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Behind the White House Curtain: A Senior Journalist’s Story of Covering the President―and Why It Matters

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Description

Going behind the scenes with a veteran member of the White House press corpsSteven L Herman, chief national correspondent for the nonpartisan, government-funded Voice of America (VOA), weaves together memoir and history to pull back the curtain on the inner workings of the White House press corps, giving readers a rare glimpse into the historic and current relationship between the president and the press.Herman traces the trajectory of his career as a journalist―from learning to be skeptical of government officials’ statements when he worked as a novice reporter covering nuclear testing in Nevada in the 1970s to understanding the power of on-the-ground social media coverage after the Fukushima disaster in 2011 and facing the challenges of covering the Trump administration. He reflects on the experience of reporting on a president who once called journalists “enemies of the people”―and indeed, former president Trump singled out VOA, accusing the organization of being not a voice of America but rather a voice supporting Moscow’s and Beijing’s interests. Under questionable circumstances, top VOA executives lost their security clearances, and a dossier was prepared on Herman in an effort to remove him as White House bureau chief. With journalistic independence under threat, Herman feared not only for his career but also for “the soul of Voice of America.”Throughout Behind the White House Curtain, Herman convincingly argues that public access to accurate, unbiased information is essential to a healthy and peaceful democracy, and that journalists can and should play a key role in pressing government officials to be truthful and transparent. At a time when misinformation is rampant and the need for unbiased coverage of current events is more urgent than ever, Herman reminds readers that freedom of the press is a foundational American right. Read more

Publisher ‏ : ‎ The Kent State University Press


Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 4, 2024


Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st


Language ‏ : ‎ English


Print length ‏ : ‎ 248 pages


ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1606354779


ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 73


Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.15 pounds


Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.98 x 1.02 x 9.06 inches


Best Sellers Rank: #422,622 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #378 in Journalism Writing Reference (Books) #624 in Journalist Biographies #2,936 in International & World Politics (Books)


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Top Amazon Reviews

    • Essential Reading
Format: Hardcover
On its own, this book would be an important part of the historical record describing what is was like to work in the White House Press Corps circa 2020. But in the context of a U.S. president in 2025 threatening the protection of the First Amendment in the Constitution, BEHIND THE WHITE HOUSE CURTAIN becomes an essential, timely read. The even-handed reporting of veteran journalist Steven Herman offers a first-hand account of what it is like to be personally threatened by White House staffers for reporting facts that are perceived as not aligned with the agenda of the president who would soon become a convicted felon. As that president’s second term cuts off American fact-based reporting (see Associated Press and Voice of America), the rich history of US presidents and their relationships with the press also described here offers important context for anyone defending freedom of speech in the name of a healthy democracy. Herman’s account of his own distinguished career also serves as an inspiration and a first-rate example of what goes into the pursuit of great journalists’ calling to question authority and speak truth to power. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2025 by Bill K
    • Excellent Detail about working as a journalist in the White House
Format: Hardcover
A wonderful view of the day-to-day in the life of a White House reporter. Steven Herman's book takes you inside the White House, on Air Force One, on Pebble Beach (nickname) and all throughout the experience of being a part of the Press Corps. With excellent detail and clarity, Herman presents life as a reporter during Donald Trump's Presidency. Very different from other books you read about a journalist covering a President as this book doesn't fall prey to scandalous details and off the cuff remarks about the President. The book shares some fun personal detail about how his interest developed as a young child and then as he grows up to become a leading journalist. More importantly, it aims at sharing great information and detail about an experience that few will ever have and that many are extremely curious about. Highly recommend. Very enjoyable read! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on September 20, 2024 by MICHELE L
    • Enjoying this page-turner so much!
Format: Hardcover
Review Image by Ruth Morris Ruth Morris
I am enjoying this page-turner so much that I’ve stopped mid-way to go out of the way to post a review. As my photo shows, I am reading it beach front, and keep finding amazing pages that I send off to friends who I think of as I’m reading. While reading, one hears the mellifluous, iconic, voice of this international VOA reporter, as if he’s telling you his tales in person. He crafts each sentence expertly, and with humor. Although of interest an appeal to all ages, being of the same zeitgeist as the author, I feel like I’m walking down my own memory lane as Mr. Herman provides details and why’s and backstory on so many historic events in our lives. I’ve laughed out loud through some pages, read aloud some passages to others, and taken pictures of some pages and sent the teasers to yet other friends. I love how the chapters are short vignettes, which I read, and then voraciously move on to the next. It’s been a while since a book has gripped my attention so capably. This is a perfect, utterly timely and fresh read for this summer and beyond. Thank you, Steven L. Herman, for documenting your life and times for us this way. Highly recommended book for all to read. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2024 by Ruth Morris Ruth Morris
    • Essential reading. Clear and unbiased insights about the most powerful job in the world
Format: Hardcover
The author is whip-smart with a sharp wit that can catch you off guard, and he is above all a fiercely good journalist with a high level of integrity regarding the truth that is on full display here. His journalistic skills work perfectly in a narrative that weaves historical research from the first President onwards with the realities of a front line and then White House pool reporter’s daily challenges and observations. For years, when the news sources seemed contradictory, I would always defer to Steve’s tweets and articles to get a handle on the real story. The Fukushima nuclear meltdown on 3/11 was a prime example when Steve was one of the first reporters to get near the Fukushima reactor area to find out what was really going on and share both on the news and Twitter. The same could be said for his reporting on the White House including the (insert favorite adjective) Trump years. (Which are only the backdrop not the focus of the book). We need journalists like Steve to share the truth because democracy stays alive when it is in the light. This book shows just how important that is. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on June 25, 2024 by TMC
    • Raised my opinion of journalists
Format: Hardcover
Mr. Herman’s description of his earlier years as a radio journalist was inspirational and raised my opinion of that profession. And the hardship he endured as a freelance correspondent, even to the point of the delay in getting paid for his posts by reputable outlets, is a part of the trade that we consumers of the news wouldn’t understand. But the security of a regular paycheck, benefits, and a possible pension eventually attracted the author to a government position, Voice of America, where bureaucratic policies and personalities take precedence over the judgement of workers. It is hard to imagine reporting one’s truth verses the dictates of a politically appointed party hack. Or broadcasting to the VOA listeners the not so flattering issues of the United States. Herman’s politics probably don’t align with mine, but I respect his guts and voicing them. I was also impressed by Herman’s allegiance to his fellow correspondents, especially when he carried the banner as the White House “pool reporter.” The bond they shared and the not-so-comfortable conditions of tagging along with the President made for interesting reading. I enjoyed this book immensely and highly recommend it. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2024 by Monty Nereim

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