Matt Buchanan to join S.F. Chronicle as Food & Wine Editor
Buchanan will oversee the award-winning Food & Wine team, including its coverage of Bay Area restaurants, wine news, food criticism and service journalism. He will be a key leader in tentpole projects, such as the Top 100 restaurants list.
Buchanan comes to the Chronicle from the Philadelphia Inquirer, where he has overhauled the food section over the past year as editor. Previously, he worked at Eater National, where he held the positions of executive editor, enterprise editor and features editor. He oversaw multiple investigations, including one that broke the news of Mario Batali's sexual misconduct. The James Beard Foundation has nominated work Buchanan has edited for 15 awards; two won the Innovation Storytelling Award.
Prior to covering restaurants, Buchanan edited cerebral website the Awl; he also covered the tech industry as an editor at the New Yorker, Buzzfeed and Gizmodo.
'Matt is one of the rare food editors in the country to have truly done it all,' said outgoing Food & Wine Editor Janelle Bitker, who will oversee Buchanan as Deputy Director of Content Strategy and Utility Journalism. 'He's built a reputation as not only a brilliant storyteller but a generous mentor for writers. The Chronicle, our readers and the Bay Area's restaurant and wine industries are so lucky to have him here.'
Buchanan is from the Columbus/Fort Benning area in Georgia, and studied East Asian Studies and Gender Studies at New York University. This will be his first time living in California, though he's long threatened the move.
'I've been in love with the Bay Area since covering tech as a blogger during the early days of the iPhone, and I'm thrilled to guide coverage of the region's incredibly diverse restaurant scene, from the bougiest imaginable places in Napa to the most wildly inventive spots in Oakland, and everything and everywhere in between.'
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San Francisco Chronicle
5 hours ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
Matt Buchanan to join S.F. Chronicle as Food & Wine Editor
The San Francisco Chronicle is pleased to announce that Matt Buchanan will be the newspaper's next Food & Wine Editor. Buchanan will oversee the award-winning Food & Wine team, including its coverage of Bay Area restaurants, wine news, food criticism and service journalism. He will be a key leader in tentpole projects, such as the Top 100 restaurants list. Buchanan comes to the Chronicle from the Philadelphia Inquirer, where he has overhauled the food section over the past year as editor. Previously, he worked at Eater National, where he held the positions of executive editor, enterprise editor and features editor. He oversaw multiple investigations, including one that broke the news of Mario Batali's sexual misconduct. The James Beard Foundation has nominated work Buchanan has edited for 15 awards; two won the Innovation Storytelling Award. Prior to covering restaurants, Buchanan edited cerebral website the Awl; he also covered the tech industry as an editor at the New Yorker, Buzzfeed and Gizmodo. 'Matt is one of the rare food editors in the country to have truly done it all,' said outgoing Food & Wine Editor Janelle Bitker, who will oversee Buchanan as Deputy Director of Content Strategy and Utility Journalism. 'He's built a reputation as not only a brilliant storyteller but a generous mentor for writers. The Chronicle, our readers and the Bay Area's restaurant and wine industries are so lucky to have him here.' Buchanan is from the Columbus/Fort Benning area in Georgia, and studied East Asian Studies and Gender Studies at New York University. This will be his first time living in California, though he's long threatened the move. 'I've been in love with the Bay Area since covering tech as a blogger during the early days of the iPhone, and I'm thrilled to guide coverage of the region's incredibly diverse restaurant scene, from the bougiest imaginable places in Napa to the most wildly inventive spots in Oakland, and everything and everywhere in between.'
