SCOOPS: NOW A MAJOR MOVIE ON NETFLIX

We all know how the Prince Andrew did for HRH and all because those around him really did think he should do the interview with Maitlis. But Sam makes this much more than how she actually persuaded the Prince’s team to agree to it. She tells a great human story about her years at the BBC too. Worth a read for sure.

An interesting insight into how interviewers get the polished on screen interview. The tooing and froing beforehand gives you an idea of how much work people in the background do. We'll worth a read.

I do love a behind-the-scenes look at interesting jobs and workplaces and this certainly fits the bill, shining a light on the hitherto invisible (to mainstream audiences) work of news producers. Sam has a distinct authorial voice and in addition to the engaging details sprinkled throughout the book, she touches upon themes of journalistic freedom and integrity and the importance of impartiality in news reporting. I’d love to hear more of her views in this regard and hope that opportunity arises in the future. Overall, a highly enjoyable read from one of the sharpest minds I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet.

Bought this after hearing her speak at an event. There's no doubt that McAlister is a really fudging cool person - and the bits where she writes about her career are interesting. However, quite significant parts of the book are just retellings of the interviews, which you can watch for free online. Sometimes, she even copies the exact words of the voice-over from old news clips to introduce a chapter (without attribution, I only noticed because I watched some of the interviews while reading).Mind you, her job is to get the interviewee in front of the camera. The actual interview is the show host's responsibility, so her work is over by then.I would have liked to read more about her process - how did she go about finding people? What challenges/strange situations/failures came with that over the years? At times, it feels like she opted for a very low-effort way to fill the pages.

A very professional and empathetic glimpse into the world of producing media content. The depth of story, highlighting the personal and professional life of the author is gripping. This book is a credit to the tenacity and professionalism of the author and the ground stopping moment in journalism that she provided.

As a broadcast journalist I recognised the fast paced environment and behind the scenes of live TV/documentaries and film. Sam writes with accessible clear prose that jump off the page. Centre stage not only Sam's exclusives, but the hard work of the camera team, crew/producers/researchers who put together outstanding ground-breaking TV/investigative journalism. Without them there is no programme/film. Having worked with all female or those that recognise themselves as female TV/film crew, we girls are brilliant journalists, producers, directors. Well done Sam.

Interesting to read the authors take on her significant role in the programme , that led to Emily Maitlis 's interview of Andrew Windsor,the car crash of all car crashs.Read the book ,then watched the interview.

I got this after seeing the Netflix film. I wasn't expecting to be rivited, but I was blown away with this book. Sam sets up each subject with a quick reminder of who, why and where, then guides you through her experiences including the highlights of the comments that shocked or delighted her. Very much as if she's talking to a friend, not at all ego driven. Brilliant and easily as book that can be re read as a whole or selected chapters.

not what i expected

I couldn't put this book down. Movie...Apple TV+ series...this fantastic book could fit either bill nicely. I loved the focus on the brilliant people behind the scenes.

Seriously one of the best books I read in 2022. Loved the unusual insights! Great writing style, too.

Bought as a gift for my wife and she loved it. Now it's a Netflix show.

Its is a very short book and given how bad it is that is the only good thing one can say about it. Few pages, large type and wide margins means that is more of a magazine article than a book The writing is trite, with little of actual interest. I cannot believe that it wasn't ghost written after just a short boozy lunch with purported "author." And the part about the Prince Andrew interview, the only reason the book was commissioned, is directly contradicted by, the many other reports of the event. So what little there is there should not be credited. Don't waste your money.