In the early evening a comedy block will draw on original programming as well as sitcoms from the Carsey-Werner library as they become available.

FORBES: The convergence gamble

Both intend to merge the city and prefectural governments, to create a regional block to draw investment and jobs away from Tokyo and help reshape government to cope with an ageing society.

ECONOMIST: Some see a tea party brewing in Japan��s hinterland

While the center of Erfurt is still picturesque and remains a big draw for tourists, some big block buildings on the city's outskirts that used to be residential apartments now sit empty, many of them boarded up.

WSJ: Germany's Rapidly Aging Population Threatens Rural Towns