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Reporting Live
Lesley Stahl's job offer from CBS came with an ultimatum -- "if you can't start tomorrow, forget it." The year was 1972, and opportunities for women in network television were rare. With the same determination that would define her career, she promptly departed Boston, went to Washington, and began her ascent to the top of broadcast journalism. In a male-dominated world, Stahl established herself as a "scoopster" and a "door kicker," breaking some of the most important stories in Washington, including Watergate. She would cover the next three presidents, witnessing the disintegration of Jimmy Carter's presidency, the rise and fall and rise again of Ronald Reagan's, and the unpretentious, regular-guy quality of George Bush's.
In telling her story, Stahl touches on themes that have defined the later part of this the changing role of the press in politics, television's coming of age, and the dilemma of the professional woman. With witty anecdotes, wise observations, and never a hair out of place, Stahl provides an insightful and entertaining look at her world and ours from behind the reporter's microphone.
In telling her story, Stahl touches on themes that have defined the later part of this the changing role of the press in politics, television's coming of age, and the dilemma of the professional woman. With witty anecdotes, wise observations, and never a hair out of place, Stahl provides an insightful and entertaining look at her world and ours from behind the reporter's microphone.
448 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 22, 2021
"So what had I learned in 20 years in Washington? I learned that it's not only 'the economy, stupid.' It's also television, stupid. Television had become the center not only of campaigning and governing but also of diplomacy and decision making. I also learned to have enormous faith in our system. Democracy works. It even intrudes on the way the media functions."
Reporting Live (1999), Lesley Stahl's memoir of her 20 years at CBS, covers all the major events of American politics. Ms. Stahl began working at CBS in 1972, as an affirmative action hire for women and minorities in broadcasting. Among her numerous top reporting positions, she served as a co-anchor of the CBS Morning News, the White House correspondent since 1978, and the moderator of Face the Nation between 1983 and 1991. She was able to watch five US presidents in action, from up close: Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, and Bush (George H.W.)
Ms. Stahl reported on the Watergate burglary, the impeachment hearings of President Nixon, the Ford presidency, the so-called "malaise" times of President Carter, the Iranian hostage crisis, and the assassination attempt on President Reagan. She reported on all the elections and major party conventions. Even if nothing else counted, the book would be a valuable refresher on the American politics in the 1970s and 1980s.
Yet, the reader will find a lot more in Ms. Stahl's book. First of all, the fascinating thread of juggling the duties of one of the top reporters and television personalities in the country and her responsibilities as a mother - the author's daughter was born in 1977 - shows her drive and extreme hard work ethic.
The mechanisms and machinations of the highest-level office politics in the leading broadcasting company of the time constitute another interesting thread. The account of the incessant jockeying for more important positions and duties among the top reporting staff at CBS might read sort of funny if not for the fact that it seemed to take away too much energy from all the people involved.
In Reporting Live the reader will also find numerous details of political events and background observations that are hard to find elsewhere. For instance the following about the tax-cut-loving President Reagan:
To me, the single most important lesson from Ms. Stahl's book are her observations about the primacy of pictures over words. She reminisces about her piece for the CBS Evening News, where she harshly criticized President Reagan's campaign. However, her critical words were accompanied by images from the President's "morning in America" campaign, designed to make the viewers "feel good: about America, about themselves, and about him." The piece was universally considered "an ad for the Reagan campaign or a very positive news story." Virtually no one noticed the strong critique. Indeed, understanding words requires a degree of intellectual effort, while pictures effortlessly evoke feelings.
In the same vein, Ms. Stahl points out how the presidential elections in the US are won and lost on likeability of the candidates and on their image rather than on issues. I love the question she once asked Jim Baker:
Three-and-a-half stars.
Reporting Live (1999), Lesley Stahl's memoir of her 20 years at CBS, covers all the major events of American politics. Ms. Stahl began working at CBS in 1972, as an affirmative action hire for women and minorities in broadcasting. Among her numerous top reporting positions, she served as a co-anchor of the CBS Morning News, the White House correspondent since 1978, and the moderator of Face the Nation between 1983 and 1991. She was able to watch five US presidents in action, from up close: Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, and Bush (George H.W.)
Ms. Stahl reported on the Watergate burglary, the impeachment hearings of President Nixon, the Ford presidency, the so-called "malaise" times of President Carter, the Iranian hostage crisis, and the assassination attempt on President Reagan. She reported on all the elections and major party conventions. Even if nothing else counted, the book would be a valuable refresher on the American politics in the 1970s and 1980s.
