25 JULY 1998, Page 25

Sir: The translation of Latin tags pales into insignificance beside

your use of 'media' as a singular noun. 'The American media, says Mark Steyn, is [sic] instinctively protective . . . ' (`The rude truth', 4 July).

To his credit, Mr Steyn, despite his zippy transatlantic style, uses the word correctly throughout. May those of us contemplating the renewal of our subscription to your journal have your assurance that 'media' will never again be used in the singular?

Michael Kimmins

Chequers, Sherrington, Melton Constable, Norfolk