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 read!

it was a wonderful book to listen to! He is so good! I recommend it!

Dan Rather's view from inside the news

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

The audio version offers a sense of directness and authenticity by hearing Dan's voice narrate his own story and views about the growth and evolution of news coverage in his life as well as his emotional reaction to the events he witnessed and reported. The chapter on 9/11 is especially moving.

What did you like best about this story?

I enjoyed the frankness and direct approach taken when dealing with personally moving events he witnessed first hand or when he had to tackle the CBS brass.

What about Dan Rather’s performance did you like?

Dan Rather has read news for many years and he does it very well - especially when he has scripted it himself. It just rings true, which I am sure it is.

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

No. The book is best heard chapter by chapter to allow the listener to digest each stage in Dan's saga. I did want to soar ahead but forced myself to reflect.

Any additional comments?

There are moments of preaching but these are forgiven as they stem from a deeply felt desire to maintain a sense of news reported by and for people who care about truth in news and reject the predigested news we see so often.

loved it!

The only thing better than having a book read to you is having the author read it to you! Well done Mr. Rather. Dan Rather Reports is on the DVR list. I highly recommend it if you enjoy keeping up with current events and how it is given out to the public.

Important and necessary reading for all Americans

Absolutely outstanding! Everyone should read this book and better understand the importance of a Truely free press and the danger of “alternative facts “

An compelling, authoritative listen!

I stumbled across this excellent audiobook - equal parts personal memoir and professional wake-up call to fellow U.S. journalists - entirely by chance and was hooked instantly just listening to the preview. Rather's telling of his life's work and travels here and abroad, are recalled in his trademark no-nonsense fashion, seasoned with just the kind of behind-the-scene anecdotes and details that keep you paying close attention, chapter after chapter. From covering the White House, to Vietnam, 9/11, Afghanistan and so many more, he shares the stories behind the stories, and in doing so paints a vivd self-portrait of a devoted journalist (and Texan) borne of an unflinching, old-fashioned patriotism as well as a confessed obsession to "get it right", in many cases no matter the consequences, personally or professionally.

Just as importantly, Rather makes a strong case for how the last two-decades have dealt wicked blows to our free press, an institution he (rightfully) views as an integral part of our democratic process, and one in peril. His detailed recounting of his personal experiences with the Viacom-owned CBS contains revelations both stunning and sobering, and no doubt serve the perfect example of our need to preserve a press that is free of manipulation - and outright control - by a government which has strayed dangerously far from it's constitutional roots to become "... of the corporations, by the corporations, and for the corporations."

This is an engrossing, and important, listen.

Stunning

this has been on my list for years. glad I finally bought it. ironically, this book and its portrait of mainstream media is even more applicable today than it was when first released. it also gives you hope that journalists like Rather are still pursuing the truth.

I rather liked this!

Forgive the pun ... but I feel so good after this, I couldn't help myself.

Dan Rather is 80 but he has the passionate conviction of someone much younger. His love for journalism is evident in his words but it's also in his voice. I rarely like author narration but this one works.

Rather good listen

Much of the book focuses on the unceremonious ouster of Rather from CBS after what he called undue influence from the Bush administration after damning reports on Bush and his cabinet. The book also does a good job of giving Rather's formative years of building his career as well as his second act with HD Net thanks to Mark Cuban. Rather gives great personal memories into the major events of history from someone in a front row seat to the events that changed our world.

The Other Side of the Story

Mr. Rather has had a very interesting career; he has covered a lot of news in a lot of places. This book recounts some of those experiences (good and bad).

His experiences as a journalist make him uniquely qualified to set the record straight about the event that ended his career at CBS. Mr. Rather lays out, in detail, the story and the story behind the story. He very astutely points out that the real story of George W Bush's military service (and the lies that surround it) got lost in the smokescreen Bush operatives initiated about the documents. If the facts aren't in your favor, divert people's attention with garbage! If anyone has any doubt about the influence of political parties and people in power on a free press, this book and the attack ads in the current presidential campaign will erase those doubts.

Hearing the story in Mr. Rather's own voice also adds interest to the story.

Never Heard of Dan Rather? Don't Miss This!

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

Measured, Brutal, Integrity

What other book might you compare Rather Outspoken to and why?

I wish I could find other books to compare it with this is an incredible sweep through US, political and social events over the past 60 years from a perspective almost drowned out in modern media commentary.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

We swept through decades but also had in depth insights into the character of key players no doubt familiar to American listeners but totally unknown to an Australian with a passing interest in American politics but never exposed to your news media. I was gripped for me it was like watching Titanic not knowing the ship sank at the end.

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

Yes It was a major drain on my productivity I listened to it whenever I could, shopping, walking the dog, and when I should have been working.

Any additional comments?

We can only hope that the Dan Rathers of the world find a voice through the new media its evident there is no home for them in News Entertainment.