Ticking Clock

Behind the Scenes at 60 Minutes

By: Ira Rosen

Narrated by: Ira Rosen, L. J. Ganser

Length: 11 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's Summary

This program includes a prologue read by the author.

Two-time Peabody Award-winning writer and producer Ira Rosen reveals the intimate, untold stories of his decades at America’s most iconic news show. It’s a 60 Minutes story on 60 Minutes itself.

When producer Ira Rosen walked into the 60 Minutes offices in June 1980, he knew he was about to enter television history. His career catapulted him to the heights of TV journalism, breaking some of the most important stories in TV news. But behind the scenes was a war room of clashing producers, anchors, and the most formidable 60 Minutes figure: legendary correspondent Mike Wallace.

Based on decades of access and experience, Ira Rosen takes readers behind closed doors to offer an incisive look at the show that invented TV investigative journalism. With surprising humor, charm, and an eye for colorful detail, Rosen delivers an authoritative account of the unforgettable personalities that battled for prestige, credit, and the desire to scoop everyone else in the game. As Mike Wallace’s top producer, Rosen reveals the interview secrets that made Wallace’s work legendary, and the flaring temper that made him infamous. Later, as senior producer of ABC News Primetime Live and 20/20, Rosen exposes the competitive environment among famous colleagues like Diane Sawyer and Barbara Walters, and the power plays between correspondents Chris Wallace, Anderson Cooper, and Chris Cuomo.

A master class in how TV news is made, Rosen shows listeners how 60 Minutes puts together a story when sources are explosive, unreliable, and even dangerous. From unearthing shocking revelations from inside the Trump White House, to an outrageous proposition from Ghislaine Maxwell, to interviewing gangsters Joe Bonanno and John Gotti Jr., Ira Rosen was behind the scenes of 60 Minutes' most sensational stories.

Highly entertaining, dishy, and unforgettable, Ticking Clock is a never-before-told account of the most successful news show in American history.  

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin's Press

©2021 Ira Rosen (P)2021 Macmillan Audio

Expected

I do not think much of those in media, and this confirms my suspicion. It confirmed many of the people discussed in this book.

Mike Wallace sounded like an insufferable prick

I’ll never watch the show the same again!! Do I like the show yes. But to treat people like this is down right wrong. I loved the John Gotti jr stuff Ed Bradley stories, also to know ira Rosen came out of this unmediated!

Mind Blowing

This is my first review.. power packed truly a book for all keeps you interested

such an amazing gem.

this is amazing. I honestly ran into this book accidentally and I loved every single minute of the story and probably the best book that I have read all year. I have no clue about journalism or broadcast television and this book is an amazing testament to the work that goes behind the scenes and the stories that happened between the scenes.

Fantastic

Such a well-written memoir, with just enough inside information added in. I enjoyed every minute of this book, probably one of the best reads I've had in a long time.

Fiction or Nonfiction

I had no idea behind every good correspondent was a good producer.
Really enjoyed the behind the 60 mins view by Mr.Rosen.
As far as Ghislain Maxwell inviting you to come in to her town house thats Bull Shit.
She has more class then any woman you have ever been near.
Amazing you think sharing such crape was relevant to your story.
I like the "Don" buddy story what class to have a mobster at my retirement dinner.

Too one-sided

Author was way too impressed with himself. He was not evenhanded in his tales of Democrats and Republicans. I get it, you can’t stand Trump. The way he praised certain Democrats was nauseating. It is amazing that “60 Minutes” survived without him. There were some interesting stories, but they were overshadowed by the author’s dislike of almost everyone he worked with on the different shows.

yawn

It's mostly a recap of 60 Minutes shows with praise to Ira... not much of a story from a professional story teller. When he's not throwing members under the bus, he's thanking them for his break into the business. I expected more behind the scenes stories (new information), but ended up with a recap of old stories (old information) that were okay to watch on TV, but not great to read about again.

Incite full, informative and intriguing.

An extraordinary life, fascinating stories and an intriguing journey behind the scenes of highly memorable telecasts. A book you will enjoy and want to share. Outstanding work, Ira Rosen.

That being said, I hate how Audible tried to force me to write a review every time they thought I had finished the book. The apparent lack of an easy way to opt out of giving a review is deplorable. Shame on you Audible.

OK read, behind the scenes

More of a This Is Ira Rosen's Life In TV than a deep dive into 60 Minutes, this is a fun book.