Hate Inc: Why Today's Media Makes Us Despise One Another

Matt Taibbi

OR Books, 2019 - Journalism - 294 pages

Part tirade, part confessional from the celebrated Rolling Stone journalist, Hate Inc. reveals that what most people think of as the news is, in fact, a twisted wing of the entertainment business

In this characteristically turbocharged new book, celebrated Rolling Stone journalist Matt Taibbi provides an insider's guide to the variety of ways today's mainstream media tells us lies. Part tirade, part confessional, it reveals that what most people think of as the news is, in fact, a twisted wing of the entertainment business.

In the Internet age, the press have mastered the art of monetizing anger, paranoia, and distrust. Taibbi, who has spent much of his career covering elections in which this kind of manipulative activity is most egregious, provides a rich taxonomic survey of American political journalism's dirty tricks.

Heading into a 2020 election season that promises to be a Great Giza Pyramid Complex of invective and digital ugliness, Hate Inc. will be an invaluable antidote to the hidden poisons dished up by those we rely on to tell us what is happening in the world.

What people are saying

User Review -

Taibbi’s Hate, Inc. finally provided a clear explanation to the ambivalent feelings I had listening to talking heads like Maddow, the ugly tone of Matthews, and sometimes overbearing self-righteousness of Olberman. The messaging of negativity was and continues to be mentally exhausting. And it is quite true that I was no better or more informed as a result of tuning in for the purpose of shaking my head in agreement. Fox was the other side of hell in that regard. The best advice Taibbi offers I embraced long ago: turn them off and start having intellectually honest conversations with the willing that have opposing views. Hate Inc lends hope that an end to media manipulation will be possible with more journalists with the integrity and “cojones” of Taibbi. Good job, man.  

About the author

MATT TAIBBI is a contributing editor for Rolling Stone and winner of the 2008 National Magazine Award for columns and commentary. His most recent book is I Can't Breathe: A Killing on Bay Street, about the infamous killing of Eric Garner by the New York City police. He's also the author of the New York Times bestsellers Insane Clown President, The Divide, Griftopia, and The Great Derangement.

Bibliographic information

• Title: Hate Inc: Why Today's Media Makes Us Despise One Another
• Author: Matt Taibbi
• Publisher: OR Books, 2019
• ISBN: 1949017257, 9781949017250
• Length: 294 pages