Sam McAlister was the first in her family to go to university, before training to be a criminal barrister. As a single mum, she decided her real passion was in news. Now BAFTA-nominated for her work with BBC Newsnight, McAlister’s hard-won exclusives have shaped the public conversation.
‘Sam McAlister is a force of nature – she’s relentlessly pursued scoops for her entire career. And this is the book to prove it.’ -- Steph McGovern ‘Sam delivers where others fail. She has a zinger of a story to tell.’ -- Huw Edwards ‘Even though we know what happened, McAlister’s eye-witness description of the royal car-crash retains the power to shock… riveting.’ -- <i>Sunday Telegraph</i> ‘A good television news interview requires organisational skill and news instinct, not just from the interviewer, but from the producers who support them. Sam McAlister clearly has both in abundance… The book sheds light on the often unacknowledged efforts of producers, as well as on life at the BBC.’ -- TLS ‘McAlister’s insights into why some interviews make compelling viewing while others, despite brilliant inquisitors and intriguing guests, fall flat is one reason why Scoops should be required reading not just for media insiders but for anyone thinking about a media appearance.’ -- Times Higher Education