Yet, the reader will find a lot more in Ms. Stahl's book. First of all, the fascinating thread of juggling the duties of one of the top reporters and television personalities in the country and her responsibilities as a mother - the author's daughter was born in 1977 - shows her drive and extreme hard work ethic.
The mechanisms and machinations of the highest-level office politics in the leading broadcasting company of the time constitute another interesting thread. The account of the incessant jockeying for more important positions and duties among the top reporting staff at CBS might read sort of funny if not for the fact that it seemed to take away too much energy from all the people involved.
In Reporting Live the reader will also find numerous details of political events and background observations that are hard to find elsewhere. For instance the following about the tax-cut-loving President Reagan:
"Reagan went on television with a brawny statement about his commitment to cutting taxes but then signed a bill for fiscal 1983 that raised them. [...] Over the course of his presidency he would raise taxes 13 more times, but each time he convinced everyone he'd never do such a thing."The insightful personal observations of President Carter are deeply biting, yet somehow they help humanize his image.
To me, the single most important lesson from Ms. Stahl's book are her observations about the primacy of pictures over words. She reminisces about her piece for the CBS Evening News, where she harshly criticized President Reagan's campaign. However, her critical words were accompanied by images from the President's "morning in America" campaign, designed to make the viewers "feel good: about America, about themselves, and about him." The piece was universally considered "an ad for the Reagan campaign or a very positive news story." Virtually no one noticed the strong critique. Indeed, understanding words requires a degree of intellectual effort, while pictures effortlessly evoke feelings.
In the same vein, Ms. Stahl points out how the presidential elections in the US are won and lost on likeability of the candidates and on their image rather than on issues. I love the question she once asked Jim Baker:
"'You don't think Hollywood can create a president?'"Recommended read!
Three-and-a-half stars.
October 27, 2017
Having watched Lesley Stahl on 60 min, I purchased this the week it came out. She's as good an author as she is reporter. She was truly on the forefront of the female revolution in the media, which seems like ancient days now. When people want to talk about making it in a tough environment, this woman did it. My admiration of her was already high and it skyrocketed after reading the depth of what she went through. Other reasons why I liked it:
1. she tells the reality without complaining
2. she identifies the strategies and tactics she used to get ahead (that frankly, should be applied today)
3. she graciously gives credit to others who gave her a chance
4. she manages the balance of modesty and facts without going into the realm of self-promotion, which is not an easy thing to do.
I walked away thinking what I have encountered in my professional life is nothing like Stahl, and the reflection made me more appreciative and in a way, optimistic that if she can/could do it, so could I. *inspirational *motivational *words of wisdom for success.
1. she tells the reality without complaining
2. she identifies the strategies and tactics she used to get ahead (that frankly, should be applied today)
3. she graciously gives credit to others who gave her a chance
4. she manages the balance of modesty and facts without going into the realm of self-promotion, which is not an easy thing to do.
I walked away thinking what I have encountered in my professional life is nothing like Stahl, and the reflection made me more appreciative and in a way, optimistic that if she can/could do it, so could I. *inspirational *motivational *words of wisdom for success.
February 21, 2026
I received this book by accident after I had ordered another one. Was planning to simply donate it but decided instead that maybe it was "a sign" and I should read it.
There was just barely enough insight between the anecdotes to keep me reading until I finished. I will say that I enjoyed the final chapter during George Bush's presidency and the Gulf War the most.
The main takeaway I have after reading this book, however, is a sense of sadness that journalists like Ms. Stahl are slowly being replaced, as time takes its toll, by the Joe Rogans and Tucker Carlsons of the world. I have a renewed sense of nostalgia for what seemed like the simpler times when I'd hear the clock ticking on "60 Minutes" every Sunday evening.
The other thing that could have made this book a more enjoyable read would have been at least a short introductory chapter or prologue on her early days in life. This would have helped us understand how she received the wherewithal to achieve such a senior role with CBS at 30 (when the book starts).
There was just barely enough insight between the anecdotes to keep me reading until I finished. I will say that I enjoyed the final chapter during George Bush's presidency and the Gulf War the most.
The main takeaway I have after reading this book, however, is a sense of sadness that journalists like Ms. Stahl are slowly being replaced, as time takes its toll, by the Joe Rogans and Tucker Carlsons of the world. I have a renewed sense of nostalgia for what seemed like the simpler times when I'd hear the clock ticking on "60 Minutes" every Sunday evening.
