Synopses & Reviews
Named America's Best Media Reporter by the American Journalism Review
Revised and Updated Updated with a New Introducton by the Author
From his front-row seat as the press critic for The Washington Post, Howard Kurtz has chronicled the press's sorry record in covering news, politics, and scandal. In Media Circus he takes readers behind the scenes to show how newspapers have bungled so many important stories, from the Gulf, War and Gennifer Flowers to Clarence Thomas and Zoe Baird, including a new chapter -- specially written for this edition -- on the roller-coaster coverage of the Clinton White House. Taking on sacred cows, even in his own newsroom, Kurtz leaves no doubt why he is regarded as the best on his beat.
Review
"The author, a journalist, monitors the media scene for The Washington Post. His book assembles a disturbing number of well-researched and effectively narrated stories to the effect that too many contemporary American practitioners of his own profession (including some of his own colleagues at the Post) are falling down on the job, betraying the craft's ethical standards, and doing a poor job of informing and enlightening readers about public affairs. On the whole, a depressing story, very effectively told." Reviewed by Daniel Weiss, Virginia Quarterly Review (Copyright 2006 Virginia Quarterly Review)
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 391-411) and index.
About the Author
Howard Kurtz is the media reporter for The Washington Post, where he has worked since 1981. A former New York bureau chief, he is a frequent guest on Charlie Rose, Good Morning America, and CNN's Reliable Sources. He lives in Washington, D.C.