Rather Outspoken

Rather Outspoken chronicles Dan Rather's six-decade career in journalism, from his early days as a reporter in Texas to his tenure as anchor of CBS Evening News. The memoir covers major stories he covered, including the Kennedy assassination, Watergate, Vietnam, and the events of September 11, 2001. Rather details his 2006 departure from CBS News and the controversy surrounding his report on President George W. Bush's military service record. The book includes behind-the-scenes accounts of his interactions with presidents, world leaders, and corporate executives during his time at CBS News. The book focuses on Rather's commitment to investigative journalism and his perspective on changes in broadcast news over the decades. He examines the evolution of television news from a public service model to a profit-driven enterprise. Through his personal narrative, Rather presents a meditation on journalistic integrity and the role of the press in maintaining democratic institutions. The memoir stands as both a historical record and a commentary on the intersection of media, politics, and corporate influence in America.

Readers view Rather's memoir as a behind-the-scenes look at his CBS exit and career in journalism. Many describe it as a defense of his reporting on George W. Bush's military service and the circumstances that led to his departure from CBS. Readers appreciated: - Detailed accounts of major news stories he covered - Inside perspective on network news operations - Clear explanations of the Bush National Guard story - His passion for journalistic integrity Common criticisms: - Too focused on defending himself - Repetitive discussion of the Bush story - Bitter tone toward CBS executives - Limited personal reflection Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (500+ ratings) Sample reader comments: "Fascinating look inside broadcast journalism" - Amazon reviewer "Spends too much time justifying his actions" - Goodreads reviewer "More settling scores than memoir" - Goodreads reviewer

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📚 Dan Rather wrote this memoir at age 80, after spending 44 years at CBS News and covering every U.S. president from Eisenhower to Obama. 🎭 The book details Rather's controversial departure from CBS in 2006 following his disputed report about George W. Bush's military service, which he maintains was accurate despite the intense backlash. 🗞️ Rather pioneered "hurricane coverage" in 1961 by being the first TV reporter to broadcast from within a hurricane, reporting live from Galveston as Hurricane Carla approached. ✍️ The memoir reveals that Rather seriously considered becoming a history professor before choosing journalism, and his love of history heavily influenced his reporting style. 🌟 Rather turned down multiple offers to host game shows in the 1970s, including one that would have paid him ten times his CBS salary, because he feared it would damage his credibility as a journalist.