We're Going to Make You a Star

We're Going to Make You a Star chronicles Sally Quinn's journey from Washington Post society reporter to CBS Morning News anchor in 1973. The memoir details her transition from print journalism to television broadcasting, alongside co-anchor Hughes Rudd. Quinn recounts her background as a general's daughter and her early career in Washington D.C., where she established herself as a sharp-tongued society columnist. The narrative focuses primarily on her experiences at CBS, revealing the inner workings of network television news and the challenges she faced as a newcomer to broadcasting. The book provides an insider's perspective on 1970s television journalism, featuring interactions with influential figures like Walter Cronkite and Fred Friendly. Through Quinn's experiences, both professional and personal, readers witness the complexities and pressures of the national news media landscape. This candid account serves as both a media industry exposé and a commentary on the role of women in broadcast journalism during a pivotal era of American television news.

Readers found Quinn's memoir self-absorbed and tone-deaf, portraying her as entitled and out-of-touch with average Americans. The book details her rise through Washington society and brief stint as a CBS Morning anchor in the 1970s. Readers appreciated: - Behind-the-scenes look at network TV operations - Candid descriptions of Washington social circles - Writing style and pacing Common criticisms: - Arrogant and elitist attitude - Lack of self-awareness - Focus on superficial status-seeking - Complaints about legitimate criticism she received One reader noted: "Quinn seems oblivious to how her privilege and connections aided her career." Another commented: "She portrays herself as a victim while displaying remarkable entitlement." Ratings: Goodreads: 2.8/5 (21 ratings) Amazon: 2.5/5 (4 ratings) The limited number of online reviews and ratings suggests the book has fallen into relative obscurity since its 1975 publication.

Up to the Minute: My Life as a TV News Star by Joan Ryan Chronicles a parallel journey of a female journalist's transition from newspapers to television news in the 1970s, including the behind-the-scenes politics and gender barriers.

Network: The Real Story of CBS News by Peter McCabe Details the power dynamics, corporate decisions, and newsroom culture at CBS during the network's golden age through first-hand accounts.

Hard News: Women in Broadcast Journalism by Diana Meehan Documents the experiences of female pioneers in television news, examining their impact on the industry and the obstacles they encountered.

The Place to Be: Washington, CBS News, and the Glory Days of Television News by Roger Mudd Provides an insider's account of CBS News during the same era as Quinn's experience, focusing on the Washington bureau and its key players.

And So It Goes: Kurt Vonnegut: A Life by Charles Shields Presents the story of another print journalist who navigated the transition to television appearances, offering insights into media culture shifts of the 1970s.

★ Sally Quinn went on to become one of Washington's most notable social figures, hosting influential dinner parties that brought together media elites, politicians, and power brokers. ★ The book's title "We're Going to Make You a Star" was taken directly from what CBS executives promised Quinn when hiring her, despite her having no television experience. ★ Quinn's time at CBS Morning News lasted only six months in 1973, making it one of the shortest tenures for a major network morning show host. ★ Before her television career, Quinn was hired at The Washington Post in 1969 despite having no journalism experience, and would later marry the paper's legendary executive editor Ben Bradlee. ★ The memoir's 1975 publication coincided with a pivotal time in television news history, as networks were just beginning to recognize the commercial importance of morning news programs.