San Francisco Chronicle
6 hours ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
The ultimate guide to ‘Kpop Demon Hunters,' the global musical everyone is talking about
When 'Kpop Demon Hunters' made its Netflix debut in June, nobody could have predicted an animated K-pop musical set in Seoul would resonate so widely. Yet it didn't just draw attention — it became a worldwide cultural sensation. With 184.6 million views and counting, the film is the No. 1 animated original film of all time on the streaming service and clinched its all-time No. 2 spot for English language films. The soundtrack also has a No. 1 single, 'Golden,' topping the Billboard Hot 100 with other soundtrack hits claiming prime chart positions. This is Netflix's 'Frozen' moment. And now the animated success story gets a theatrical singalong release from Saturday-Sunday, Aug. 23-24. If you're curious about the phenomenon or just tagging along to the singalong this weekend, get up to speed with the Chronicle's guide to everything you need to know about 'Kpop Demon Hunters.' What is 'Kpop Demon Hunters' about? The animated musical is about a mega popular K-pop girl group called Huntr/x that uses its secret identity as demon hunters to protect their fans from supernatural threats. The trio — Rumi, Mira and Zoey — face their biggest nemesis in the form of an immaculately groomed boy group composed of demons in disguise, the Saja Boys. To start, it's visually stunning. The Sony Pictures Imageworks studio used its proprietary 'Spider-Verse'-style action sequences while giving nods to different media trends, like TikTok framing, classic anime looks, futuristic gaming environments and soft-focus K-drama moments. The soundtrack, written and produced by elite K-pop hitmakers and performed by relative unknowns, is epic and true to the music's catchy over-the-top aesthetic. But most of all, the good vs. evil story is built upon a premise of empowerment and speaking one's truth. 'Kpop Demon Hunters' is celebratory and original with a deep appreciation for Korean culture. Not at all, just like you don't have to be a Delta Blues aficionado to enjoy ' Sinners,' which is essentially this film's musical and spiritual twin. That said, 'Kpop Demon Hunters' has introduced many viewers to symbols of Korean mythology and folklore. The weapons that Huntr/x wield are based on traditional tools used by Korean shamans and warriors. The costuming and backgrounds have historical meaning and context. Even the messenger tiger and magpie ('Derpy' and 'Sussie') are a reference to minhwa, a form of Korean folk art from the Joseon period. But like Ryan Coogler 's blockbuster, it's about slaying demons — real ones and inner ones — through the power of music. How has the overseas Korean community responded to the film? Positively. President Lee Jae Myung showed keen interest in its effect on the future of Korean pop culture in a recent panel. The country's tourism board has even put together a guide to familiar locations seen in the film. Meanwhile, Korean social media overflows with tributes from normies and celebrities expressing their fondness for the songs. Having national heroes BTS lending enthusiastic support to the film is the kind of worldwide marketing windfall that Netflix can't buy. But are the songs actually good? So good and authentic that it's hard to believe Huntr/x and Saja Boys are fictitious groups. Executive music producer Ian Eisendrath brought in Blackpink's resident hitmaker Teddy Park for 'How It's Done' and 'Golden.' BTS songwriters Jenna Andrews and Stephen Kirk ('Butter,' 'Permission to Dance') spread their magic to 'Free' and 'This Is What It Sounds Like.' And the songs are voiced by a team of mostly under-the-radar artists like Korean American Andrew Choi (Jinu), former K-pop trainee EJAE (Rumi), rapper/singer Audrey Nuna (Mira) and alt/indie artist Rei Ami (Zoey) who are now all experiencing a surge of popularity. In a summer devoid of anthems, 'Kpop Demon Hunters' came through big time. What is this euphoric feeling that's taken over me? Am I a K-pop fan now? With its beautiful faces, pin-point choreography and infectious songs that often cram up to four different style transitions in one track, it's easy to fall into the K-pop K-hole. So if you've been bumping the 'Kpop Demon Hunters' soundtrack non-stop, then yes, you might actually be a K-pop fan. From Blackpink to Beyoncé: Songs for your playlist if you love 'Kpop Demon Hunters' Now that you're sealed in the 'Kpop Demon Hunters' Honmoon, here are suggestions to add to your growing 'K-pop Jamz' playlist: If you like ' How It's Done ' by Huntr/x… Every superhero needs theme music and you can hear Huntr/x's girl-power spirit in bangers by Everglow (' Dun Dun '), Blackpink (' The Girls ') and ITZY (' Born to Be '). If you like ' Soda Pop ' by Saja Boys… In K-pop, positioning a boy band as cute, cheeky and approachable is a familiar strategy that goes back to the industry's earliest days. Set the wayback machine to 1996 with H.O.T.'s ' Candy ' then proceed directly