Slanted: How the News Media Taught Us to Love Censorship and Hate Journalism

In Slanted, investigative reporter Sharyl Attkisson examines how media bias and censorship have evolved in American journalism. She draws from her three decades of experience in newsrooms to document the transformation of news organizations from pursuers of truth to gatekeepers of narratives. Through interviews, case studies, and analysis of major news events, Attkisson traces the rise of activist journalism and the abandonment of traditional reporting standards. She presents evidence of how corporate interests, political pressure, and social media platforms have influenced news coverage and shaped public discourse. The book chronicles specific instances where stories were buried, facts were distorted, and journalists faced career consequences for pursuing certain investigations. Attkisson provides an insider's perspective on newsroom dynamics and the forces that drive editorial decisions. The work serves as both a warning about the state of modern journalism and a call to recognize manipulation in media. Its broader themes address fundamental questions about truth, power, and the role of information in a democratic society.

Readers describe this book as a detailed examination of media bias and censorship, backed by Attkisson's experiences as a journalist. On Goodreads, the book holds a 4.28/5 rating from 344 ratings. Readers appreciated: - Specific examples and documentation of media manipulation - Clear writing style and methodical approach - First-hand accounts from her time at CBS News - Analysis of how social media and fact-checkers influence news Common criticisms: - Some sections repeat points from her previous books - Focus on conservative viewpoints while critiquing liberal bias - Limited solutions offered for the problems identified Amazon ratings: 4.8/5 from 2,147 reviews Notable reader comment: "She provides concrete evidence of how the media manipulates stories through word choice and selective reporting" - Amazon reviewer Several readers noted the book reads like an extended research paper rather than a narrative, which some found dry but others valued for its thoroughness.

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📚 Sharyl Attkisson spent over 20 years as an investigative correspondent for CBS News before resigning in 2014, citing increasing difficulty getting her investigative reports on air due to what she perceived as political bias. 🏆 The author has received five Emmy Awards and an Edward R. Murrow Award for her investigative reporting work throughout her career. 💻 The book details how third-party "fact-checkers" have become powerful gatekeepers of information, often wielding significant influence over what content gets promoted or suppressed on social media platforms. 🔍 Attkisson introduces the concept of "astroturf" journalism - the practice of well-funded special interests creating artificial grassroots movements to influence public opinion and media coverage. 📱 The book reveals specific examples of "narrative-building," showing how certain stories are amplified while others are downplayed across multiple media outlets simultaneously, creating what Attkisson calls "the illusion of consensus."