Book description
An epic reported history of National Public Radio that reveals the unlikely story of one of America's most celebrated but least understood media empires.Founded in 1970, NPR is America's most powerful broadcast news network. Despite being overshadowed by the larger and more glamorous PBS, public radio has long been home to shows such as All Things Considered, Morning Edition, and This American Life that captivate millions of listeners in homes, cars, and workplaces across the nation. NPR and its hosts are a cultural force and a trusted voice, and they have created a mode of journalism and storytelling that helps Americans understand the world in which we live. In On Air, a book fourteen years in the making, journalist Steve Oney tells the dramatic history of this institution, tracing the comings and goings of legendary on-air talents (Bob Edwards, Susan Stamberg, Ira Glass, Cokie Roberts, and many others) and the rise and fall and occasional rise again of brilliant and sometimes venal executives. It depicts how NPR created a medium for extraordinary journalism-in which reporters and producers use microphones as paintbrushes and the voices of people around the world as the soundtrack of stories both global and local. Featuring details on the controversial firing of Juan Williams, the sloppy dismissal of Bob Edwards, and a $235 million bequest by Joan B. Kroc, widow of the founder of McDonald's, On Air also chronicles NPR's daring shift into the digital world and its early embrace of podcasting formats, establishing the network as a formidable media empire. Fascinating, revelatory, and irresistibly dishy, this is a riveting account of NPR's unlikely launch, chaotic ascent, and ultimate triumph.
RetroMirage
I'm hooked on this app's seamless performance – it's like having a personal audiobook curator. Simplifying audiobook management – this app's functionality is a true asset. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. I can group related titles for easy access. Downloading audiobooks over WiFi is super easy. Saves time. AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks. Great feature!
Stone Boomstick
I love how this app allows me to enjoy books even when I'm on the move. Looping playback is a study aid sent from heaven. It's helping me ace my exams! ListenBook's attention to detail is commendable. Every aspect of the app is well-crafted. Automated artwork and metadata extraction make my library look organized and visually appealing.
Coldy
Elevating my reading experience to a whole new level, this app's user-friendly interface and easy navigation have me hooked. Audiobooks have never been this enjoyable! 📱🔊 ListenBook's sharing options make it easy for me to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true savior for immersive listening, even in busy surroundings. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature streamlines the process of adding new content to my library. ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app is packed with useful features.
MysticMingle
This app is a true gift for book lovers – it's like having a personal library wherever I go. ListenBook's dedication to delivering a top-notch experience is evident in every detail. 🎧 Audiobooks anywhere, anytime – this app's convenience is unbeatable! 🌟📚 Automated artwork and metadata retrieval add a professional touch to my carefully curated audiobook collection.
Neophyte Believer
The ability to listen to books while multitasking is a game-changer for me. Listening to audiobooks while gardening has made my outdoor time even more relaxing. ListenBook's beautiful layout and quick access to chapters make every listening session a pleasure. I can't get over how smooth the playback is. Even high-quality files play flawlessly. The sound quality is excellent. It feels like I’m in the story.
Kamikaze Granny
Audiobooks have become a cherished part of my daily life, all thanks to this app. This app's convenience has transformed my reading habits – it's a game-changer. I'm in awe of how this app has made reading seamlessly fit into my lifestyle. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a creative feature that adds a personal touch to the experience. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve 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!
EchoExplorer
Audiobooks on this app have made my morning rituals something to look forward to. 💼 Making work hours fly by with captivating stories – a true work-life balance! 💻📖 Book groups help me keep series together and navigate my collection more efficiently. A great feature! Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and polished. 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.
Mother Hen
I love how ListenBook extracts artwork and metadata from audio files, adding a visual touch to my listening experience. 🎧 Carrying a world of literature in my headphones – this app's convenience is truly remarkable. 📚💫
ByteBard
Apple Watch compatibility adds a new level of convenience to my audiobook enjoyment. It's seamless control at my wrist. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of reading. Auto-rewind is a very handy feature. Excellent app. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Swedish Twizz
I'm amazed at how this app has made reading a seamless part of my life. The range of supported formats is impressive. No more converting files!
Mr. Peppermint
This app's intuitive features and easy navigation make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts. Audiobook multitasking simplified – this app's functionality is a triumph. The app is constantly updated with new features. The developers really care. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
ThoughtTrailblazer
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration is a brilliant touch. 💼 Enhancing work-from-home productivity – audiobooks make even the most routine tasks a delight. 💻📖 Audiobooks on the go – this app's design prioritizes convenience. I'm blown away by the attention to detail in every aspect of this app.
Frosty
This app has turned my cooking sessions into culinary adventures with a side of stories. I'm grateful for this app – it's made reading a part of my everyday life. Audiobooks made delightful – this app's usability is a breath of fresh air. Seamless audiobook integration – this app's functionality is a technological marvel. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
Trash Master
Simplifying my reading routine – this app's ease of use is remarkable. Audiobooks made simple – this app's functionality is a breath of fresh air. The app's interface is so sleek and modern. It's a joy to use. Not bad, but not amazing either. The narrator’s voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre.
Jester
Audiobook lovers, meet your new best friend! This app's smooth playback and easy organization have transformed my reading experience. 🎉🎧 ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature simplifies the process of adding new audiobooks to my collection.
Snake Eyes
This app has turned my long walks into delightful literary adventures. Audiobooks on this app have transformed my daily routines into engaging experiences. I can't get enough of this app's versatile features – from playback speed to bookmarking, it's all there. Adjustable playback speed is a brilliant feature. It adds a layer of customization to my audiobook enjoyment.
Rope
ListenBook's extensive library and user-friendly interface have made it my go-to app. 🎉📚 Reigniting my passion for books – this app is my newfound reading obsession! 🔥🎧
Chlorine
This app is my secret weapon for learning while I'm on the move. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study routine. It helps me retain information effectively. I’ve been using ListenBook for months, and it’s been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesn’t drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Jo Jo Spooky
This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of literary escape. As an audiobook enthusiast, I'm in awe of ListenBook's advanced features. The ability to adjust the reader's voice tone is a unique and fun addition.
Freeway
This app has introduced me to genres I never thought I'd enjoy – it's eye-opening. I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates into my life, enhancing every moment with stories. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer for improving audio quality and clarity. This audiobook exceeded all my expectations! The narrator's ability to convey emotion through voice alone was remarkable. I laughed, I gasped, I might have even teared up at points - all because of the incredible vocal performance. The story came alive in a way reading alone couldn't achieve. This audiobook kept me company during a long road trip and made the miles disappear! The narrator's engaging performance and the crisp production quality made for an immersive experience. I appreciated how well they balanced drama with clarity - never sacrificing understanding for effect.
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