📖 Overview
Sharyl Attkisson is an American journalist and author who worked as an investigative correspondent for CBS News from 1993 to 2014. She is known for her reporting on controversial topics and government oversight, including investigations into the Fast and Furious gunwalking scandal and the Benghazi attack controversy.
After leaving CBS News, Attkisson became the host of the weekly public affairs program "Full Measure with Sharyl Attkisson" and has written several books examining media bias and government surveillance. Her books include "Stonewalled" (2014), "The Smear" (2017), and "Slanted" (2020), which focus on alleged manipulation of public opinion and journalism practices.
Attkisson has received multiple Emmy Awards for her investigative reporting, including coverage of the American Red Cross and Republican fundraising practices. Her work has generated both praise for investigative thoroughness and criticism for her positions on certain controversial topics, particularly regarding vaccine safety and government surveillance claims.
Her reporting style emphasizes questioning official narratives and examining potential conflicts of interest in both government and corporate sectors. Attkisson currently operates as an independent journalist through her television program and various digital platforms.
👀 Reviews
Readers praise Attkisson's investigative approach and detailed documentation, particularly in exposing media manipulation tactics. Many comment on her methodical presentation of evidence and first-hand experiences in journalism. Amazon reviewers frequently mention the value of her insider perspective on newsroom operations.
Common positive feedback points:
- Clear writing style with specific examples
- Thorough sourcing and documentation
- Personal experiences add credibility
- Practical insights into media operations
Critical reviews focus on:
- Claims of partisan bias in coverage selection
- Some assertions lack sufficient evidence
- Repetitive content across books
- Overemphasis on personal experiences
Ratings across platforms:
Amazon: "Stonewalled" (4.7/5 from 1,200+ reviews)
"The Smear" (4.8/5 from 1,400+ reviews)
"Slanted" (4.8/5 from 2,000+ reviews)
Goodreads: Average 4.2/5 across all books
One recurring reader sentiment: "Eye-opening look behind media curtain, regardless of political stance" (Amazon reviewer)
📚 Books by Sharyl Attkisson
The Smear: How Shady Political Operatives and Fake News Control What You See, What You Think, and How You Vote
An examination of political opposition research and media manipulation tactics in American politics, based on first-hand experiences and insider accounts.
Stonewalled: My Fight for Truth Against the Forces of Obstruction, Intimidation, and Harassment in Obama's Washington A personal account of the author's investigations into government operations and her claims of electronic surveillance while working as a CBS News reporter.
Slanted: How the News Media Taught Us to Love Censorship and Hate Journalism An analysis of modern journalism practices and their impact on public discourse, focusing on media bias and information control.
The Memo: Twenty Years Inside the Deep State Fighting for America First Chronicles the author's career investigating various government agencies and her perspective on institutional resistance to transparency.
Stonewalled: My Fight for Truth Against the Forces of Obstruction, Intimidation, and Harassment in Obama's Washington A personal account of the author's investigations into government operations and her claims of electronic surveillance while working as a CBS News reporter.
Slanted: How the News Media Taught Us to Love Censorship and Hate Journalism An analysis of modern journalism practices and their impact on public discourse, focusing on media bias and information control.
The Memo: Twenty Years Inside the Deep State Fighting for America First Chronicles the author's career investigating various government agencies and her perspective on institutional resistance to transparency.
👥 Similar authors
Glenn Greenwald reports on government surveillance and institutional corruption through investigative journalism. He focuses on exposing classified information and questioning mainstream media narratives, similar to Attkisson's approach to uncovering hidden stories.
Matt Taibbi covers political and financial system investigations with emphasis on exposing misconduct in powerful institutions. His work examining media bias and government overreach aligns with Attkisson's focus areas.
Peter Schweizer investigates political corruption and financial dealings of government officials through document-based research. His methods of following money trails and exposing conflicts of interest mirror Attkisson's investigative techniques.
Michelle Malkin writes about government overreach and media bias with focus on immigration policy and corruption. She shares Attkisson's interest in challenging establishment narratives and exposing unreported stories.
James O'Keefe conducts undercover investigations targeting government agencies and media organizations. His work using hidden cameras and whistleblower sources parallels Attkisson's methods of revealing institutional misconduct.
Matt Taibbi covers political and financial system investigations with emphasis on exposing misconduct in powerful institutions. His work examining media bias and government overreach aligns with Attkisson's focus areas.
Peter Schweizer investigates political corruption and financial dealings of government officials through document-based research. His methods of following money trails and exposing conflicts of interest mirror Attkisson's investigative techniques.
Michelle Malkin writes about government overreach and media bias with focus on immigration policy and corruption. She shares Attkisson's interest in challenging establishment narratives and exposing unreported stories.
James O'Keefe conducts undercover investigations targeting government agencies and media organizations. His work using hidden cameras and whistleblower sources parallels Attkisson's methods of revealing institutional misconduct.