Rather Outspoken

My Life in the News

By: Dan Rather, Digby Diehl - contributor

Narrated by: Dan Rather

Length: 11 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's summary

This memoir by Dan Rather - one of the most pre-eminent journalists of our time - is told in a straightforward and conversational manner. Rather, - who has won every prestigious journalism award in his distinguished career - discusses all the big stories from his decades of reporting. This very personal accounting includes (but is certainly not limited to) his dismissal from CBS, the Abu Ghraib story, the George W. Bush Air National Guard controversy, his coverage of the JFK assassination, the origin of "Hurricane Dan", as well as inside stories about all the top personalities Dan has either interviewed or worked with over his remarkable career.

Also included are Dan's thoughts and reflections on the state of journalism today and what he sees for its future, as well as never-before-revealed personal observations and commentary.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©2012 Dan Rather (P)2012 Hachette Audio

Great and interesting story!

This was a great autobiography of Mr. Rather's life and career. I very much enjoyed it and he narration. It was a fairly long listen and I got through it very quickly---unlike some autobiographies, there was never a lull in the storytelling. Each section was very captivating and his remembering of 9/11 brought me back to that day myself. Great great listen!

And What a Life It's Been...

A timely, important work by one of the most talented and dedicated journalists of our time, this is an excellent memoir, as well as a clarion call for anyone concerned with the state of journalism today.

Dan Rather has been a household name for many years now, but nevertheless I hadn't realized the depth and breadth of his work. What a life, what a legacy. Rather took his cue in part from the legendary "Murrow Boys," and it shows.

Rather details his time at CBS, including his eventual departure, as well as coverage of Abu Ghraib, Bush's time in the Texas Air National Guard, the civil rights movement, and years of reportage from war zones across the globe, and interweaves his views on journalism in general and the importance of a robust free press in particular.

Throughout the book, Rather's integrity, fierce dedication and drive to report the news, to tell people what they need to know, as an agent of the public interest, shine through. His narration of the audio book is excellent; it's his story, and he conveys the narrative and the emotion of the events well, in his distinctive "Dan Rather, CBS News," voice.

This excellent book is the result of a life well lived, and should be read far and wide.

informative

The foundations of journalism- objectivity, balance etc are GONE. Poor Dan was thrown under the bus when the new guard took over. This book mostly deals with the days before the tyranny of the minority blogged all semblance of reason out of the news business. This shook him to his core and you can hear the bewilderment in his voice when he talks about it.

Really enjoyed this book

What made the experience of listening to Rather Outspoken the most enjoyable?

The book is a series of stories with such relevance to todays world, and todays news.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved this historical perspective he gave of news events over the past 30+ years, especially his take on the presidents.

What does Dan Rather bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His voice is believable and sincere

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The lawsuit with CBS. His perspective on the intrusion of corporations into the newsroom is a sad commentary.

Very good book!

Not knowing Dan Rather, but having heard him in various news situations at CBS, I wanted to learn a little bit about him. With this book, a very candid portrait of Dan was presented and I have to say that it was quite revealing. It was an enjoyable and informative read for me. I hope that others will find it to be this way for them too.

Excellent first-hand exploration of media today

I just finished reading this book. I recommend it to anyone who wonders how corporations influence the media. What I took away from the book is the following:

The fourth part of checks and balances in this country is a free press. It is enshrined in our Constitution and Bill of Rights, and is an integral part of informed voting and participation in our democracy. The public is entitled to receive information, despite making angry those who don't wish certain information to be known. Oftentimes, it is precisely that hidden information that MUST be known. The corporatization, trivialization, politicization of the press is a serious national problem that continues to grow worse. The problem is that the public is becoming more and more desensitized to the sensationalistic corporate "news" being aired today.

Lots more than that, but you'll have to listen for yourself.

A most excellent book.

Better than expected !!!!!!

Would you consider the audio edition of Rather Outspoken to be better than the print version?

Yes. Although I will not be able to read the printed version. I love to listen to Dan Rather.He is an amazing story teller.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked all of it, and will re-listen to it.

Which scene was your favorite?

No scenes, just great stories. An eye opener of inside journalism and our media, and how things are not always as we hear or see them. Our US network media does a lot of cut and paste.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It was perfect. I will re-listen to this book again.

Any additional comments?

It's perfect! Thank you Mr. Rather.

A must read.

If you could sum up Rather Outspoken in three words, what would they be?

Educational, shocking, disturbing

What was one of the most memorable moments of Rather Outspoken?

Learning how news media controls what US citizens are and aren't privy to.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Whatever happened to our free press?

Dan Rather makes me believe in my country.

What did you love best about Rather Outspoken?

Learning about his story and his integrity ... consistent, outspoken integrity ... in his own words by his own voice.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Well, Dan Rather, of course.

Which scene was your favorite?

All of it, but it was fascinating to learn of the early adventures.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I listened to it consistently - it wasn't short enough for one sitting, but I didn't hop around to anything else, it was very engaging.

Any additional comments?

Highly recommend this, particularly in audio format, read by Himself.

The Heart and Conscience of Journalism

When I was in college and people asked me what I wanted to do, I would say "I want Dan Rather's job." And I could never have done what he has. With integrity, heart, a laser vision for the truth and what it means, he is an icon and inspiration, and this book shows exactly why. I love his "Steady" email newsletter...and love and admire him. He's still what my journalist's heart wants to be. Thank you, sir.