Shifting Gears: The Retooling of the U.S. Auto Industry

Series produced by WDET Detroit Public Radio

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The global economic crisis and the U.S.-based credit collapse have pushed a challenged U.S. auto industry into uncertain territory. With approximately one in ten American jobs touched by the auto industry, how are communities feeling the affect of this transition?

Learn more about the programs.

Over two, one-hour programs, Shifting Gears will hear from plant workers, car dealers, consumers and civic leaders in cities from Detroit to the Midwest and through the South in an exploration of the changing nature of the U.S. car business. You'll hear interviews with people on the edge of the industrial shift and how it is touching lives, careers, communities and civic life.

These fast-moving programs are anchored from WDET-Detroit and transition to hosts and guests in multiple cities. Station editorial partners include Louisville Public Radio, KCUR-Kansas City and WUNC/The Story-Chapel Hill. Lead producers are Kate Hinds from WNYC, Ron Jones and primary host Craig Fahle, both from WDET. Funding for the specials comes from the EconomyStory project from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting

The two hours can be run back to back or on successive days. The programs are FREE to all stations regardless of PRX membership. Hide full description

Over two, one-hour programs, Shifting Gears will hear from plant workers, car dealers, consumers and civic leaders in cities from Detroit to the Midwest and through the South in an exploration of the changing nature of the U.S. car business. You'll hear interviews with people on the edge of the industrial shift and how it is touching lives, careers, communities and civic life.These fast-moving programs are anchored from WDET-Detroit and transition to hosts and guests in multiple cities. Station editorial partners include Louisville Public Radio, KCUR-Kansas City and WUNC/The Story-Chapel Hill. Lead producers are Kate Hinds from WNYC, Ron Jones and primary host Craig Fahle, both from WDET. Funding for the specials comes from the EconomyStory project from the Corporation for Public... Show full description


2 Pieces

Order by: Newest First | Oldest First
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In this first part of Shifting Gears, host Craig Fehle examines the challenge of retraining a work force that built the US car industry. Could the ...

Bought by Georgia Public Broadcasting, WNYC, The Neighborhood, KXOT Public Radio, WAMU and more


  • Added: Apr 05, 2010
  • Length: 53:01
  • Purchases: 13
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In this second part of Shifting Gears, host Craig Fahle talks with The Story's Dick Gordon about the South as the new home of the US auto industry,...

Bought by Georgia Public Broadcasting, WNYC, The Neighborhood, KXOT Public Radio, EconomyBeat Podcast and more


  • Added: Apr 05, 2010
  • Length: 53:01
  • Purchases: 14