO member (just click the "tip jar" in the upper right-hand corner on KBOO's homepage to find out how) or consider becoming an underwriter of this program (contact KBOO's underwriting director for details).
Co-Hosts: Jo Ann Hardesty and Dave Mazza
Producers: Dave Mazza and Jo Ann Hardesty
Program Engineer: Steve Nassar
Audio Editor: Alicia Olson