BREAKING NEWS: Media

A Q&A with Chris Balfe, CEO of Red Seat Ventures, which has helped Tucker Carlson and Megyn Kelly set up their podcast and streaming businesses and sell ads (Peter Kafka/Business Insider)

Sat, 23 Nov 2024 10:50:05 +0000

Peter Kafka / Business Insider:
A Q&A with Chris Balfe, CEO of Red Seat Ventures, which has helped Tucker Carlson and Megyn Kelly set up their podcast and streaming businesses and sell ads — - It used to be that leaving Fox News or other big media outlets was the end of your career. — Not anymore.

Best Internet Providers in St. Cloud, Florida

Sat, 23 Nov 2024 10:42:00 +0000

Based in St. Cloud? There are plenty of options for fast and reliable internet. Here are CNET's top picks.

Premier League Soccer: Livestream Leicester vs. Chelsea From Anywhere

Sat, 23 Nov 2024 09:30:04 +0000

The Blues look to tighten their grip on third place as they face the Foxes.

Best Internet Providers in St. Petersburg, Florida

Sat, 23 Nov 2024 09:27:00 +0000

Fiber internet isn’t everywhere in St. Petersburg, but CNET’s experts have you covered with the best broadband picks to stay connected.

Best Showerhead Filters of 2024

Sat, 23 Nov 2024 08:24:00 +0000

Remove unwanted minerals and enjoy healthier hair with the best showerhead water filters.

HelloFresh Is the Most Popular Meal Kit Service, but Is It the Best? We Tested It to Find Out

Sat, 23 Nov 2024 07:23:00 +0000

With its reputation as a top meal kit service in the US, we put it to the test by trying a variety of its recipes. Here’s what we discovered.

Best Internet Providers in Santa Clarita, California

Sat, 23 Nov 2024 07:11:00 +0000

From fiber to fixed wireless, Santa Clarita offers plenty of internet options. CNET is here to help you find the best fit for your needs.

I Tried Green Chef. See How I Liked These Healthy, Organic Meal Kits

Sat, 23 Nov 2024 05:17:00 +0000

Get organic, healthy ingredients and easy recipes delivered to your doorstep with Green Chef's meal kits.

Best Internet Providers in Salinas, California

Sat, 23 Nov 2024 04:32:00 +0000

Looking for the best internet provider in Salinas? AT&T Fiber takes the lead, but there are several other options to consider.

Today's NYT Mini Crossword Answers for Saturday, Nov. 23

Sat, 23 Nov 2024 04:28:00 +0000

Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for Nov. 23.

Today's NYT Strands Hints, Answers and Help for Nov. 23, #265

Sat, 23 Nov 2024 04:00:07 +0000

Here are some hints -- and the answers -- for the Nov. 23 Strands puzzle, No. 265.

Today's NYT Connections Hints, Answers and Help for Nov. 23, #531

Sat, 23 Nov 2024 04:00:04 +0000

Here are some hints — and the answers — for Connections No. 531 for Saturday, Nov. 23.

Today's Wordle Hints, Answer and Help for Nov. 23, #1253

Sat, 23 Nov 2024 04:00:02 +0000

Here are some hints and the answer for Wordle No. 1,253 for Saturday, Nov. 23.

Best Internet Providers in Sarasota, Florida

Sat, 23 Nov 2024 02:32:00 +0000

Sarasota offers plenty of options for fast internet and budget-friendly starter plans. CNET’s top recommendations for home internet in Sarasota will help you find the best fit for your needs.

Apple TV Plus Review: Small Library but the Quality Is Top Notch

Sat, 23 Nov 2024 01:49:59 +0000

With originals like Ted Lasso and Luck, a low fee and no ads, this streaming service is holding its own.

Internet Cheat Sheet: How to Shop for Internet Like a Pro

Sat, 23 Nov 2024 01:32:00 +0000

Navigate the world of price increases, hidden fees and internet speeds without breaking a sweat.

Ex-NBC anchor Brian Williams says Democratic Party should be ‘rebuilt’ after ‘insulting’ voters in 2024 election cycle

Sat, 23 Nov 2024 01:19:40 +0000

Ex-NBC anchor Brian Williams waited until after the 11th hour to dress down Democrats' 2024 campaign strategy, panning the party as dismally detached from reality.

