Brian Allison

Technical Director

Brian is a technical director with the media production team at Marketplace. His job is to make sure the shows get on the air and sound as good as they can.

Before coming to Marketplace in 2016, he was a freelance audio engineer with clients such as Nickelodeon, Disney and Los Lonely Boys. Prior to that, he worked as an engineer at Interscope Records in Los Angeles with artists such as Usher, Christina Aguilera, Black Eyed Peas and American Idol.

Brian graduated from Berklee College of Music in 2008 with a degree in music production and engineering.

Latest from Brian Allison

Jul 8, 2021
Why more people are quitting their jobs, and why that’s good
Richard Pohle/WPA Pool/Getty Images
We’re quitting our jobs at a very fast pace — not something you do if you’re worried about the future. Workers may be looking for something that’s a better fit with their values and goals, and they’re willing to take a risk to find that job and career. Also, people are starting new businesses at a high rate. Plus, why it’s looking like we might hear from the Federal Reserve about raising interest rates sooner than previously expected. And, now that the economy is opening up, are we going to start swiping our way back to credit card debt?
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Jul 8, 2021
Going after Google in court … again
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Attorneys general of 36 states plus the District of Columbia are suing Google over the way it runs its mobile app store. It’s just the latest antitrust challenge to Big Tech. Also, President Biden is expected to sign an executive order this week that will give workers more freedom from noncompete clauses after they leave a job, and make it easier for some workers to move across state lines. And, summer music festivals start their comeback tour.
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Jul 8, 2021
How much inflation is too much inflation?
Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images
From the BBC World Service: The European Central Bank seems to be taking a page out of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s book, incorporating some flexibility on inflation, as economies react to the easing of COVID restrictions. Plus, the assassination of Haiti’s President Jovenel Moïse is a fresh blow to the Caribbean country, which has a long history of political instability and dismal economic performance. And, as COVID cases rise, Japan declares another state of emergency in Tokyo for the duration of the Olympic Games this summer.
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Jul 7, 2021
Schools struggle to get enough teachers for the summer
Ina Fassbender/AFP via Getty Images
Teachers are exhausted after the past year, and even bonuses offered by school districts may not be enough to hire adequate staff. Meanwhile, enrollment for summer school is expected to be at an all-time high. Plus, can the White House get Russia to rein in cybercriminals and ransomware attacks? Also, Chinese regulators order ride-hailing service Didi to be taken off of app stores shortly after the company made its U.S. stock market debut. And, a new tactic in the public relations push to get more Americans vaccinated: calling on moms to spread the message.
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Jul 7, 2021
What can the antibiotics industry learn from COVID?
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And, specifically, how the U.S. government responded to COVID with Operation Warp Speed. The antibiotics industry needs revitalizing, and some solutions may lie in how the U.S. approached vaccine and therapeutics development during the pandemic. Plus, the force was not with Microsoft. The Department of Defense has canceled its contract with the technology company and instead will pursue a deal with multiple cloud providers.
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Jul 7, 2021
The giant container ship that blocked the Suez Canal has resumed its voyage
Mahmoud Khaled/AFP via Getty Images
From the BBC World Service: It caused a major disruption back in March on a shipping route that carries around 12% of global trade. Now, the Ever Given has been released by Egyptian authorities after the negotiation of a compensation deal. Plus, why fintech company Wise, formerly TransferWise, has chosen a direct listing on the London Stock Exchange rather than a traditional IPO. And, China is tightening rules on its big technology companies looking to list on stock markets overseas.
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Jul 6, 2021
What’s the Fed thinking?
Sarah Silbiger/Getty Images
There’s another chance this week for investors to figure out what the Federal Reserve will do next when it comes to monetary policy and interest rates. The Fed will release the minutes from its June meeting on Wednesday. Plus, Hong Kong says it’s trying to crack down on doxxing, but big tech companies argue new data privacy rules there threaten free expression. And, the latest from “Million Bazillion,” Marketplace’s podcast about money for kids and their families: Where did banks come from?
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Jul 6, 2021
A standoff over oil production
Ryad Kramdi/AFP via Getty Images
Talks among members of OPEC and its allies ended without a deal on how to increase production levels. That leaves oil markets with some uncertainty as demand for fuel increases along with economic recoveries. Plus, an extension of food assistance for families who qualify for free or reduced-price school lunch, even during summer vacation. And, nonprofits like zoos and aquariums can once again rely on ticket sales to help pay the bills.
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Jul 6, 2021
Hong Kong defends new data privacy rules as Big Tech bristles
Billy H.C. Kwok/Getty Images
From the BBC World Service: The Asia Internet Coalition, which represents tech giants operating in Hong Kong, warned some firms might leave the territory over worries about the proposed law. The regulation is intended to tackle “doxxing,” the act of maliciously publishing people’s personal information online. Plus, a court in India asks Twitter to clarify how it is complying with new social media laws in the country. And, Cannes Film Festival rolls out its red carpet after being canceled last year.
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Jul 5, 2021
The return of back-to-school shopping
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
School is back on for the fall, and so is back-to-school shopping. We look at how spending is expected to change. Also, the NCAA has temporarily suspended its rules restricting college athletes from making money by selling the rights to their names, images and likenesses. This new policy will likely prove to be a big financial boon for not just athletes, but also agents. Plus, what Spotify’s expansion into more than 40 African countries means for local streaming services there. And, how the pandemic may have changed theme parks for good going forward.
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