to Seventeen's ' Pretty U,' GOT7's ' Just Right,' and Tomorrow X Together's ' Crown.' And while you're riding the sugar high, New Edition's '80s hit ' Candy Girl ' hits the same sweet spot as 'Soda Pop.' If you like ' Golden ' by Huntr/x… This empowerment anthem that was just submitted for Grammy consideration can only be replicated by vocal dynamos like IVE (' I AM ') and Twice (' I Can't Stop Me '). And if you listen closely, 'Golden' has the same cathartic, ascendent structure as Adele's ' Hello ' and Beyoncé's ' Listen.' If you like ' Takedown ' by Huntr/x… Huntr/x appear stylish and cool, but beneath the elaborate stage outfits lies a fierce fighting machine. If the trio ever call for backup, they should have Le Sserafim (' Antifragile '), Babymonster (' Sheesh ') and 2NE1 (' I Am the Best)' on speed dial. If you like ' Your Idol ' by Saja Boys… On this song, Saja Boys transform from sweet boys-next-door to ruthless soul-jacking grim reapers. Sharp conceptual turns are frequent in the ever-changing K-pop landscape, and groups like Enhypen ('Bite Me'), Shinee (' Lucifer ') and Stray Kids (' Maniac ') have all danced with darkness. If you like ' Free ' by Rumi and Jinu… The show-stopping duet from Rumi and Jinu spotlights the emotional depth that's baked into the best K-pop ballads and K-drama soundtracks. BTS's ' Butterfly ' and IU's ' Love Wins All ' are similar masterclasses in sensitivity and vulnerability. The soul-searching track's slow burn builds into an inferno thanks to Huntr/x's weighted performance set to progressive house. Dreamcatcher's ' We Are Young,' NMIXX's ' Break the Wall ' or Aespa's ' Til We Meet Again ' are close cousins. And for added depth, it's hard to beat Mary J. Blige's ' No More Drama.' It's one of the best easter eggs in the film. This song plays during the scene where Jinu (voiced by Korean Canadian actor Ahn Hyo-seop) bumps into Rumi in slow motion, an homage to a scene in the popular K-drama ' Business Proposal,' where 'Love/Maybe' and Ahn also appear. No notes; it's perfect as is.
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Yahoo
Gen Alpha Is Ditching Kids' TV for Twitch and YouTube—Should Parents Be Worried?
Ahead, learn more about Gen Alpha's media habits and how to create healthy boundaries around screen time and 'unfiltered' viewing. Fact checked by Sarah Scott Key Points Kids today watch more YouTube and Twitch than traditional TV, giving them control over what they see and when they see it. Live streams and other unfiltered media can expose kids to risky or inappropriate content, so adult guidance is key. Talking openly and watching with your child helps build trust and teaches safe digital habits. In past generations, kids turned on the TV to watch PBS, Saturday morning cartoons, the Disney Channel, or Nickelodeon. Today, most of what kids watch isn't a scripted sitcom, preschool learning program, or goofy cartoon—it's user-generated content on platforms like Twitch and YouTube. Generation Alpha, or children born between 2010 and 2024, is a digital-first generation. They've never lived in a world without the internet, social media, YouTube, or the iPhone—and this is clearly reflected in their viewing preferences. Instead of tuning into a tween-centric TV show on Nickelodeon, they're watching someone play a video game on Twitch or watching their peers open packages (also known as an 'unboxing') on YouTube. Media habits have always evolved across generations, but algorithm-driven feeds and live streaming present a whole new set of challenges and questions for parents, including limited parental controls, unpredictable content quality, and potential behavioral impacts. 'Traditional television was scheduled, passive, and standardized. It couldn't compete with the on-demand, personalized, and interactive nature of platforms like YouTube and later TikTok and Twitch,' says clinical psychologist Michael Wetter, PsyD, ABPP, FAACP. 'Children now grow up in an environment where they don't wait for a show to air—they expect content to be instantly available, tailored to their interests, and socially integrated. They don't just watch content—they remix it, comment on it, and share it with peers. It's not just entertainment; it's how they express identity, participate in culture, and feel seen." Generation Alpha's Media Habits, Explained Millennial and Gen Z kids grew up spoiled by great TV programming, including quality learning-focused shows like Nick Jr.'s Dora the Explorer and Disney Channel's fun, relatable tween sitcoms like Hannah Montana and That's So Raven. While shows like these still exist (Dora even got a modern reboot) Gen Alpha has shifted their viewing habits almost entirely online. Popular shows like CoComelon, Blippi, and Ms. Rachel got their start on YouTube, and need we remind you of the massive success of Pinkfong's 'Baby Shark' song? Creators like twins Vlad and Niki became popular on the platform with their user-generated preschool show, which has since become available on streaming services like Prime Video. According to Precise TV, 87% of kids ages 2-5 prefer to watch YouTube over other services. Common Sense Media also reports that children are watching fewer traditional TV shows but gaming more, with 40% of 2-year-olds already owning a tablet. "Unlike traditional TV, digital platforms let them choose the content, interact with it, and even become creators themselves. That level of control and customization is something cable could never compete with." Titania Jordan The appeal is clear: most kids watch YouTube on a phone or tablet, which parents often hand over to keep them occupied in restaurants, in waiting rooms, or during car rides. (That's where the term 'iPad kid' comes from.) 