Today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints and Answers for Nov. 23, #61

Sat, 23 Nov 2024 00:59:03 +0000

Here are some hints — and the answers — for Connections: Sports Edition No. 61 for Saturday, Nov. 23.

Save Money on Holiday Shopping With These Top Amazon Shopping Hacks

Sat, 23 Nov 2024 00:40:47 +0000

There are all sorts of ways to save money at Amazon, even when it's not a big sale like Black Friday or a national holiday.

Best Riding Mowers for 2024

Sat, 23 Nov 2024 00:38:00 +0000

The best riding mowers make lawn care a breeze. Here are CNET’s top picks.

Best Black Friday Apple Deals 2024: We Found Record-Low Discounts on iPhones, MacBooks, AirPods and More

Sat, 23 Nov 2024 00:26:00 +0000

Don't miss your chance to grab MacBooks, iPads, AirPods and more Apple tech at an all-time low price.

Best Pregnancy Pillows of 2024

Sat, 23 Nov 2024 00:10:00 +0000

Finding the perfect pregnancy pillow is a journey in itself. Our wellness editor, now a new mom, tested the best options for a restful night’s sleep.

My Living Room Becomes a Theater When I Turn On This Under-$50 TV Accessory

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 23:56:00 +0000

Make your TV feel larger and more cinematic with the Govee TV Backlight 3, which has a new Black Friday price that's 33% off.

Best Vegan Meal Delivery Services for 2024

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 23:53:00 +0000

Meal delivery services save time on cooking and shopping. Vegans, don’t worry -- we’ve found the best delivery options just for you.

Black Friday Deal Gets You Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional for Only $20

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 23:51:00 +0000

Don't fret over the $580 price tag of Microsoft's latest Visio software. Instead, take advantage of massive savings on the previous-generation version with this Black Friday sale.

iOS 18.2 Public Beta 3 Brings More Than Just AI to Your iPhone

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 23:31:57 +0000

Developers and public beta testers can now share lost AirTags and other device information with others.

Best Charcoal Grill for 2024

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 23:28:00 +0000

Achieve the ultimate grilled flavor with the top charcoal grills.

Sources: NBCUniversal Vice Chairman Bonnie Hammer plans to leave the company at the end of the year; she has been with the company since 2004 (Brian Steinberg/Variety)

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 22:50:02 +0000

Brian Steinberg / Variety:
Sources: NBCUniversal Vice Chairman Bonnie Hammer plans to leave the company at the end of the year; she has been with the company since 2004 — Bonnie Hammer, a legendary TV executive who has had a hand in popular programs ranging from “This Old House” and “Zoom” to “Monk” and “Mr. Robot …

Veteran Radio Sales Executive Tucker Flood To Retire

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 22:43:51 +0000

A 35-year career focused on radio and advertising will be coming to a close for Tucker Flood, as the President of Eastman Radio, a Katz Media Group arm, has announced his retirement.

Flood will retire at the end of the year, KMG announced late Friday.

In a statement, KMG called Flood “a driving force within Katz Radio Group, known for his passion, strategic insight and commitment to excellence. His tenure has been marked by a unique ability to balance the business and relationship sides of the industry, forging deep partnerships with broadcasters and agencies that have propelled growth and success.”

Flood’s career includes roles leading Christal Radio and directing the re-establishment of Eastman Radio. He has overseen Katz’s Political and Multicultural business, collaborating closely with EVPs Pat McGee and Rick Ramos.

Flood commented, “It has been an honor to work alongside so many talented colleagues and partners over the years. I am incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together and look forward to watching Katz continue to thrive.”

“Tucker’s contributions to our company and his mentorship to countless colleagues have been extraordinary,” said Christine Travaglini, President of Katz Radio Group. “Working alongside him for over 30 years has been one of the greatest privileges of my career. His wisdom, friendship and guidance have left a lasting imprint on the entire organization and industry.”

KMG CEO Mark Gray added, “Tucker’s leadership, vision and dedication have left an enduring legacy with Katz and the industry as a whole. We are profoundly grateful for his contributions and the impact he’s had on our team, partners and the broader media community — and wish him all the best in his much-deserved retirement.”

