Broken News

Why the Media Rage Machine Divides America and How to Fight Back

By: Chris Stirewalt

Narrated by: Chris Stirewalt

Length: 7 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

A former Fox News political editor reveals how news organizations have succumbed to the temptation of “rage revenue” through slanted coverage that drives political division and rewards outrageous conduct.

Rage revenue-addicted news companies are plagued by shoddy reporting, sensationalism, groupthink, and brain-dead partisan tribalism. Newsrooms rely on emotion-driven blabber to entrance conflict-addled super users.

In Broken News, Chris Stirewalt, celebrated as one of America’s sharpest political analysts in print and on television, employs his trademark wit and insight to give readers an inside look at these problems. He explains that these companies don’t reward bad journalism because they like it, but because it is easy and profitable.

Take it from Stirewalt: As a top editor and election forecaster on Fox News’ decision desk during the 2020 election, he knows firsthand what happens when viewers (including the president of the United States) become more accustomed to flattery and less willing to hear news that punctures their bubbles.

Broken News is a fascinating, deeply researched, conversation-provoking study of how the news is made and how it must be repaired, with surprising takeaways about who’s to blame. Stirewalt goes deep inside the history of the industry to explain how today’s media divides America for profit. And he offers practical advice for how everyday readers, listeners and viewers can (and should) become better news consumers for the sake of the republic.

This is a book for those who care about our country—and want the news to do the news again.

©2022 Chris Stirewalt (P)2022 Center Street

Critic reviews

"One of America’s most experienced and exemplary journalists has written an unsparing analysis of the dreadful consequences—for journalism and the nation—of “how the news lost a race to the bottom with itself.” Readers of Stirewalt’s indispensable, mind-opening book-as-warning should remember this: There actually is no such thing as rock bottom."—George F. Will

"Chris Stirewalt is an ideal guide to what has happened to the news business because he doesn’t just hate what it has become, but also loves what it ought to be. Free of nostalgia or partisan vitriol, and full of insight, experience, and clear-eyed realism, this book is an essential guide to repairing American journalism."—Yuval Levin, author of A Time to Build

This is outstanding!

This has to be one of the best written books of 2023! Precise and on point. Catering to neither the red side or the blue side but spot on about our society and news. Two thumbs up.

A must-read for every news junkie.

An exceptional journalist telling the sad truth of the demise of the news business model.

Fantastic Book!

There is no greater documentarian of the problems of modern media than Chris Stirewalt. With brilliant insight and rare earnestness he describes the state of America's current toxic political media and how we got here. Better yet, he offers common sense solutions with the passionate sincerity of someone who loves journalism and this great American republic. A must read for anyone left or right.

An Experienced Reporter's Cure For Sick News

Chris does a great job of explaining how we have ended up in the news hell in which we are currently suffering, and also offers practical ways to get out.

I especially appreciate his reverence for the truth and for those who engage in true reporting.

An enjoyable analysis of a serious in our country

A very interesting and enjoyable book. While I have grown up following politics, I am saddened by the tone of the political debate over the last 10-15 years between fellow citizens and equally frustrated at how the media on both sides intentionally adds fuel to the fire. Stirewalt does a great job pointing out how assumptions across the political spectrum cause people to assume the worst about those who disagree with them. If more people read and digested the themes outlined in this book, we would have a country that is more civil, more respectful, and more focused on policy discussions to help move our country forward. I always appreciate seeing Stirewalt on TV and listening to him on various podcasts, and this book (also read by the author) does not disappoint.

Fair, balanced...and engaging

this book clearly explains how the media became so dysfunctional without turning into a diatribe

How we got to here

Great breakdown by Stirewalt of the history of the news media how the incentives have changed over time, how technology shaped the industry as well as how the parties have become warped to reward rage and extremism. For a weighty topic it’s a breezy listen and Chris does a great job narrating as well.

Confirmation of how bad the Media slant has gotten

Shows how we are being
manipulated by most media sources . We are so consumed by partisan politics, and now most people identify with being in a political party over just being and American.

Stirewalt at his best!

What do you get when you combine Stirewalt's folksy style with his incredible insider knowledge of politics and the history and workings of American media? A joy to listen to, and a lot of fascinating insights to absorb.

He goes out of his way to be an equal opportunity critic or observer of every political party (from post-Revolutionary times and the Sedition Act through Ted Cruz's groveling to Tucker Carlson for referring to the January 6 criminals as "terrorists") as well as red and blue media outlets. Into this broad-casting of information and history as to the interaction between news agencies (paper, radio, tv and internet) and politics, and its resultant effects on America, Stirewalt shares his personal stories - from his first newspaper job at age 17 to his new gigs after departing from FoxNews. The Stirewalt "war stories" add street cred to the observations, and they coincide directly with so many of the recent trends we have all observed and that he explains from his insider viewpoint.

The news providing business has morphed from journalism to Post-journalism (the providing of information in a manner that will sate the emotional needs of the audience). This theme, which Stirewalt explains and explores so well, is considered along with another matching transition. Readers and receivers of news have morphed from being the customers (defined as those who paid for their news product) to being the "product" itself, which "free" news agencies now sell to advertisers. The clear and simple effect is that such news agencies must maximize the "products" (views) they can sell, so they must pander to the "readers," "listeners" and "watchers.". Stirewalt mixes his own experiences and downhome style in discussing such weighty topics with a smile and many laughs.

While his suggestions at the end to journalists and readers as to how to "fight back" are well-intended and accurate, he is probably preaching too much to the choir (to readers who already had the sense to read or listen to his book); and he is fighting the growing tide of profit and fame for journalists who maintain the status quo. ... But a boy from Wheeling, West Virginia can dream, can't he.

If you ever enjoyed listening to Chris Stirewalt, you will certainly enjoy and learn from listening to him read this book. I certainly did.

It gave me needed perspective

I thank Chris Stirewalt for providing history and background regarding the news busIness. It's easy to criticize today's news. By reviewing how we got here in addition to today's challenges, it gave me the desire and the tools become a better new consumer.