The other thing that could have made this book a more enjoyable read would have been at least a short introductory chapter or prologue on her early days in life. This would have helped us understand how she received the wherewithal to achieve such a senior role with CBS at 30 (when the book starts).
July 25, 2020
Few careers of women television journalists will be written about in memoirs. Stahl's story of her own path to the emerging field of TV journalism at a time when there were few men is an important first-hand account for feminists, media studies and journalism history readers.
Like a good journalist does, Stahl writes with a straight-forward style, includes all the facts to present her point and doesn't sugar coat the obstacles or cringe-worthy moments. Her voice rings true, however, to a woman who faced fears and exceeded the expectations of others to cover major moments in American and world history.
I relied on this book when producing an episode on the Women Who Reported Watergate, for my podcast Advanced TV Herstory.
Recommend to casual and academic readers.
Like a good journalist does, Stahl writes with a straight-forward style, includes all the facts to present her point and doesn't sugar coat the obstacles or cringe-worthy moments. Her voice rings true, however, to a woman who faced fears and exceeded the expectations of others to cover major moments in American and world history.
I relied on this book when producing an episode on the Women Who Reported Watergate, for my podcast Advanced TV Herstory.
Recommend to casual and academic readers.
September 17, 2018
This memoir begins in the author's 30th year (1972) when she went to work for CBS as a White House correspondent. It ends in 1992 when she left Washington to move to New York City and "60 Minutes" fame.
The book is well written, as you would expect from a good journalist. It reads quickly and well. The author's cheerful compassion is hard to resist.
The book is well written, as you would expect from a good journalist. It reads quickly and well. The author's cheerful compassion is hard to resist.
October 22, 2019
I loved this book when I read it years ago. (Back during a time when being a white house reporter was a much more sought-after professional gig.) I credit this book to being one of the main reasons I ended up studying journalism in college. I have been a fan of Ms. Stahl's work and professionalism every since.
July 12, 2024
White this book reflects on the Whitehouse from Nixon to George Bush , the workings of the press was insightful. In the pre electronic age, info was sought after via phone and personal contact. The struggle of women breaking into broadcast journalism is well illustrated here. If you are a student of history, this is a great perspective.
August 26, 2019
I heard Lesley Stahl speak at a women's conference and read her memoir. She speaks about her career in journalism, her journey as a women in journalism when they were rare, and finding your life's passion.
June 26, 2018
Fun recent history of Nixon-Bush 41.
July 6, 2021
Very informative and good insights into what it takes/took to be a heavy-hitting female journalist. I like that she shared insecurities. Interesting take on Reagan.
February 19, 2017
I'm a life-long reader of newspapers and monthly magazines like Harpers and The Atlantic, so have a good awareness of presidencies back to Eisenhower-- Ms Stahl's memoir is providing more dimension to the recent ones. (And isn't it great fun to watch the antics of the Current Occupant? I'm looking forward to an assessment by a future historian ... if such exist ...)
September 14, 2016
Stahl served as White House correspondent for the CBS Evening News during the Carter, Reagan, and Bush administrations; hosted Face the Nation from 1983 to 1991; and is now on 60 Minutes. Her book gave me a much clearer understanding of how television news works and made for especially fascinating reading during this presidential election year. What may seem to be media bias is often not that at all. It's simply the result of reporters searching for a story, because it's stories that draw viewers and increase ratings.
August 3, 2012
I'm a bit of news junkie and have a special affinity for CBS. This is an older book (1999) about Lesley Stahl's early years in television. It isn't terribly well-written but it's direct and to the point. Stahl started in TV journalism in the early '70's when women were still a rarity. Her blonde good looks certainly helped get her a job but 40 years later she has proved to be a real hard-core journalist. She asks the hard questions and sacrificed a great deal of family time to follow her career. This memoir doesn't get into any gossip or 'dirt' about her colleagues or the presidents she covered as a White House correspondent. In fact, it is overall a NICE book and Stahl comes off as a very nice person. She is known as tenacious, tough and smart but she admits to being insecure and struggled with holding her marriage and family together. The book ends just as she's hired for 60 Minutes. She's held that job for 20 years so I certainly hope she writes a book about those years as well.
October 14, 2015
I listened to the audio version read by the author.
She had a tough time making it in T.V. journalism. Journalism seems to
have had a more chauvinistic environment than a lot of other industries.
