Episode 17

Image of the City

As media portrayals shape our feelings about cities, we cover coverage of the urban scene followed by a look at how cities sell themselves and then how some places fight to preserve their unique identities.

Headliners

We watch how cities are headlined in the news as well as how popular programming and movies have shaped our perceptions of the urban core.

News at 11
Sitcom World
Cities in Cinema

Selling the City

VibeOnce the undisputed centers of attention, cities now routinely market themselves, with most downtowns promoted by mission-driven organizations often tied to Business Improvement Districts.

Downtown Partnership: Denver
Bourbon Trail: Louisville
Center City: Philadelphia

Vibe

How do cities maintain what makes them unique? We explore how three cities strive to stay weird, sing the blues and offer millennials an early retirement haven.

Weird: Austin
Blues: Memphis
Early Retirement: Portland