Bigger Screens and Even Fewer Knobs

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 22:35:53 +0000

To a casual observer of the automotive scene, the trend toward big infotainment displays is somewhat like the horsepower wars of the mid-1960s: More is much better.

Two years ago I wrote about the increasing size of dashboard screens and the decline in the use of physical control knobs. I’ve had a chance to update that experience when two model vehicles recently made their way into my driveway for episodes of my program “Radio-Road-Test.”

Before I can start putting test miles on a new vehicle, I increasingly find myself having to answer the question: Where’s my radio?

The Genesis GV80 provides 27 diagonal inches of infotainment display. Besides the touchscreen and voice command controls, there are the classic volume and tuning knobs for radio. Credit: Photos by Paul Kaminski

Different looks

The 2025 Genesis GV80 is that luxury brand’s flagship sport utility vehicle. With a sticker price near $80,000, you’d expect, and you’ll find, creature comforts and performance to match.

In the front cabin, the 27-inch infotainment and instrument screen dominates the dash. The instrument part of the display behind the steering wheel is for vehicle information such as the speedometer; the center part is the portal for infotainment.

The GV80’s infotainment system displays data including traffic info and fuel prices, delivered to the car by HD Radio. Several carmakers use HD Radio to deliver such data services.

Digging through the menu, I was able to find the controls and screens from which to select radio options. There are traditional knobs for volume and tuning below the display, but the system also provides touchscreen and voice responses.

It took some menu diving, but Floyd Media station WQBQ in Leesburg, Fla., shows up on the
GV80’s infotainment display. The artwork is delivered by DTS AutoStage.

Toyota’s 2024 mid-sized Tacoma TRD Pro “mild hybrid” pickup is one of that brand’s top-of-line models. Besides the technology of the mild hybrid power train, there’s a 14-inch screen that occupies the center stack of the dash.

The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro has a 14-inch infotainment display in its double cab. There’s only one knob for the infotainment system; it turns the system on/off and adjusts volume.

Infotainment and vehicle information also can be reached by digging through menus. Tuning is by touchscreen or voice response; there’s a knob to adjust volume. Apple and Android phones can connect wirelessly. On-board subscription-based internet access allows other audio options.

The infotainment systems in both the Genesis GV80 and Toyota Tacoma can receive AM, FM and HD Radio signals. There’s a lot of ancillary information that’s also available. In the GV80 one can get baseball scores, gas prices and real-time weather.

But like those horsepower wars, there’s a safety concern with touchscreens and big displays; that’s the distraction factor. At 70 miles an hour, one travels the length of a football field in just under 3 seconds, which is more than enough time to crash or worse. If one’s looking at a big screen (or any screen) rather than the road … you get the idea.

A display for an FM translator of WVLG(AM), a Villages Communications station in Wildwood, Fla., as heard in the Tacoma TRD Pro. We were not able to confirm which metadata platform delivered these visuals.

That piece of automotive real estate in the center dash we call an infotainment display is extremely valuable, especially when paired with on board subscription-based internet access. That’s the arena in which radio stations compete. Some show up well; others not so much. This begs the question: How do they compete?

In past connected car features, I’ve stressed the importance of stations presenting the best signal technically possible and ensuring that the metadata accompanying the signal is technically correct, accurate and up to date. Metadata that worked well for a two-line dot matrix LED display won’t show up well with big OLED screens, especially when competing with sources using rich displays of album art and the requisite resolution.

The question that managers, programmers and talent must answer is whether the program we’re producing is compelling enough for listeners to search for it through multiple menus on a big screen?

For more on this topic, read the free ebook “Recipes for Visual Display.”

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The post Bigger Screens and Even Fewer Knobs appeared first on Radio World.

Loaded: Lads, Mags and Mayhem review – how a drug-fuelled publishing bender went very wrong

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 22:30:24 +0000

From dropping LSD at award shows to coughing up blood on the office carpet – the rise and fall of James Brown’s oft-sexist lads magazine empire goes under the microscope

James Brown, erstwhile founding editor of a magazine that revolutionised the marketplace back when the magazine marketplace was a force to be reckoned with, looks like a shadow of his former enfant terrible self. He moves gingerly, speaks softly, is on steroids, he tells us, and feels ill. The double hearing aids he wears are visible now that the famous mop of curls is shorn. The cockiness that helped make his name is far less apparent. As a presence, he seems much more engaging than he did in his heyday. You suspect this is no comfort.

