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Airhead

The Imperfect Art of Making News

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Airhead

By: Emily Maitlis
Narrated by: Emily Maitlis
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About this listen

Penguin presents the audiobook edition of Airhead, written and read by Emily Maitlis.

As anchor for the BBC's key political news programme, Newsnight, Emily Maitlis has interviewed some of the most powerful and controversial figures on the political scene. She plans each interview meticulously, knowing what she wants to ask and where she wants it to go, but as one of the most experienced journalists in her field she knows that no interview will ever go to plan. Anything can throw it - from the atmosphere in the room to her own feelings at the time to the mood of the subject. Often she leaves the interview with an entirely different perception of the interviewee, while sometimes it is all too sadly reconfirmed.

Airhead explores just these moments. All we normally see are the interviews, but what were the conversations that preceded them or the shouting matches that ended them? From her interviews with US Presidents Donald Trump and Bill Clinton and the last five British Prime Ministers, to Hollywood film directors and powerful internet and entertainment moguls like Sheryl Sandberg and Simon Cowell, Emily Maitlis explores how these powerful personalities came across. In the process she throws an illuminating torch on them, not just for what they represent but as individuals in their own right - with all their flaws and charms.

©2019 Emily Maitlis (P)2019 Penguin Audio
Art & Literature Journalists, Editors & Publishers Politicians Politics & Activism Politics & Government Words, Language & Grammar Writing & Publishing Funny Thought-Provoking Witty Inspiring

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So many laugh out loud moments and full credit to Emily Maitlis for calling herself out at regular intervals. Even when the truth put her in a bad light. She comes across as trustworthy and narrates superbly.

Authentic and funny

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I love Emily Maitlis after listening!
Really interesting if you’re into the ins and outs of journalism/news reporting/television and how it all works.

She does some pretty questionable accents when reading quotes from Trump etc but I forgive her.

Dodgy accents, brilliant stories

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I was unsure about wether to download this title or not. I have always liked Emily M and had had this title in my Audible wish list for a while. The decision to download and listen to it was rather spontaneous (as I was unsure about what type of book I felt like). Well I will keep it simple and say that I am so glad I opted for Ms Maitlis's book. I loved it. The book is very easy to listen to. Each chapter covered a different topic (or person). I just wish there had been more chapters as this book finished far too quickly!

Fab

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This is a fascinating insight into Emily Maitlis’s work as an interviewer covering a wide range range of interviewees from Trump to David Attenborough. Really well written and read with some very personal touches (especially the chapter about Grenfell and her stalker) Maitlis comes over as highly dedicated, self-critical and able to laugh at herself. It is a shame the book was written before her masterly demolition of Prince Andrew - maybe future editions could include an extra chapter!

Fascinating account

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Funny, very, very honest and completely compelling. I absolutely loved this behind the scenes look at TV news.

Completely compelling

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