Book description
You've probably heard the familiar chime of the BBC Sports Report on Saturday evenings for decades-maybe even since you were a kid. But what really happens behind those iconic words? Pat Murphy, a reporter on the show since 1981, finally tells the full story, and the audiobook is pure magic. Forget dry history; this is a warm, human, deeply entertaining journey into the heart of one of broadcasting's most enduring institutions.
Murphy doesn't just chronicle the program's 75-year run-he makes you feel the urgency of those Saturday nights. You'll hear him unearthing stories from the BBC Archives: producers scrambling to get interviews from draughty dressing rooms in the drizzle, commentators ad-libbing live as the clock ticks toward 6 PM, the sheer nerve of a tiny team pulling off a flawless broadcast without a script. It's a "weekly miracle," as he calls it, and the audiobook captures that tension perfectly.
What shines brightest here is the people. Murphy interviews the legends-Angus and Eamonn, the "odd couple" who shaped early broadcasts; presenters who navigated everything from Cold War tensions to the rise of global sports; and the unsung heroes in the studio who kept the show alive. You'll laugh at the "some laughs" section, nod along at the gender shifts in sports coverage, and feel the pride in moments like the 1990s when the show finally got the recognition it deserved.
The narration? Effortless. Murphy's voice carries the warmth of a colleague sharing stories over coffee, making you feel like you're part of the BBC's inner circle. You'll hear the signature tune in your head, picture those old studio sets, and understand why millions still tune in-this isn't just a show; it's a cultural heartbeat.
For sports fans, it's a love letter to the game's spirit. For anyone who's ever marveled at radio's power, it's a masterclass in storytelling under pressure. Murphy doesn't just write history-he lets you live it, one Saturday evening at a time. And as he says, the clock never stops ticking... but this audiobook? It's a timeless gift to anyone who's ever felt the thrill of the Sports Report.
Rusty Vortex
Gone are the days of straining my eyes to read β this app lets me 'read' with my ears, anywhere, anytime. π‘ This app has made my daily schedule more interesting β 'reading' on the go! π±πΆββοΈ Finally, an app that values usability β navigating and listening is a breeze! With its powerful audio downloading features, I can have my favorite audiobooks ready to go, anytime and anywhere. The app is so intuitive. I didnβt even need to read the instructions.
Mr. Thanksgiving
Listening to audiobooks with my kids has become a cherished bonding activity. ListenBook's user-friendly design and compatibility with different formats have made it my go-to app. I'm hooked on this app's effortless integration with my daily activities. I'm amazed by the app's compatibility with different audio formats. It's truly versatile. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
McDreamy
This app's support for various formats and genres ensures that there's always something new to explore. This app has become my go-to for audiobooks, adding a layer of convenience and enjoyment to my days. Audiobooks made delightful β this app's usability is a breath of fresh air. ListenBook Pro is totally worth it. Unlimited audiobook length β I'm in! Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful feature. Sharing is caring!
Skool
ποΈπ§ Escaping to paradise with a beach read β this app is my vacation in audio form! ποΈπ CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate themed listening sessions, creating a dynamic and engaging audiobook experience. Auto-rewind is a brilliant feature. Never lose track of where I left off. The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it.
Snow Pharaoh
Integration with Apple CarPlay has made long road trips so much more enjoyable. Audiobooks have become my favorite workout companions, making exercise a breeze. I can't believe how quickly I finish books now, all thanks to this app.
Poppin Loot
ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks wherever I go. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and powerful features have rekindled my love for audiobooks. The audio filters and precise controls are fantastic! ListenBook is more than just an app β it's a doorway to a world of knowledge and imagination. Looping playback is a study tool that I can't live without. It helps me master challenging content.
Purity
ListenBook has brought stories back into my life, making every moment a new adventure. Audiobooks have become my constant companions, and this app's seamless functionality and diverse compatibility ensure that every tale is a captivating journey. ππ§
Glyph
I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my daily dose of literature. ListenBook Pro is totally worth it. Unlimited audiobook length β I'm in! The app's performance is top-notch. It's stable, responsive, and optimized for a seamless audiobook experience. Kudos to the developers! I don't have strong feelings about this one either way. The narration was competent but forgettable. The story itself was more engaging than the performance.
Firefly
ListenBook's thoughtful inclusion of chapters, controls, and filters has enhanced my audiobook experience. ListenBook's absence of synchronization requirements adds to its convenience and flexibility. My study sessions are more efficient than ever, thanks to the looping playback and bookmark features. I love the cloud integration. I can access my books from anywhere.
Oblivion
The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Hairpin
πΌ Workday blues? Not anymore β this app turns my office hours into reading time! π»π ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick controls make it my preferred choice for audiobook enjoyment. Adjustable playback speed is a brilliant feature. It adds a layer of customization to my audiobook enjoyment. The tone adjustment feature is an exciting touch, allowing me to immerse myself even more in the content.
Cabbie
I'd love to see more classic titles, but the current selection is already fantastic. Efficiency and ease combined β this app is a must-have for book lovers.
Toy Dogwatch
The minimalist interface and intuitive settings make for an amazing user experience. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fun way to personalize the listening experience.
Clang Glyph
ListenBook's compatibility with playlists and CUE files is a great addition for those who love organized listening. With this app, I've turned mundane tasks into moments of inspiration and education β it's brilliant! With this app, I can devour books like never before β it's incredibly efficient. Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my audiobook library look neat and professional. The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Dr. Cocktail
I can't imagine my life without this app β it has made audiobook enjoyment effortless and convenient. Savoring audiobooks without complications β this app's design is commendable. The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a dream for road trips. It keeps me entertained.
The Howling Swede
I'm in awe of this app's ability to make reading so accessible and convenient. The auto-rewind feature after interruptions is a small thing that makes a big difference. Quick access to chapters is so handy. Navigating through content is a breeze. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction ensures that my listening experience remains clear and enjoyable.
Snapdragon
I've become a more empathetic listener thanks to the emotional depth of audiobooks. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. They help me keep related titles together for a seamless experience. ListenBook has become an essential part of my routine. It's more than an app β it's a companion. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itβs a fun feature.
RZR
Efficient audiobook enjoyment β this app's functionality is a revelation. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative way to make each audiobook unique.
Starshine
π Adding excitement to everyday tasks β this app is my partner in productivity! ππ Adjusting the tone of the voice is a creative feature. It allows for a unique and personalized experience.
Burst Nibbler
Language courses on audiobooks helped me pick up a new language effortlessly. The vast selection of titles on this app is a book lover's dream come true. This app has introduced me to genres I never thought I'd enjoy β it's eye-opening. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it an essential companion for my daily commutes and workouts. It's convenience at its finest! Binaural audio processing reduces fatigue during long listening sessions. A fantastic feature!
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience