Desperate Networks
Praise for Bill Carter’sThe Late Shift:“Bill Carter has written a detailed and remarkably gripping account . . . unfailingly balanced, thoroughly researched, filled with scoops and fresh insight. It takes us deep into the bizarre high-stakes world of broadcasting . . . . A powerful story, and ultimately a sad one, filled with casualties as well as winners.”—New York Times Book Review“Bill Carter’s book goes behind the scenes to spin a tale of ambition and intrigue worthy of, if not Shakespeare, then at least the mighty Carson-Art Players at their ditsy, Elizabethan best.”—Boston Globe“In his fascinating new book, Carter [spins] a tale of passion, ambition, in-fighting, and runaway ego worthy of Shakespeare.”—Los Angeles Times“Page after remarkably well-reported page of why Johnny retired, how Leno ended up with the job, and who shafted Dave. If you crave this sort of inside-the-halls-of-media-power story, Carter gives you every last detail.”—New Yorkmagazine“Bill Carter draws a script from the turbulent world of late-night talk shows as theatrical and cautionary as any prime-time melodrama . . . [He] unearths juicy nuggets, each related with the sure, suspense evoking hand of a thriller novelist . . . . ‘A.’”—Entertainment Weekly“The quest to take Johnny’s place is chronicled in fascinating depth and detail by Bill Carter . . . . His story is both authoritative and definitive—a vivid, behind-the-scenes, blow-by-blow account.”—New York Times“Carter’s book is a definitive account of how Leno won the battle forTonight, then lost the ratings war after Letterman moved to CBS . . . . Anyone who wants to know how the TV industry works at its highest level will find a wealth of information.”—Philadelphia Inquirer