Marketplace Morning Report: "Could airport slowdowns end the shutdown?"

Host: David Brancaccio
Date: October 9, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of Marketplace Morning Report, hosted by David Brancaccio, examines how the U.S. government shutdown is affecting air travel, with a particular focus on TSA agents and air traffic controllers. The show also touches on Netflix's move into the home gaming market, CEO perspectives on tariffs and AI, and concludes with a statement from the Pope on economic inequality.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Air Travel Disruptions and the Government Shutdown

[00:30–02:50]

• Federal Workers’ Pay: Starting tomorrow, federal workers will receive paychecks only for the days before the shutdown; they will not be paid for work required during the shutdown.

  • Brancaccio notes: "Looking at the short pay stubs won't go down well for folks who are supposed to be doing jobs. Shut down or shine." (00:43)

• Impact on Air Travel:

  • TSA agents and air traffic controllers are required to work without pay; some may refuse extra shifts or call out.
  • FAA has started delaying flights at certain airports due to staffing shortages caused by the shutdown.
  • Quote from Nick Daniels (National Air Traffic Controllers Association president, paraphrased by Brancaccio):
    • “Air traffic controllers don't start a shutdown, and air traffic controllers don't end a shutdown.” (01:19)
  • Daniels describes staffing and equipment challenges that shutdowns exacerbate, leading to increased frustration.

• Potential for Shutdown Ending:

  • Eric Hanson (US Travel Association): “If you look at previous shutdowns, it's really been travel delays and safety concerns that have shut down previous shutdowns.” (01:44)
  • The implication is that significant disruption to air travel may compel Congress to act.

• Worker Perspective:

  • Johnny Jones (TSA officer, Dallas Fort Worth):
    • Recalls 2019, when TSA agents stopped coming to work because “they literally ran out of money to live” (01:53).
    • “Only in America can you work for the federal government and go to work every day or even get sent home against your will and they say, hey, we're just not going to pay you.” (02:09)
  • Workers feel like “political pawns”, struggling to decide how long they can go unpaid.

2. Netflix Expands into Home Gaming

[03:36–04:30]

• Netflix Adds TV Games:
  • Netflix is now offering group games (e.g., Boggle, Pictionary) playable on TVs, using phones as controllers.
  • Aimed at families and groups; free for current Netflix subscribers.
  • Samantha Fields reports:
    • “Gaming is a lucrative industry. Other television, film and streaming companies have tried to break into it but haven't had much success so far. Netflix is hoping to change that.” (03:55)
    • Netflix sees this as a long-term strategy.

3. CEO Outlook: Tariffs, AI, and Cybersecurity

[04:30–08:01]

Interview with Tim Walsh, U.S. CEO of KPMG

• Business Uncertainty:

  • Brancaccio observes CEOs’ uncertainty about U.S. policy, particularly tariffs.
  • Tim Walsh:
    • “There's certainly a level of disruption and...uncertainty that CEOs are dealing with.” (05:13)
    • Main issue: changing tariffs force firms to revisit cost structures and potentially raise consumer prices.

• Passing Costs to Consumers:

  • Walsh: “I would say that it's high on the list of things and options. And I would say the majority of companies...the more significant, obviously the tariff, the more likely it is that, that the consumer will need to absorb some of that.” (06:05)

• Artificial Intelligence and Employment:

  • Last year, 70% of surveyed CEOs believed AI would not lead to mass layoffs.
  • Walsh:
    • “Certainly CEOs are experiencing the efficiencies both from investing in AI, specifically in investing in agents. But...they're also seeing growth opportunities with that.” (06:35)
    • Predicts changes in workforce mix, but not overall job reductions, at least at KPMG.

• Cybersecurity and AI Threats:

  • Growing concern, especially after recent high-profile attacks (e.g., Jaguar Land Rover).
  • Walsh:
    • “The cyber criminals are able to now employ AI as well, and so they can do more damage...The one positive I would leave you with, though it's not all negative, the good news is that, you know, you can fight AI risk with AI.” (07:25–07:55)

4. Papal Statement on Economic Inequality

[08:04–End]

• Pope Leo’s Document:
  • In his first major public document as Pontiff, Pope Leo denounces “the dictatorship of economic inequality.”
  • Calls for Catholics to help eradicate unjust economic structures and not rely solely on “invisible market forces to resolve poverty.”
  • Brancaccio paraphrases Pope Leo:
    • “The emphasis on helping the poor now is, quote, non negotiable.” (08:40)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Only in America can you work for the federal government and go to work every day or even get sent home against your will and they say, hey, we're just not going to pay you."
  — Johnny Jones, TSA officer (02:09)

• "Air traffic controllers don't start a shutdown, and air traffic controllers don't end a shutdown."
  — Nick Daniels, National Air Traffic Controllers Association (quoted by Brancaccio, 01:19)

• “If you look at previous shutdowns, it's really been travel delays and safety concerns that have shut down previous shutdowns.”
  — Eric Hanson, US Travel Association (01:44)

• “There's certainly a level of disruption and...uncertainty that CEOs are dealing with.”
  — Tim Walsh, KPMG U.S. CEO (05:13)

• “The cyber criminals are able to now employ AI as well, and so they can do more damage...You can fight AI risk with AI.”
  — Tim Walsh (07:25–07:55)

• "The emphasis on helping the poor now is, quote, non negotiable."
  — Pope Leo (paraphrased by Brancaccio, 08:40)

Segment Timestamps

• 00:30–02:50: Government shutdown’s impact on air travel, federal worker pay, and workforce morale.
• 03:36–04:30: Netflix’s expansion into home TV gaming.
• 04:30–08:01: CEO perspectives on tariffs, AI, workforce stability, and cybersecurity (interview with Tim Walsh, KPMG).
• 08:04–End: Pope Leo’s new document on economic inequality.

Summary and Takeaways

This episode draws a clear line from the government shutdown to the critical infrastructure of air travel, suggesting that delays and safety concerns might push Congress to action. It highlights both worker strain and the broader economic implications. In parallel, it reports on Netflix’s strategic shift into gaming, reveals evolving corporate concerns about tariffs, AI, and cyber threats, and closes with a significant papal statement urging immediate action on poverty and inequality.

For listeners and readers alike, the main message is that economic and policy uncertainties—whether from Congress, the markets, or technological change—have immediate human consequences, affecting everything from your morning flight to the global fight against poverty.