Exit Interview

by Westin, David

• ISBN13: 9780374151218
• ISBN10: 0374151210
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2012-05-22
• Publisher: Sarah Crichton Books

Summary

An industry veteran takes us inside TV news In March 1997, when David Westin became president of ABC News, TV journalism was in the throes of rebirth: cable networks were proliferating, the Internet was emerging as a viable medium for journalists, and the Big Three were losing the cultural dominance they'd known for decades. More intriguingly, postcold war America was enjoying an era of peace and prosperity. "It looked like all the really important news was behind us," Westin writes. It wasn't, of course, and for the next thirteen years he presided over ABC News for some of the most important, thrilling, fraught, and perplexing events in its history. Exit Interviewis a behind-the-scenes look at his tenure and the major news that marked it. Neither an apologia nor a critique, the book instead addresses basic questions about journalists todaywhat they do and why they do itfrom the point of view of someone who was there. With touchstones from the recent pastPresident Clinton's impeachment, the contentious 2000 election, and the war in Iraq, among othersWestin takes us inside the chaos of the newsroom, where what looks clear and certain from the outside is often mired in conflict and urgency. From his baptism by fire after Princess Diana's death to the epochal events of 9/11, he explores the uncertainty inherent to his job, and its central question: Is it possible for journalists to be both good at their jobs and people of good moral character?

Author Biography

David Westin was president of ABC News from March 6, 1997, to December 3, 2010. He lives in Bronxville, New York.

Table of Contents

“David Westin writes with vivid experience and clarity about real life on the high wire of television journalism. Each chapter is a pulse-pounding journey into a crisis—where he presided over big personalities wrestling with big decisions with serious consequences. He has written a book about triumph. Mistakes made and lessons learned. And the real reason reporters get up each day to do it all again.” —Diane Sawyer, anchor, ABC World News

 

“This is both a fascinating inside look at television news and a thoughtful analysis of the ethical dilemmas of journalism. David Westin writes with delightful charm about his fourteen years running ABC News and draws lessons that are enlightening not only for journalists but for everyone.”

—Walter Isaacson, author of Steve Jobs

 

“I watched David Westin manage ABC News at a time of tectonic change for the media—and the world we cover. Here he tells that vivid story with insight and candor, revealing the real-life trade-offs that are the daily business of television news. Exit Interview is a master class in modern journalism.” —George Stephanopoulos, chief political correspondent, ABC News

 

“David Westin entered the news world as an outsider and gained the trust and respect of industry veterans. Although David is never one to claim credit, this book is ultimately about leadership and a deep commitment to the best of what journalism can be today.” —Robert A. Iger, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company