Marketplace: Thursday, March 4, 2004

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A look at today's markets (closing numbers)
DOW 5.11 (0.05%) ; NASDAQ 21.75 (1.07%) ; S&P 500 3.84 (0.33%)

Newscast George Mitchell to the Mouse House's rescue: He's the new chairman of Disney, after shareholders voted to split the chairman and CEO roles -- and let Michael Eisner keep the CEO job. Some say the former senator will need his vast political, diplomatic and business know-how to broker peace in the Magic Kingdom. What's the logic behind Comcast's play for Disney? Many of the cable giant's shareholders don't think it makes a lot of sense. If the cable giant succeeds in storming the Magic Kingdom, some wonder whether the outcome could be tragic for both. Listen to all newscast items

Features The Hare Krishnas file for bankruptcy A religious group faces charges of physical, religious, emotional and sexual abuse, and a wave of expensive lawsuits that threaten its economic foundations. Today, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness -- commonly known as the Hare Krishnas -- filed a plan in bankruptcy court. The move provides some compensation to plaintiffs and allows the group to get back on its feet. The plan calls for about $15 million in compensation, two-thirds of which will come from donations. Reporter: Hillary Wicai Music Bridge: Hare Krishna - King Britt (Funke Mix) Support Marketplace: Purchase this music from Public Radio MusicSource

Commentary - Consumers are savvy about trading up Wall Street analysts say good weather and well-received spring fashions inspired consumers to hit the malls. But just like the weather, consumers can be fickle. And when the rain hits, commentator Michael Silverstein wonders if retailers will be stuck in the middle of the road. Consumers are getting smarter about luxury products and they're figuring out how to make them fit into their budgets. "In the truth game, businesses have to capture hearts and minds with real benefits," says Silverstein. "If not, the business is dead. Commentator: Michael Silverstein Music Bridge: Santa Maria - Gotan Project Support Marketplace: Purchase this music from Public Radio MusicSource "Reversing the Revolution" series - Nouveau riche China's rapid economic transformation has created opportunities that have launched a new class of millionaires, virtually overnight. We meet one rags-to-riches family: Husband Jimmy Ye built Beijing's first Formula Three racetrack; his wife, Celia, runs an upscale furniture and interior design business. Over the past decade, they have boosted their net worth to a cool $100 million. But Celia says life for China's nouveau riche can be brutal: Many friends have been forced into bankruptcy or have become addicted to drugs. The family has also received kidnapping threats. Reporter: Jocelyn Ford Web resource: Learn more about the "Reversing the Revolution" series, with segment audio, slideshows, plenty of interesting facts and a discussion forum question. Music Bridge: This Must be the Place - Talking Heads Support Marketplace: Purchase this music from Public Radio MusicSource

Q+A - Sports business roundup The Formula One Grand Prix racing season starts this Sunday and one business issue is big in that world: cigarettes. Tobacco companies in Europe spend millions on each season. Now that they have been squeezed about advertising in the U.S., they are more attracted to advertising through sports overseas. And, the sport that brings them the best return for their money is racing. Host David Brown talks tobacco with business-of-sports analyst Diana Nyad. Q+A: Host David Brown talks with Diana Nyad Related Marketplace programming: "Has American Become a NASCAR Nation" Music Bridge: Running One - Run Lola Run Support Marketplace: Purchase this music from Public Radio MusicSource

The "Superb Seven" help bring the movies to their town Have you ever wanted to do something for your town, but felt that bureaucracy rendered you powerless? Today, we meet the seven spunky teenage girls who thought their town -- Petaluma, Calif. --should have a movie theater. But they didn't just write a letter to the mayor -- they wrote a business plan and made it happen. They call themselves the "Superb Seven." They secured valuable moral support from filmmaker George Lucas' production company and then went head to head with the Petaluma's city council. The 12-screen theater should open by Thanksgiving. Reporter: Patrick Hirsch Music Bridge: Pounding is the System - The Optimist Support Marketplace: Purchase this music from Public Radio MusicSource

Coming up on Marketplace... The weekly Wall Street roundup with Dallas stockbroker David Johnson.