Fueling The Future: Running On Empty

Running On Empty is the opening program in Fueling the Future, a four part series, produced by KBDI-TV in Denver, which examines energy use (and abuse) in the areas of transportation, farming, housing, and disposable products. Hosted by Nodding Carter, the opener looks at America's love affair with the automobile (which one interviewee calls: "my wife, life, and salvation"), dating from Henry Ford's early models through the gas-guzzling 50s and 60s, and into the more recent fuel-economy minded late 70s and 80s. The program ranges over a wide area with interesting sidebars on the Ford/GM/Chrysler conspiracy which shut down the trolley system in Los Angeles, and the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill. Former Secretary of the Interior Donald Hodel talks about his expanded offshore drilling proposal for California, while Gary Hart discusses Denver's poor air quality. Although particularly interesting in its examination of the rise and fall (and potential resurrection) of quality mass transit systems, Running On Empty has one major flaw-it's dated. Half a decade old, the dated information problem is compounded by the fact that the format is that of a news special-so that everything is referred to in the present tense ("this administration," "the ongoing war between Iran and Iraq," etc.). The other three programs in the series are: Hot Wiring America's Farms; No Deposit, No Return; and No Place Like Home (all four are available for the series price of $299). Engaging, entertaining, top-notch productions, the timeliness/news format problems make this series a marginal purchase. (Available from: The Video Project, 5332 College Ave., Suite 101, Oakland, CA 94618.)