by Matt Taibbi
First published 2021
Rolling Stone journalist Matt Taibbi pulls back the curtain on how mainstream media operates in the digital age. Drawing from his years covering American elections, Taibbi argues that what audiences believe to be news functions as a branch of the entertainment industry. He demonstrates how press outlets have learned to profit from anger, paranoia, and distrust online. The book combines personal confession with sharp criticism as Taibbi catalogs the deceptive techniques used by political journalists. He provides a detailed taxonomy of these manipulative practices, showing readers how media organizations mislead the public. Written before the 2020 election cycle, the book serves as a guide for recognizing the hidden toxins served up by news sources people trust to explain current events.
Genres: american, politics, non-fiction, 21st-century, journalism
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: gritty, informed-consent
Setting: America
Period: 2020s
320 pages · Paperback · OR Books