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.
Suicide Crusher
With this app, I've discovered a whole new way to enjoy literature. π Ironing has become a joy with audiobooks β wrinkles are no match for these captivating stories! ππ§
Captain Peroxide
This app isn't just a tool, it's a wellspring of inspiration and positive vibes. With ListenBook, I've unlocked a world of educational and entertaining content right at my fingertips. With this app, I'm discovering the joy of reading during my commutes. Savoring captivating stories has become a breeze with this app's sleek design and convenient features. It's like having a personal reading assistant! π±π The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that enhances my listening experience. It's these thoughtful touches that matter!
MysticMingle
With ListenBook, I can listen to my favorite audiobooks and speeches with the utmost comfort and convenience. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has made my life so much easier. π± It's like having a personal audiobook library at my fingertips! This app's functionality is a dream come true for book lovers. ππ₯ Binaural audio processing reduces listening fatigue. Fantastic feature!
Mad Viral
I can't get enough of ListenBook's silky-smooth playback and intuitive design. It's my go-to app for both leisurely listening and study sessions. I love the auto-rewind feature. ListenBook always picks up right where I left off.
Wonder Lady
I've become a more attentive listener thanks to the engaging audiobooks. This app has transformed my long flights into productive and enjoyable experiences. I can't imagine my daily activities without this app β it's my go-to for staying informed and entertained. π Transforming long drives into memorable journeys through the magic of audiobooks! ππ πΆββοΈπ§ Enjoying the great outdoors while immersing myself in fantastic tales β walking never felt this magical! ποΈπ
Gas Man
The narrator's voices are so soothing β a perfect way to unwind after a stressful day. I can't believe how seamless the integration with Apple Watch is. My workouts just got better. I can't get over how smooth the playback is. Even high-quality files play flawlessly. ListenBookβs playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
CuriousCrafter
The sheer variety of genres available ensures there's something for everyone. ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats makes it a versatile and essential app for audiobook enthusiasts. This app is a true treasure for audiobook lovers β it's my go-to source for literary adventures!
Delicious
Listening to audiobooks has never been this convenient and enjoyable! π§ Elevating my reading experience β this app's intuitive controls and organization features make audiobook enjoyment effortless. π±π Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fantastic way to introduce them to captivating stories.
Shy Warrior
ListenBook's commitment to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every detail. βοΈ This app's functionality is a symphony of efficiency β I'm savoring stories with ease, even on the busiest days. πΆπ Adjusting the tone of the voice is genius. It's like having a customizable audiobook narrator.
Red Hot Kevorkian
This app has made my downtime so much more productive and enjoyable. This app is my audiobook haven. With a user-friendly interface and features like audio filters, I'm engrossed in stories like never before. ππ
Pinball Esq
Listening to audiobooks has made my daily commute more enjoyable and productive. Audiobooks have made long flights feel like a breeze β a true travel essential. The sleek design and easy navigation are visually pleasing and user-friendly. ListenBook's compatibility with different formats ensures I never have to worry about file conversions. π§ This app is my saving grace! Now I can enjoy my beloved books while cooking up a storm! ππ³
NexusNomad
I'm amazed at how effortlessly this app has made reading a constant in my life. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a fun way to experiment with the audiobook experience.
HighBomber
If you love stories but have a busy schedule, this app is your solution! π Embracing reading in the busiest of times β this app is my everyday escape! ππββοΈ
Shady Lady
ListenBook has become an indispensable part of my daily routine β it's my ultimate audio companion. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading such a natural part of my day. πͺ Boosting my productivity with this app's efficient multitasking features β audiobook enjoyment while I conquer my to-do list! πΌπ§ Noise reduction is magic. I can finally enjoy dictaphone recordings without discomfort. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
Congo Wire
The bookmark feature is a lifesaver β no more losing my place in the story! I can now explore books beyond my preferred genre, broadening my reading horizons. πͺ Doubling the impact of my workouts β exercising and exploring stories, all thanks to this app! πͺπ§ The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks.
Rooster
This app's user-friendly layout and quick access to controls have made audiobook listening a breeze. With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual exploration and personal growth.
CZR
The 'Explore' feature has introduced me to authors I might never have discovered otherwise. With this app, reading is no longer a luxury β it's an essential part of my day.
Wooden Man
ListenBook has transformed my listening habits, making them more engaging and enjoyable. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that enhances the immersion in the content. Downloading books directly in the app is so easy. Highly recommend!
Grotas
I'm amazed by ListenBook's dedication to quality β it's evident in every feature. I'm blown away by the silky-smooth playback, even for high-quality formats like FLAC. Top-notch performance! ListenBook is a must-have for any audiobook enthusiast. It's reliable, efficient, and a pleasure to use. The ability to adjust playback speed and volume is a game-changer for me.
ThoughtTracer
Audiobook pleasure simplified β this app's design is a standout. The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata keeps my audiobook library organized and visually appealing.
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