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We tried to get Mr. Castaneda on the programme a few days ago. He used to be Mexico's foreign minister so his opinions are worth getting.

Unfortunately, he only had a cordless phone - and these, let me reveal, are the broadcaster's nightmare.

They are convenient for the user, who can lounge about on a sofa or pace up and down gesticulating. But they usually add a bit of hiss and buzz to the sound. You don't notice it when you're having a normal conversation.

But believe me, it turns a radio interview into the audio equivalent of the neighbour's cat on your TV aerial.

We had to tell Mr. Castaneda, who likes to be treated with respect, that we couldn't really hear him. He was already in full flow so I don't think he was impressed.

Two lessons from that: we'll try to rebuild relations with the former Mexico FM because we still want to get his views.

And if you want to build a career as a radio pundit, don't throw away the old phone with the wire.