Hosted by Maria Hinojosa, this special tackles a broad and difficult topic skillfully. Hinojosa is a terrific host and just right as presenter of four stories exploring how traditional cultures are grappling with the rapid change of global economics. One of the things I like about this program is its willingness to examine the dark side of globalism. We do hear so much jingoistic coverage of this topic.

Included is a haunting and poetic piece about the demise of the cod-fishing industry in Newfoundland, one of those radio stories that gently yet firmly grabs your lapels and won’t let you go. The first and last stories are from Peru and Mexico and are very well-researched and put together, though not as intriguing, perhaps because, as an earlier review noted, they are more narrator-driven. I did find the Mexican town’s efforts to market its local liquor interesting, though. A piece about the Outer Hebrides of Scotland is also well-produced (and, of course, has those yummy accents!)

This is a serious piece of journalism that provides nice international coverage of a timely and important topic. I think many public radio listeners will find it significant, akin to reading international coverage in the New York Times.