Still, he is the reason we’re watching Loaded: Lads, Mags and Mayhem, a 90-minute documentary telling the story of how he and a group of other hedonists with a gonzo gift “committed”, as Brown puts it at the start of the show, “the heinous crime of getting men to read magazines en masse”.

Meta clashes with Canada's CRTC over the Online News Act by declining to publicly release information about its measures to block news content on its platforms (Anja Karadeglija/The Canadian Press)

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 21:45:00 +0000

Anja Karadeglija / The Canadian Press:
Meta clashes with Canada's CRTC over the Online News Act by declining to publicly release information about its measures to block news content on its platforms — Meta is refusing to publicly disclose information that could determine whether it is subject to the Online News Act despite blocking news from its platforms.

Spotify, Amex, Resy Recommend Restaurants Based On Users' Listening Habits

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 21:42:32 +0000

A new in-app experience aims to automatically turn Spotify users' favorite songs into a personalized list of suggested restaurants.

Survey Reveals TikTok's Influence Over Holiday Shopping Habits

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 21:41:29 +0000

A new survey by marketing agency MGH showcases TikTok's influence over users' shopping habits, as well as the importance of various in-app content strategies.

EMF Grabs Woodward Spin-Offs In Illinois

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 21:30:05 +0000

On November 14, RBR+TVBR first provided the details regarding a deal involving three FM stations and an AM sibling in Springfield, Ill., which sees Woodward Communications Inc. growing its holdings.

To close the deal to meet current FCC local ownership limits, a plan was put in place to divest WCVS-FM in Virden, Ill., with Tideline Partners signed on as the broker. A buyer has been found, and for recently acquired WIHN-FM 96.7 in Bloomington, Ill., too.

That buyer is Educational Media Foundation, the giant broadcast ministry that is home to Worship Music Air1 and Christian Contemporary Music noncomm network sibling KLOVE.

For $200,000, EMF is getting WCVS-FM. A $10,000 deposit has been made to Woodward.

In a concurrent filing with the FCC, Woodward is selling WIHN for an additional $200,000. A $10,000 deposit has been made.

Still awaiting a buyer is WWHX in Normal, Ill., which has been designated as a non-essential asset and is being divested.

Substack’s Bet on Politics Newsletters Leads to Subscriber Growth

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 21:13:51 +0000

The newsletter start-up, which once drew an overture from Elon Musk, is betting on politics content and recruiting stars. But profits remain elusive.

Target Must Face Privacy Claims Over Alleged Facial Recognition

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 20:58:16 +0000

A federal judge said Target shoppers can attempt to prove that Target uses facial recognition technology. The company denies doing so.

New York’s Dean of Local News Confirms His Retirement

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 20:15:20 +0000

It’s been a topic of discussion in industry circles over the last several years. Now, it is official: One of NBCUniversal Local’s most prominent news anchors, a fixture of live over-the-air television in the New York Tri-State area since 1974, will officially retire following the 6pm newscast on WNBC-4 in three weeks.

It will bring to an end the storied career of Chuck Scarborough, but don’t call it a full retirement — he will serve as a “periodic contributor to special station projects and programming,” the station announced on Thursday evening (11/21).

Talk of Scarborough’s eventual career conclusion has permeated Gotham’s local news scene since July 2017, when he stepped down from the 11pm newscast at WNBC-4 after 42 years. This left Scarborough as the senior anchor on the 6pm newscast.

“There is only one word: gratitude,” said Scarborough. “Our WNBC viewers welcomed me into their homes for more than 50 years, trusting me to present the news free of any agenda, faithful to the fundamental principles of accuracy, objectivity and fairness—and to bring them vital, timely information during our darkest and brightest hours. That has been an extraordinary honor.”

“Chuck Scarborough is the gold standard in American broadcast journalism. His skills as an anchor, reporter and newsroom leader are unmatched – and he is a pretty special guy off-camera too,” said Eric Lerner, President and General Manager of WNBC-4. “We are fortunate that after Chuck’s last newscast next month, he will return to his News 4 New York family from time to time and report on special projects.”

