Media Digest 3/16/2009 Reuters, WSJ, NYTimes, FT, Bloomberg

According to Reuters, a price battle among goods makers is beginning.

Reuters reports that payments to AIG (AIG) employees is causing rage among people already concerned about the bailout.

Reuters reports that Bernanke sees a US recovery starting in 2010.

Reuters writes that the Feds want to freeze Ruth Madoff’s assets.

Reuters writes that Obama will announce measures to help small businesses.

Reuters reports that the newspaper crisis is sparking a debate about free online news.

Reuters writes that the Treasury is close to proposing new bank rules.

Reuters reports that the Virgin megastores in the US are closing.

The Wall Street Journal writes that the US will set tougher capital standards for banks and create greater authority to take over financial firms.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Cisco (CSCO) is starting an era were large tech companies compete more activity and cooperate less.

The Wall Street Journal reports that pension expenses will rise at many state and municipal funds.

The Wall Street Journal reports that stock offerings are being done in a more rapid fashion.

The Wall Street Journal writes that the pay of the CEO of State Street (STT) rose as the stock fell.

The Wall Street Journal reports that OPEC will hold oil output steady.

The Wall Street Journal reports that the G20 are pressing the US to repair its banks.

The Wall Street Journal reports that the value of the dollar and gold are now inseparable.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Google (GOOG) was dealt a blow when its advertising chief left for AOL (TWX).

The Wall Street Journal reports that Best Buy (BBY) is up against a powerful rival in Wal-Mart (WMT).

The Wall Street Journal reports that Congress is advancing legislation to help unions on government contracts.

The Wall Street Journal reports that dividend cuts are starting to hurt investors.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Vodafone (VOD) plans to raise money on the value of its assets in Qatar.

The Wall Street Journal reports that revenue to the UK government is being hit by the falling price of oil.

The Wall Street Journal reports that more directors are cutting their own pay.

The Wall Street Journal report that Blockbuster (BBI) results will shed light it debt.

The Wall Street Journal report that federal officials are looking through the GM (GM) operating plan to make a decision about the company;s future.

The Wall Street Journal reports that PC makes and chip companies are moving into the handheld business.

The Wall Street Journal writes that Yahoo! (YHOO) will launch niche video products.

The FT reports that China lost $80 billion in its move to diversify its assets.

The FT reports that US earnings had their first quarterly loss since 1935.

The FT reports that Goldman Sachs (GS) held talks to buy Wachovia.

Bloomberg reports that Barclays (BCS) said it had a strong start to the year.

Bloomberg reports that Sony (SNE) is being pressed to cut the prices of its PS3.

Douglas A. McIntyre