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.
Referee
I've started reading more books than ever before, all thanks to this app. This app has rekindled my love for literature, and I'm spreading the word to everyone I know. Adjusting the tone of the voice is genius. It's like having a customizable audiobook narrator. This app has transformed my daily commute into a captivating journey of knowledge and entertainment.
Grave Scuttlebutt
This app's seamless integration with CarPlay and other devices has revolutionized my audiobook experience. π Drifting into dreamland with enchanting audiobooks β bedtime has become a gateway to imagination. ππ Say goodbye to cumbersome interfaces β this app's intuitive controls and user-friendly design have elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. π±π Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a thoughtful and enjoyable way to share my favorite stories with friends and introduce them to new worlds of literature. ListenBookβs bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
Shady Lady
An audiobook lover's dream come true. So many options, I'm in heaven! I can't imagine my audiobook routine without ListenBook's seamless audio player.
Genghis Glyph
This app's compatibility with various formats ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks hassle-free. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Kamikaze Grandma
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audio needs are met. Adjustable playback speed is a fantastic feature. It allows me to customize my listening experience. The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch enhances my listening experience on the go.
AirportHobo XD
This app's user-friendly controls and sleek design have made audiobook listening a truly immersive journey. π§ Finally, an app that understands my need for convenience and ease of use! Audiobooks have never been this accessible. ππ± Automatic metadata extraction keeps my library organized. It's a time-saver!
Pink Hopper
I can't believe I waited so long to start listening to audiobooks β this app has converted me! π§ββοΈβ Unwinding with a cup of tea and a captivating audiobook β relaxation meets intellectual stimulation. π΅π Seamless audiobook integration β this app's design is remarkable.
Solitaire
I can't imagine my daily activities without this app β it's the perfect way to stay engaged and informed. Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is truly impressive. ListenBook Pro takes things up a notch with unlimited audiobook length. It's a game-changer! Playlists and bookmarks are super helpful. Love using ListenBook!
CuriousCraft
ListenBook's dedication to delivering a high-quality playback experience sets it apart from other apps. π©βπ³ Turning cooking sessions into culinary adventures, complete with intriguing tales! π³π§ 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 such a fun way to spread joy. The adjustable playback speed is a revelation. It's like having a personal audiobook narrator at my pace.
Emerald Vine
π§ Audiobooks anywhere, anytime β this app's convenience is unbeatable! ππ Finally, an app that values usability β navigating and listening is a breeze!
NoiseFire
ListenBook's dedication to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every aspect of the app. This app has made my workouts and chores so much more enjoyable. I'm hooked on this app's seamless performance β it's like having a personal audiobook curator. I'm blown away by the silky-smooth playback, even for high-quality formats like FLAC. Top-notch performance!
Jester
Audiobooks have become my escape from reality β a journey into captivating worlds. ListenBook's commitment to enhancing the audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination. ListenBook's statistics feature is eye-opening. I had no idea how much time I spent immersed in audiobooks until I started using it.
Call Back Queen
I'm amazed at how this app has expanded my reading horizons. I can't imagine my daily activities without this app β it's the perfect way to stay engaged and informed. Say goodbye to cumbersome interfaces β this app's intuitive controls and user-friendly design have elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. π±π Looping playback has revolutionized my language learning journey. I'm making rapid progress.
California Goddess
I'm rediscovering my love for literature through this app β it's revitalizing. Discovering new worlds through audiobooks has never been easier! This app's intuitive interface and seamless functionality make every listening session a delight. ππ§ ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment.
StarZen
ListenBook's support for multiple download methods ensures I can always access my favorite content. β° Early mornings have become my favorite time to listen to audiobooks β energizing! π π§ Effortlessly immersing in stories β this app's ease of use is a game-changer.
Greek Rifle
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true blessing for enjoying clear audio even in noisy environments. I'm hooked on this app's effortless integration with my daily activities.
Bones
I can now explore books beyond my preferred genre, broadening my reading horizons. ListenBookβs audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
StarZen
Gone are the days of straining my eyes to read β this app lets me 'read' with my ears, anywhere, anytime. ListenBook's dedication to user convenience is evident in the drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers. Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Excellent app!
Shade Nightman
This app has reignited my passion for literature β I'm devouring books like never before. ListenBook's beautiful layout and quick access to chapters make every listening session a pleasure. ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features are a dream come true β no more hassles! The app's compatibility with CarPlay adds an extra layer of convenience, especially during road trips.
Impulsive Flower
With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. ListenBook's support for binaural audio processing is a thoughtful touch that reduces listening fatigue. I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. Automatic metadata retrieval is a neat touch. My library is well-organized. Navigating through chapters is effortless with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and intuitive experience.
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