Broken News

Why the Media Rage Machine Divides America and How to Fight Back

By: Chris Stirewalt

Narrated by: Chris Stirewalt

A former Fox News political editor reveals how news organizations have succumbed to the temptation of “rage revenue” through slanted coverage that drives political division and rewards outrageous conduct.

Rage revenue-addicted news companies are plagued by shoddy reporting, sensationalism, groupthink, and brain-dead partisan tribalism. Newsrooms rely on emotion-driven blabber to entrance conflict-addled super users.

In Broken News, Chris Stirewalt, celebrated as one of America’s sharpest political analysts in print and on television, employs his trademark wit and insight to give readers an inside look at these problems. He explains that these companies don’t reward bad journalism because they like it, but because it is easy and profitable.

Take it from Stirewalt: As a top editor and election forecaster on Fox News’ decision desk during the 2020 election, he knows firsthand what happens when viewers (including the president of the United States) become more accustomed to flattery and less willing to hear news that punctures their bubbles.

Broken News is a fascinating, deeply researched, conversation-provoking study of how the news is made and how it must be repaired, with surprising takeaways about who’s to blame. Stirewalt goes deep inside the history of the industry to explain how today’s media divides America for profit. And he offers practical advice for how everyday readers, listeners and viewers can (and should) become better news consumers for the sake of the republic.

This is a book for those who care about our country—and want the news to do the news again.

Critic reviews

"One of America’s most experienced and exemplary journalists has written an unsparing analysis of the dreadful consequences -- for journalism and the nation -- of “how the news lost a race to the bottom with itself.” Readers of Stirewalt’s indispensable, mind-opening book-as-warning should remember this: There actually is no such thing as rock bottom."—George F. Will

"Chris Stirewalt is an ideal guide to what has happened to the news business because he doesn’t just hate what it has become, but also loves what it ought to be. Free of nostalgia or partisan vitriol, and full of insight, experience, and clear-eyed realism, this book is an essential guide to repairing American journalism."—Yuval Levin, author of A Time to Build

Fantastic Book!

There is no greater documentarian of the problems of modern media than Chris Stirewalt. With brilliant insight and rare earnestness he describes the state of America's current toxic political media and how we got here. Better yet, he offers common sense solutions with the passionate sincerity of someone who loves journalism and this great American republic. A must read for anyone left or right.

An Experienced Reporter's Cure For Sick News

Chris does a great job of explaining how we have ended up in the news hell in which we are currently suffering, and also offers practical ways to get out.

I especially appreciate his reverence for the truth and for those who engage in true reporting.

A must-read for every news junkie.

An exceptional journalist telling the sad truth of the demise of the news business model.

This is outstanding!

This has to be one of the best written books of 2023! Precise and on point. Catering to neither the red side or the blue side but spot on about our society and news. Two thumbs up.

Confirmation of how bad the Media slant has gotten

Shows how we are being
manipulated by most media sources . We are so consumed by partisan politics, and now most people identify with being in a political party over just being and American.