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Now on PBS Season 8 Episodes

  • 2002-2010
  • 8 Seasons
  • PBS
  • Documentary, News
  • Watchlist
    Where to Watch

Called "one of the last bastions of serious journalism on TV" by the Austin American-Statesman, The PBS weekly newsmagazine NOW engages viewers with documentary segments and insightful interviews that probe the most important issues facing democracy, including media policy, corporate accountability, civil liberties, the environment, money in politics, and foreign affairs. Hosted by award-winning veteran journalist David Brancaccio, NOW goes beyond the noisy churn of the news cycle and gives viewers the context to explore their relationship with the larger world. In an era where commercial values in journalism risk overwhelming democratic values and corporate interests can prevail over the public interest, NOW continues to stand apart as what The Christian Science Monitor called the "one program going against the grain."

Season 8 Episode Guide

Season 8

1 Episodes 2008 - 2008

Episode 5

Benefits Denied

Fri, Feb 15, 200826 mins

Temporary workers and independent contractors make up nearly a third of the U.S. workforce, and represent a growing asset to companies who rely on freelance flexibility. But corporations are using the designation "freelancer" to avoid paying health care and other benefits, even though many of these workers put in the same hours as their covered counterparts. NOW looks at the effect of this tactic on the lives and personal economy of freelance workers. We also examine an Enterprising Idea to help independent workers manage their personal needs, including benefits, networking, and investment help. Freelancers Union, founded by former labor lawyer and MacArthur grant recipient Sara Horowitz, provides a safety net for over 60,000 workers, but how is it viewed by the traditional labor movement?

Where to Watch