Business Nation - July 2007

"CRAZY EDDIE"

"Crazy Eddie" was the name of one of the country’s most successful electronics chains, with 43 stores and more than $300 million in sales. 

It was also the setting for one of the most audacious financial crimes in recent memory.  Owner Eddie Antar and his cousin Sam masterminded a scheme that skimmed profits and bilked shareholders out of $100 million.  Eddie went to prison for seven years, convicted with the help of testimony from Sam, who turned state’s evidence.  They hadn’t spoken in 20 years, until they confronted each other, face to face, on Business Nation. 

Herb Greenberg is the correspondent.  Jeff Pohlman is the producer. 

Crazy Eddie

Two cousins, two lives, forever changed by a $100M business crime, with Herb Greenberg, CNBC contributor and MarketWatch sr. columnist

"FACING THE MUSIC"

The music industry has gone through wrenching change.  After riding the wave of CD sales for years, the major record labels have seen their fortunes change dramatically, as sales, and revenues, have plummeted.  The Internet hasn’t only enabled fans to download music easily, but to steal it; today, more than half of the music acquired in the U.S. isn’t paid for. 

Correspondent David Faber delves into the changing landscape of the multi-billion dollar music industry and goes behind the scenes with the CEO of Warner Music, a company in turmoil, struggling to reinvent itself.   James Jacoby is the producer.

Facing the Music

Go behind the scenes into the changing landscape of the music industry and Warner Music Group. CNBC's David Faber reports.

"BULL MARKET"

What was once a Wild West sideshow is now a thriving enterprise exploding in popularity.  Professional Bull Riders. Inc. has gone big time, moving beyond its rural roots and playing to arenas packed with cowboys and city slickers alike. 

As correspondent Steve Liesman discovered, PBR is now a multi-million dollar business, and has proven to be a profitable venture – especially for a former schoolteacher who gets paid for clowning around in the ring.  Alison O’Brien is the producer.

Bull Market

Flint Rasmussen is the Professional Bull Riders Association's "Million Dollar Man"... And we're not clowning around!