On Radio
Two essays in excellence
The BBC at its best on Shakespeare, and remembering Barry Humphries.
Multiple moans from the get-go
The americanisation of the BBC
Radio 2 is now beyond my Ken
What used to work, and what listeners enjoyed, is no longer the most important consideration for the decision-makers in Radio
Lost in the Moral Maze
What is kindness, and is it the highest of virtues?
Bragg shows what is possible
A show worth the licence fee by itself
Wanted: patron of high culture
Someone save Radio 3
Sack the lot at rotten Radio 3
BBC Radio 3 is drowning in a puddle of self-willed mediocrity
An American’s excellent essays
A set of fine programmes on the American bohemians who brought to life a great city on the cusp of significant change
When Great Lives grates
Tales of lives lived well, or disgracefully, are always interesting, but what makes a good obit?
Open season
I’m trying to stick to wild game, venison and native beef— and monogamy too
Learning in the round
Spreading fingers over a globe, not pinching them on a screen, is the best way to answer questions
A festival for women — and men?
You cannot address the underrepresentation of women by including men
When the populist meets the Pope
Javier Milei and Pope Francis represent very different and often hostile elements of Argentinian cultural life
Maligning the missionaries
Should the Church of England regret the promotion of Christianity?
Brussels, capital city of Surrealism
In Brussels, Surrealism lurks in the most unexpected places
The problem with puberty blockers
Ministers must step in to prevent the NHS from experimenting on children
NATO’s unhappy birthday
The world is growing more dangerous and its members need the will to confront new challenges
Single-minded
Enjoy some new malt whiskies coming to market
How to destroy football
“Blue cards” will only add to the confusion and subjective rulings we’re now seeing
Full steam ahead!
How British canal boats steamed towards the future