'YouTube and other phone-based apps are available anywhere,' says Devorah Heitner, PhD, author of the book Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World. 'It's to the appeal for busy, on-the-go families.' And Gen Alpha can watch whatever they want, whenever they want it, which anyone who waited by the TV hoping to catch a specific episode of their favorite show back in the '80s or '90s can tell you is a luxury. 'Unlike traditional TV, digital platforms let them choose the content, interact with it, and even become creators themselves,' adds Titania Jordan, chief parenting officer of Bark Technologies, a company that helps keep kids safer online. 'That level of control and customization is something cable could never compete with.' What to Know About Twitch While younger kids gravitate toward YouTube, older kids are more likely to be on Twitch. The streaming platform has long been popular with teenagers—more than 40% of its users are between the ages of 16 and 24, the majority of them male. Twitch began as an online gaming platform, but has since grown to include more first-person 'day in the life' content. Popular streamers like Kai Cenat and Clix have attracted tons of new viewers to the platform, and Twitch has become a modern way for teens to create community and find new friends. Scott H. Kollins, PhD, clinical psychologist and chief medical officer of Aura, points out that streaming isn't just a way for kids to share their hobbies. 'For some, it's about chasing a bigger dream. Streaming is now seen as a real career path,' he shares. 'Just like some kids dream of being pro athletes, others hope to become big-time streamers or esports stars. Even if only a few make it that far, the idea that it's possible is really exciting.' But because Twitch streams are live and not edited or censored like traditional TV programming, there are more risks involved regarding what young viewers may see onscreen. 'Children can be exposed to sudden shifts in tone or content that range from mildly inappropriate to deeply disturbing—often without warning,' explains Dr. Wetter. 'A streamer might begin with lighthearted gaming and suddenly veer into profanity, personal rants, or emotionally volatile behavior.' Dr. Wetter also flags Twitch's chat feature, which can expose children to 'toxic interactions, harassment, even grooming behavior.' Twitch has also come under fire for being an easy place for predators to interact with young users; in 2023, Bloomberg News analyzed over 1,000 Twitch Clips—or short, snackable videos similar to YouTube Shorts and TikTok—to find that 'at least 83 of the short videos contain sexualized content involving children.' And because kids often share details casually, they may accidentally reveal where they live or go to school without realizing the safety implications. Twitch doesn't allow children under 13 to create an account on the platform, but kids determined to get online can find workarounds. Even older tweens and teens can separate authenticity and performance, says Dr. Wetter. Children are always watching people around them and modeling their behavior as such, and they may be taking cues from streamers without recognizing that much of what they're watching is performance. 'Because livestream platforms prioritize engagement, streamers may act out in exaggerated, often reckless ways to hold attention or elicit donations,' says Dr. Wetter. What to Know About YouTube YouTube, built on an algorithm designed to show viewers more content they may enjoy and thus keep them on the platform longer, has long been criticized for exposing kids to questionable content, ads, and clickbait. In 2015, the platform launched YouTube Kids as a safer, more curated option, though its safety parameters haven't always been the most foolproof. Some creators have even used popular kids' characters like Elsa or Spider-Man to slip through the platform with inappropriate content, also known as 'Elsagate.' While YouTube Kids can feel like a safer choice, experts suggest still paying attention to what your kid is watching. 'YouTube Kids offers a more curated environment, but it's far from foolproof,' says Jordan. 