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Airhead
- The Imperfect Art of Making News
- Narrated by: Emily Maitlis
- Length: 7 hrs and 57 mins
- Categories: Biographies & Memoirs, Art & Literature
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No
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Not what I expected.
- By Amazon Customer on 08-03-20
Summary
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.
What listeners say about Airhead
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Stephen Pitt
- 30-04-19
Fascinating
An interesting view behind the scenes of a TV news reporter - but much more than that, a poignant assessment of TV news in the time of Trump, social media and ever increasing avenues of reporting. Above all, a fascinating insight into the “front woman” on our screens, her doubts and fears, triumphs and disappointments and the personal cost of being “above the parapet”
6 people found this helpful
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- Benjamin
- 26-04-19
A rather brilliant and all too brief glimpse into what it is to make the news
A rather brilliant and all too brief glimpse into what it is to make the news. Some parts made me laugh out loud at the image and absurdity of it all. Lots of subjects covered. Makes me want to watch Newsnight more than I do. Will change that. Trump is depressingly mentioned a lot; what a dickhead that man is.
6 people found this helpful
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- Anonymous User
- 20-06-19
One of the best audiobooks I’ve ever listened to.
So funny, insightful and heartwarming. An incredibly interesting book, and Maitlis’ writing and performance really bring this behind the scenes look at broadcast journalism to life. I’ll be listening to my favourite chapters again, no doubt.
5 people found this helpful
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- Clare
- 14-07-20
Fascinating - springboard to other reading
I loved listening to this - insight into many important interviews with tiny glimmers of her real life behind her job. I listened to many chapters more than once. I have rubbish political knowledge but went on to read James Comie's book (compulsive reading) and also the Wolff book on Trump. Read Ronan Farrow's book on Weinstein - also good reading - after the Weinstein chapters. She comes across as warm, doesn't take herself too seriously and incredibly intelligent. Have recommended to many friends.
2 people found this helpful
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- Romanie Thomas
- 28-11-19
Authentic and funny
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.
2 people found this helpful
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- Annie H.
- 24-08-19
Dodgy accents, brilliant stories
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.
1 person found this helpful
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- Jessica
- 08-05-19
Witty
Brilliant insight into what she does. She's a legend, clearly. Funnier than a comedian. Extremely dry witty narration. I loved listening to this book during some frankly extremely boring moments of my life, cleaning and so on. Recommend.
1 person found this helpful
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- Anonymous User
- 11-02-21
Great insight to behind the scenes of the news
Never before appreciated the work behind TV news reporting and interviews. Really enlightening background story of numerous interviews.
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- Stephen Pettigrew
- 10-02-21
Excellent
Great insight into day to day life in the White House and the biggest events during his 1st term.
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- Anonymous User
- 27-01-21
Riveting insight into contemporary news
Adored this book. Emily has a wonderful way of taking you into the thick of things. So many interesting topics covered and all told with humility and humour.
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- Sean
- 01-02-21
Fabulous
The stories, people, insights, writing and how wonderful Emily is. Excellent book that's fun to read.
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- Thandi Lamprecht
- 09-04-20
Excellent audiobook
I found this book incredibly interesting and informative. It is well written and the performance is just as good.
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- William Burke
- 18-09-19
Amazing book
Brilliantly written, brilliantly narrated by an amazing journalist & broadcaster with an amazing voice. It can only be Emily Maitlis. Captivating from start to finish.