As do I. I come away from Mercer rants with the sense that we've shared an understanding of the absurdity of life. I come (or came) away from Rooney rants with the feeling that I've been told, spoken down to.

Murphy used to leave me with an "included" feeling similar to Mercer's but far less so lately. Sometimes I still like him (Murphy) on Cross-Country Check-up, though sometimes he's rather too self-important and pedantic. Part of that I guess is that to make a living in broadcasting you sort of have to be in love with the sound of your own voice; I just prefer those who can make me believe they've set aside that trait. And sometimes the tone of caring about, or interest in, callers' views in Murphy's voice sounds considerably contrived. What can I say, I'm a choosy audience. It'll be a sad day in Canadian broadcasting when Gian Ghomeshi reaches that level of complacency.

Not related to mainstream newscasting, but Shelagh Rogers and Eleanor Wachtel never leave me feeling they wanted to put one over on me or prove something, always that they're pointing me toward a journey. (Can you tell I listen mainly to arts news and newsmagazines? Also sometimes As It Happens.)