'Content can still slip through, and recommendation algorithms often favor engagement over appropriateness.' When it comes to YouTube and YouTube Kids, 'nothing replaces active supervision and conversation,' she says. Parents should be actively involved in what their kids are clicking on and consuming; for every one Ms. Rachel, there are 10 videos that could be filled with inappropriate content for young viewers. 'Filters can help, but YouTube is the wild west in terms of content,' says Heitner. 'Kids can stumble on very harmful violent, sexual, and hateful content.' In recent years, there has also been a noted increase in AI content targeted at children. The Impact of Unfiltered Viewing Children's physical and emotional safety may be at risk, but their development can also be impacted by constant streaming. 'The real issue is not whether children are watching something 'safe' in the legal or moral sense—it's whether what they're consuming is shaping their expectations, their self-image, and their ability to tolerate the real world,' says Dr. Wetter. 'When children have unfiltered, unrestricted access to this type of content, they begin to rely on it not just for entertainment, but for emotional regulation.' This could show up as tantrums or conflicts around screen time, trouble focusing in school, or the inability to speak person-to-person without devices, he says. Because devices are always within reach, kids' screen time habits are affecting their sleep and mood, which may impact their schoolwork and day-to-day behavior. 'Children are losing the ability to self-regulate emotionally without external stimulation. They're staying up late watching autoplay videos, checking notifications the moment they wake up, and struggling to manage the sensory overload that comes from hours of screen exposure,' says Dr. Wetter. He also notes that kids today don't experience boredom like prior generations. 'Their ability to experience boredom—which is actually an important developmental skill—diminishes,' he says. 'In real-time, clinicians, educators, and parents are witnessing the downstream effects of what we might call poor digital hygiene.' A recent study from the Journal of the American Heart Association even found that kids and teens who spend more time on screens may be at higher risk for heart issues in the future. How to Keep Viewing Safe It's difficult to go cold turkey and prohibit your kids from these channels and platforms entirely. Dr. Wetter recommends setting clear, consistent, and age-appropriate boundaries around screen time. 'Instead of reacting with punishments or lectures when screen time becomes an issue, parents can establish daily tech-free zones, like mealtimes or the hour before bed, and create screen schedules that balance passive consumption with active play, school, and sleep,' he shares. Offer alternatives to YouTube and Twitch, like sports, music, art, playtime, or family time. Dr. Kollins suggests 'creating structure' around screen time, including time limits, privacy tools, regular check-ins, or making a family media agreement where parents and kids align on rules and expectations around screen time. For older kids, Jordan says to start the conversation with 'curiosity, not judgement.' She recommends asking your children what they're watching and why they like it. 'Consider watching together when you can. This helps you learn what your child likes and what the content presents to them,' she explains. 'The most powerful tool is still an ongoing, open conversation.' In fact, being actively interested and involved in what your kids are watching, no matter their age, is one of the most important things parents can do to keep their kids safe online. 'As parents, one of the best things we can do is help guide that exploration rather than shut it down,' says Dr. Kollins. 'Allowing kids to engage with digital content while they're still at home gives us a chance to support them when things get confusing, complicated, or overwhelming.' Screen Time Limits Matter for Parents, Too Parents should also practice what they preach when it comes to screens, phones, and tablets. 'Modeling healthy digital behavior—like putting phones away during conversations, prioritizing face-to-face connection, and valuing rest—also teaches children how to develop a healthier relationship with their devices,' says Dr. Wetter. Teach kids media literacy skills and tools to help them navigate what's OK to watch and what they should stay away from, as well as how to separate what's real and what is entertainment. 'Explain that influencers are often being paid to promote products, that videos are edited to seem more exciting than they really are, or that many online personas are exaggerated for effect can help children separate entertainment from reality,' says Dr. Wetter. 'Think of it like scaffolding. It's there to prop them up and for safety, but as time goes on and they can stand on their own, it can slowly come away,' Dr. Kollins explains. 'The goal isn't to control every moment; it's to create balance. That way, they get to build the digital skills and resilience they'll need while still knowing we're here to help when they need us.' Read the original article on Parents Solve the daily Crossword