Her stories of covering Watergate, the Iran hostage crisis and the
Iran Contra affair brought back the memories of those events and
shed some new light on them.
She covered Ronald Reagans two terms and although he was never a
favorite of mine, I found him even less likable. I did not remember
that after the bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut that he
invaded Grenada just a few days later. As a diversion? He also lied
about his knowledge of the Iran Contra affair. She alludes to his
mental state deteriorating during his second term. An odd twist of
fate that he and his staunch ally , Margaret Thatcher both ended up
with Alzheimer's.
This book was written when she had just been hired to do 60 Minutes.
She's still on the show .
She had a tough time making it in T.V. journalism. Journalism seems to
have had a more chauvinistic environment than a lot of other industries.
Her stories of covering Watergate, the Iran hostage crisis and the
Iran Contra affair brought back the memories of those events and
shed some new light on them.
She covered Ronald Reagans two terms and although he was never a
favorite of mine, I found him even less likable. I did not remember
that after the bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut that he
invaded Grenada just a few days later. As a diversion? He also lied
about his knowledge of the Iran Contra affair. She alludes to his
mental state deteriorating during his second term. An odd twist of
fate that he and his staunch ally , Margaret Thatcher both ended up
with Alzheimer's.
This book was written when she had just been hired to do 60 Minutes.
She's still on the show .
October 16, 2015
I could not put this book down, and I am keeping it to read it again. Every journalist, especially women in TV news should read this book by Leslie Stahl. The book is an education on surviving the news business.
Stahl shared the challenges she faced keeping up with the politics in a national newsroom and the politics covering the White House. You get the feeling she was a workaholic but somehow was able to have a family life too. Stahl talks about her husband and how he kept things together at home for their daughter while she dealt with the different assignments, Dan Rather and much more.
Stahl also gives readers an inside look into different presidents she covered as a reporter. Whether she was talking about President's Carter, Reagan, Bush or the Watergate scandal; Each chapter was interesting and educational.
This is a must read book.
Stahl shared the challenges she faced keeping up with the politics in a national newsroom and the politics covering the White House. You get the feeling she was a workaholic but somehow was able to have a family life too. Stahl talks about her husband and how he kept things together at home for their daughter while she dealt with the different assignments, Dan Rather and much more.
Stahl also gives readers an inside look into different presidents she covered as a reporter. Whether she was talking about President's Carter, Reagan, Bush or the Watergate scandal; Each chapter was interesting and educational.
This is a must read book.
February 8, 2009
This book was mildly interesting. It was a behind the scenes look at Lesley's career. The chapters were broken up by Presidents. Nixon and Watergate, the Carters, the Reagan had two chapters, and the Bushes. Most of the interesting stuff was her talking about which reporters hit on her and who she dated. If you call that interesting. Some of her opinions of various reporter's egos, and what went on in building stories were potentially interesting but not really told all that well.
Needless to say, I was soon bored with it all and stopped reading about a third of the way through the book. It will be on sale at the next garage sale for around fifty cents.
Needless to say, I was soon bored with it all and stopped reading about a third of the way through the book. It will be on sale at the next garage sale for around fifty cents.
August 27, 2010
One of most readable biographies of a journalist. Free of egotistical expansion, this book was brisk and efficient in helping the reader understand the significance of this pioneering journalist. She is the most under-appreciated of the pantheon of legendary CBS journalists.
I recommend this book for any aspiring female journalist, as well as those interested in the emergence of modern political reporting.
This review is dedicated to Robert Paoli, the man who introduced me to journalism, and the fundamentals of journalistic writing.
I recommend this book for any aspiring female journalist, as well as those interested in the emergence of modern political reporting.
This review is dedicated to Robert Paoli, the man who introduced me to journalism, and the fundamentals of journalistic writing.
August 6, 2008
What reporting is really like from the point of view of a veteran woman reporter. Stahl started with CBS in 1972 when opportunities for women in network news were rare. She tells what it was like to cover the administrations of three presidents (Carter, Reagan and Bush One). She also addresses the difficulties in balancing a family with a career.
September 17, 2013
This book was okay, I picked it up for free from the thrift store. I was on my way home from a leadership conference and thought she might have great things to say. She didn't. She seemed to be a very insecure young woman. I'm not sure how she made it in such a cutthroat business.
I decided it just wasn't worth plowing through.
I decided it just wasn't worth plowing through.
November 14, 2011
Interesting but I didn't like her very much
March 11, 2017
I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/14437991
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/14437991
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews