Book description
"A read so riveting, it's not hard to imagine watching it unfold on Sunday nights." --The Associated Press "An incisive account that is more than a rosy victory lap for one of TV's most influential channels." --Eric Deggans, NPR's "Books We Love" "It's Not TV proves to be a lively companion to all these shows." --Andrew O'Hagan, The New York Review of Books The inside story of HBO, the start-up company that reinvented television--by two veteran media reporters HBO changed how stories could be told on TV. The Sopranos, Sex and the City, The Wire, Game of Thrones. The network's meteoric rise heralded the second golden age of television with serialized shows that examined and reflected American anxieties, fears, and secret passions through complicated characters who were flawed and often unlikable. HBO's own behind-the-scenes story is as complex, compelling, and innovative as the dramas the network created, driven by unorthodox executives who pushed the boundaries of what viewers understood as television at the turn of the century. Originally conceived by a small upstart group of entrepreneurs to bring Hollywood movies into living rooms across America, the scrappy network grew into one of the most influential and respected players in Hollywood. It's Not TV is the deeply reported, definitive story of one of America's most daring and popular cultural institutions, laying bare HBO's growth, dominance, and vulnerability within the capricious media landscape over the past fifty years. Through the visionary executives, showrunners, and producers who shaped HBO, seasoned journalists Gillette and Koblin bring to life a dynamic cast of characters who drove the company's creative innovation in astonishing ways--outmaneuvering copycat competitors, taming Hollywood studios, transforming 1980s comedians and athletes like Chris Rock and Mike Tyson into superstars, and in the late 1990s and 2000s elevating the commercial-free, serialized drama to a revered art form. But in the midst of all its success, HBO was also defined by misbehaving executives, internal power struggles, and a few crucial miscalculations. As data-driven models like Netflix have taken over streaming, HBO's artful, instinctual, and humanistic approach to storytelling is in jeopardy. Taking readers into the boardrooms and behind the camera, It's Not TV tells the surprising, fascinating story of HBO's ascent, its groundbreaking influence on American business, technology, and popular culture, and its increasingly precarious position in the very market it created.
Hairpin
I love how this app fits seamlessly into my daily routine. Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's comprehensive offerings, from statistics tracking to immersive audio processing, have breathed new life into my reading. πβ¨
BearDrift
This app has reignited my love for literature and made it a part of my everyday life. Binaural audio processing really helps reduce fatigue.
Lilac Lizard
With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. ListenBook's audio filters and controls have turned my listening sessions into immersive experiences. I can't imagine my daily activities without this app β it's the perfect way to stay engaged and informed.
Slacker Cat
πΌ Enhancing work-from-home productivity β audiobooks make even the most routine tasks a delight. π»π The voice boost feature is amazing. It makes every word crystal clear.
Grotas
The quality of the audio is top-notch, making the experience truly immersive. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personalized touch to my audiobook experience. π Who needs TV when you have this app? Every moment is a storytelling session! πΊπ§ βοΈ Turning mundane tasks into exciting adventures β this app makes folding laundry a breeze with audiobooks! ππ§ Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is truly impressive.
Fresh Peper
This app has turned my household chores into moments of intellectual growth. The interface is sleek and modern. Itβs a joy to use.
Moon Radar
This app has made my workouts and chores so much more enjoyable. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading such a natural part of my day. π± An app that truly understands audiobook enthusiasts β it's all about functionality, and this app nails it! ππ‘
Find It Girl
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that my audiobook collection is always accessible. The app's versatility in audio downloading is impressive. It's a one-stop solution for all my content.
ThoughtTrailblazer
I can't believe how much time I've gained by listening while cooking and doing chores. This app's user-friendly design makes navigating through books a breeze. This app's convenience has made reading a priority in my busy schedule. πΌ Balancing responsibilities with relaxation β audiobooks make even mundane tasks feel like an escape. π»π Easy chapter navigation and beautiful design make this app stand out.
Stud Buster
I'm absolutely in love with this app! The interface is so intuitive and user-friendly. ListenBook's chapters, controls, and filters have taken my audiobook journey to new heights. π§ This app is my saving grace! Now I can enjoy my beloved books while cooking up a storm! ππ³
Apple Nola
This app's ease of use has made reading a seamless part of my daily routine. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a fun way to experiment with the audiobook experience. The app is so intuitive. I didnβt even need to read the instructions.
Pink C
The app's stability is impressive β it runs smoothly without any glitches. I'm amazed by ListenBook's dedication to quality β it's evident in every feature. π Transforming my mundane routine into a captivating journey β thank you, this app! β¨π No more fussing with synchronization β this app just gets it done!
Dr. WMD
I've become a more empathetic listener thanks to the emotional depth of audiobooks. Mood-based playlists help me choose books that suit my current state of mind. I'm blown away by the range of non-fiction audiobooks available β so much to learn! The app is very user-friendly. ListenBook makes listening to audiobooks a breeze.
Pink Hopper
Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is truly impressive. The app's integration with CarPlay enhances my road trips with immersive audiobook journeys.
Versace-Cat
I've rediscovered the joy of reading through the convenience of audiobooks. πΆββοΈπ This app's functionality makes every walk an adventure β I'm immersed in stories as I explore the world around me. ποΈπ The ability to adjust playback speed is a fantastic study aid. I'm absorbing information faster than ever. Library organization is simplified with ListenBook. It's easy to keep my audiobooks neat and tidy.
CoB@lt
π§ This app has changed my reading game! Now I can 'read' while I work β genius! ππΌ Great app for audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook supports a wide range of formats. Middle-of-the-road experience. The audiobook was fineβgood narration, decent storyβbut it didnβt leave a lasting impression. If youβre looking for something low-commitment, this works.
Undergrad
I've never been so excited about my daily commute β thanks to this app. This app's ease of use has made my daily activities more enjoyable and educational. ListenBook has become an essential part of my day, enhancing my commute and allowing me to enjoy audiobooks like never before. Binaural audio processing reduces listening fatigue. Fantastic feature! Unlimited audiobook length with ListenBook Pro is a game-changer.
Master Jetson
The vast selection of titles on this app is a book lover's dream come true. The appβs design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
SubWoof330
I'm amazed at how this app has seamlessly integrated reading into my daily rhythm. Adjusting the tone of the narrator's voice is a unique touch β it's like having a personalized reading. The app's integration with Apple Watch makes it an indispensable tool for my active lifestyle. Automated extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library.
MythMaker
Listening to audiobooks has made my daily commute more enjoyable and productive. Simplifying audiobook adventures β this app's ease of use is a delight. ListenBook's dedication to providing an exceptional listening experience shines through in every aspect of the app. My productivity has soared since I started using ListenBook for my study materials.
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