Amy Morris, Senior Vice President of News for WNBC-4 and sibling WNJU-47 in New York, added, “In a city and business that are constantly changing, Chuck has been the rock of 30 Rock, guiding viewers and news teams for half a century. As he starts a new chapter, we honor Chuck by building on his legacy to make WNBC a force for the next 50 years.”

A U.S. Air Force veteran, Scarborough began his television career as an anchor and Operations Manager at WLOX-TV in Biloxi, Miss. He later served as an anchor/reporter for WDAM-TV in Hattiesburg, Miss.; at WAGA-5 in Atlanta when it was a CBS affiliate; and at the former RKO General-owned WNAC-TV in Boston. Scarborough began his tenure with WNBC-4 on March 25, 1974.

RBR+TVBR OBSERVATION by Editor-in-Chief Adam R Jacobson

I can remember many things from my childhood when it comes to local broadcast media. My favorite show as an infant? “Archie and Edith,” referencing All in the Family. Listening to “Super ‘CFL” and “89 WLS.” And, there was “Chuck and Sue.” From January 1980 through the remainder of my childhood years, Chuck Scarborough was teamed with Sue Simmons at WNBC, Channel 4. This included a 5pm newscast that saw Scarborough team up with Simmons on what was previously Live at Five. Like in other markets during the 1970s and 1980s, there were always standout news anchors, and New York had plenty — Jack Cafferty, Bill Beutel, Kaity Tong, Ernie Anastos, and John Roland come to mind. Scarborough, somehow, towered over this talented pool of crosstown talents. And while NBC used him sparingly as a national news anchor, Scarborough would largely remain rooted in the Big Apple, and as a Tri-State treasure. It’s hard to believe that Chuck Scarborough has been on WNBC-4 since I was in diapers, and even harder to fathom all that he’s covered, from Watergate to the latest regarding New York Mayor Eric Adams and the forthcoming transition at the White House.

Thank you, NBC, and thank you Chuck Scarborough, for continuously serving as a dedicated and emblematic example of what local TV does best, and what it has always and what it will continue to be — a beacon of essential information relevant to the community it serves.

A New York judge finds Sirius XM liable for a difficult subscription cancellation process; Sirius says it will appeal but abide by a new "click-to-cancel" rule (Jonathan Stempel/Reuters)

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 19:15:00 +0000

Jonathan Stempel / Reuters:
A New York judge finds Sirius XM liable for a difficult subscription cancellation process; Sirius says it will appeal but abide by a new “click-to-cancel” rule — A New York state judge found Sirius XM Holdings (SIRI.O) liable in New York Attorney General Letitia James' lawsuit accusing …

Frequence: ‘Rising Pressure and AI Adoption in Local Advertising

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 19:00:08 +0000

Some 80% of digital ad professionals now utilize Artificial Intelligence-based products for media buying and campaign management.

That’s according to new findings released by ad sales automation and workflow software producer Frequence, recently acquired by connected TV ad platform Madhive.

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Radio Industry Vet Tapped For Tap Partner Development

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 18:59:48 +0000

He’s a longtime radio industry sales figure who once led national sales for iHeartMedia predecessor Clear Channel and is the co-founder and former COO of Triton Digital. Now, he’s joining another radio veteran — San Diego’s Mike Glickenhaus — in growing partnership development at a company launching an omnichannel media commerce platform that connects supply-side and demand-side partners through an open marketplace.

Taking the role of VP/Partnership Development at Tap is Mike Agovino. His lengthy career includes a role as Katz Radio President and as co-COO/co-President of Interep — a role that came after quickly rescinding an offer to serve as General Manager of SBS’s Los Angeles stations. Agovino, who career path was forged by joining Katz Radio/New York in early 1985, most recently served as President/CEO of Workhouse Connect.

Agovino will lead Tap’s U.S. partnership initiatives, collaborating with Glickenhaus — Tap’s EVP. He has been overseeing partnership development since 2022.

Tap’s private, self-branded platform is already adopted by more than 50 media brands in 80 US markets. The company was founded by CEO Chris Edis, who calls Agovino “a dynamic leader with unique expertise across traditional and digital media. His deep experience connecting advertisers to audiences and his penchant for playing disruptive roles make him the perfect fit for Tap as we further scale our U.S. business.”

Agovino added, “I’m thrilled to join Tap at such a transformative moment for the industry. This platform is a true game changer, seamlessly bridging the gap between audience and advertiser. It’s an honor to contribute to this bold vision that’s reshaping the media landscape for the better.”

— Archival reporting by Adam R Jacobson/Radio & Records

Western Union Unveils Media Network, Working With PubMatic

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 18:37:35 +0000

Western Union launched a new media business earlier this month to offer advertisers a link to diverse multicultural audiences. The new business can connect advertisers to more than 150 million consumers across North America and Europe.

Broadcast TV’s Essential Questions On Its Ongoing Evolution

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 18:30:54 +0000

The future of broadcast television is at a pivotal moment. Local stations struggle to navigate shifting audience habits, a changing advertising landscape and the latest technology. The critical decisions broadcasters make in the next year will shape the industry’s future.

On December 5, an essential conversation on the subject will be had in a webinar featuring the founder and CEO of Futuri, Daniel Anstandig, and the SVP/Chief Revenue Officer of Sinclair Inc., Ryan Moore.

They’ll tackle the challenges and opportunities for broadcasters in 2025 and in the coming years in a candid, insightful chat at 2pm Eastern/11am Pacific.

The conversation will explore pivotal developments that define broadcasting’s next chapter:

Economic Impact: Understanding the financial landscape and emerging revenue models
Regulatory Environment: Navigating upcoming policy changes and compliance
Talent Recruitment: Building the broadcast workforce of tomorrow
AI’s Role: Leveraging artificial intelligence to transform operations and enhance growth
Television’s Community Impact: Strengthening local media’s position as a beacon of hope

How will you navigate the new landscape expected in 2025, and harness AI to drive your growth and position? Register today to sit in on this “Fireside Chat.”

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

A growing number of podcasters, including Tim Ferriss, are moving away from interviews to monologues or co-hosts, as some well-known guests can be overexposed (Ashley Carman/Bloomberg)

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 18:30:02 +0000

Ashley Carman / Bloomberg:
A growing number of podcasters, including Tim Ferriss, are moving away from interviews to monologues or co-hosts, as some well-known guests can be overexposed — Some prominent podcast hosts are shifting away from interviews in favor of monologues and co-hosts — Hello and welcome back to Soundbite.

DirecTV calls off acquisition of satellite TV rival Dish — as lenders revolt

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 18:15:54 +0000

Satellite TV giant DirecTV called off its deal with Charlie Ergen’s EchoStar to acquire rival Dish TV and other assets. The deal would have created one of the largest pay TV distributors in the country with a combined 20 million subscribers. As part of the deal, DirecTV was set to pay EchoStar $1 for the...

Why Trump’s FCC pick and Comcast’s spinoff plans are no coincidence

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 18:06:51 +0000

Wall Street is awaiting much-needed dealmaking.

WGA East members working for PBS member stations reach a deal, averting a strike; the union says the deal expands protections to animation writers (Gene Maddaus/Variety)

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 17:45:02 +0000

Gene Maddaus / Variety:
WGA East members working for PBS member stations reach a deal, averting a strike; the union says the deal expands protections to animation writers — Writers on “Frontline,” “American Experience,” “NOVA” and other PBS shows have averted a strike after reaching a deal with three affiliates.

A blind date to brighten your day | Brief letters

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 17:36:12 +0000

Magic moments | Gone bananas | Cassandra Monbiot | The best of Bishop Auckland

I was sitting here in Cornwall on a grey, chilly November day, feeling every one of my 75 years and wondering which of my potentially life-threatening problems would get me first. Then I read, as I always do, Blind date, the one about Sarah and Max (16 November), and it moved me so much that I even shed a tear. How lovely to read of a date that worked out well. I do so hope they continue their friendship, and thank you for the warmth it brought into my day.
Chris Parsons
Hoopers Bridge, Cornwall

• I was struck by two adjacent headlines in Friday’s paper. On page two “Poor countries urged to water down climate cash demands”; on page three “Art world goes bananas as piece of fruit taped to a wall sells for $5.2m”. A world gone bananas indeed.
Gill Vincent
Millhouse Green, South Yorkshire