In Bed with Broadcasting: A Memoir Paperback – Import, 28 September 2017

Memoirs, by their very nature, can be self-serving and ego-driven. This is not the case inthis wonderful page-turner by Ken Davis. Through his marvelous storytelling ability, Davisshares his experiences in the broadcasting industry from his humble start in a small market to the rarified air of big-city networks. The reader learns how the industry, mainly broadcast news, works at the highest levels. Davis takes the reader on numerous adventures that are funny (Arizona Highway Patrol), scary (Hillside Strangler), and touching (Henry Fonda/volunteer trip to Mexico) as he rubs elbows with some of the biggest names in the entertainment business. He also shares his insights about how and why news has moved from the trusted source of the Cronkite era to the ratings-driven phenomena that we sadly see today. I experienced many emotions while reading the book. While constantly appreciating his conversational writing style, I experienced awe, laughter, insights, self-reflection, and perhaps some jealousy. Davis’s use of humor, often self-deprecating, was excellent, but he was not afraid to show his vulnerability and his own flaws. His personal stories, particularly about his family, were very poignant, and the story about saying goodbye to his father brought tears to my eyes. This book is now at the top of my favorites list. Do yourself a favor and read it. You will laugh involuntarily, be forced to think about certain issues, and have your heart touched by this man who, through his writing, reveals himself as not just talented, but also a very caring human being.

I'm a news & history junkie as well as a memoir addict, so this book was basically tailor made for me, from stories of the author stalking (and talking to) the Hillside Strangler, covering the MGM fire, to being the first to know about (and see) Mae West's dead body, and more. Ken Davis's writing style is infinitely readable, witty, lighthearted, self-reflective and self-effacing, yet all the while relaying his experiences smack dab in the middle of so many powerful moments in recent history, peppered with just enough inner narrative to really feel what he's experiencing, from the ego-driven thrill of hanging out with loose cannon Phil Spector to the imposter syndrome he felt from getting promoted up the network news ladder. This book would make a great 2-3 season Netflix show, and in the meantime is a truly fun fascinating read.

I thoroughly enjoyed following Ken through his life long affair with his enchanting and enticing mistress Broadcasting. He gave us an inside look behind the scenes and behind the camera. Ken's fascinating journey, story telling and writing skills make reading this memoir a true pleasure.

If you'd like to know what a broadcasting career can really be like, read Ken Davis' book. It's an entertaining personal account of Ken's career as he works with the famous and infamous. But it's more; it's also a candid, behind-the-scenes chronicle of the changing world of broadcast journalism. Many in the media will empathize as the author tries to stand for journalistic integrity and even plain old human dignity (see his account of covering the OJ circus). Those not in the profession will discover that the deteriorating standards they abhor are not always the fault of the front-line producers and reporters!"In Bed with Broadcasting" is both revealing and fun! I read it straight through and wanted more!

Well, this was a fun romp through the last few decades! I knew Ken when he got his start in broadcasting as a disc jockey at the top-40 radio station in Flagstaff Arizona that my father managed, but lost track of him when I moved to California in 1973. That said, I was certainly aware of the stations, programming, and news that Ken was involved in during the 70s, 80s, 90s, and 2000s! All the big news stories, the early reality shows, the celebrities -- they are all in this book. I'm always curious about what goes on behind the scenes with TV and news programming and this gives a clear glimpse of that. Ken writes with humor and humility and his stories about his experiences made me smile. I am glad to hear that he has made peace with his 'mistress' (broadcasting) and is enjoying, in retirement, what he always loved -- people and family. I would give this 4.5 stars out of 5, taking off a 1/2 a star only because I wish the book was longer! iCongratulations on a great memoir, Ken!