Scoops: Behind the Scenes of the BBC's Most Shocking Interviews

by Sam McAlister

The secrets of a former Newsnight producer who found her way to Buckingham Palace

'A cracking read' Lorraine Kelly

‘Riveting’ Sunday Telegraph

‘Behind every great interview is a great booker – Sam McAlister is one of the unsung heroes of television news’ Piers Morgan

She is the woman who clinched the 2019 interview with Prince Andrew, described as ‘a plane crashing into an oil tanker, causing a tsunami, triggering a nuclear explosion’. She is many things the first in her family to go to university; a trained barrister; a single mum; a master of persuasion. In her former BBC colleagues’ words, she was the ‘booker extraordinaire’, responsible for many of Newsnight ’s exclusives over the past decade, including Stormy Daniels, Sean Spicer, Brigitte Höss, Steven Seagal, Mel Greig and Julian Assange.

After 12 years producing content for Newsnight , McAlister reflects with candour on her experience, sharing not just the secrets of how the best news gets made, but also the changes to the BBC, the future of ‘mainstream media’ in the age of clickbait and the role of power and privilege in shaping our media landscape.

This is a backstage pass to the most unforgettable journalism of our times.

Genres: Nonfiction, Journalism, Memoir, Politics, History, Biography Memoir, Biography

288 pages, Hardcover

First published July 14, 2022

About the author

Samantha (Sam) McAlister is an English former TV producer and author, best known for securing an interview with Prince Andrew for BBC Newsnight's programme, Prince Andrew & the Epstein Scandal.

Since the interview gained worldwide attention, McAlister has since written an autobiographical book, titled Scoops. In July 2022, it was announced the story of the Prince Andrew interview would be turned into a feature film, where McAlister will be portrayed by British actress Billie Piper.

McAlister is a trained criminal barrister. McAlister spent ten years working as a Producer on the BBC Newsnight programme, before taking voluntary redundancy in 2021.

Reviews

[Ken · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a nice quick read, charting various interviews that former 'Newsnight' producer McAlister managed to secure for the BBC current affairs programme.
If anything, I wished the recounting was more in-depth as I was surprised with how quickly I read it.

Obviously the Prince Amdrew sections take the most focus.
That part will be getting a Netflix adaptation, which I'm quite keen to see as Billie Piper will be playing McAlister.

The various types of famous people that the author managed to secure was a nice variety, the manner in which she negotiated to get them onto the program was very insightful - especially when it comes to the royal family!

[Ellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Emily Maitlis’ Airhead, so I decided to also check out Scoops.

It’s an interesting read. I enjoyed getting a different perspective on some of the same interviews, and more insight on the behind the scenes of making interviews happen. I’m trying to resist the urge to compare the two books too much, so I’ll simply say that although the subject matter overlaps, the tone is quite different.

I can’t help but feel sorry for some of the people getting hounded for interviews, especially the ones who are victims of crimes.

[David Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Behind-the-scenes tales from a producer at the heart of some of the BBC’s most coveted interviews. This book highlighted to me a lack of recognition that producers get for the remarkable work they put in to secure their guests and I’ll definitely have more of an appreciation for it next time I watch an unforgettable interview.

[Flo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read, quite interesting, particularly the Prince Andrew chapter.

[Lucy Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found parts of this book interesting and other chapters dull, which I suppose is always likely to happen with books like this that jump from topic to topic. I don't know what I expected, but it seems like a lot of McAlister's job was sending emails and making phone calls - not denying it's important work, but it got a bit repetitive to read about. I also got the impression she very much likes Emily Maitlis and almost none of her other ex-colleagues. The writing was open and felt honest; I don't think Sam herself came off particularly well in it, which interested me. The part about Prince Andrew will be what most people are probably reading this for and in fairness it was the most interesting and detailed part, but I also thought the sections on Mel Grieg/Jacintha Saldanha and the women kidnapped by Ariel Castro were strong.

I'd recommend this to people with a strong interest in journalism/production. I just don't know that my own interest was quite strong enough for me to enjoy the whole thing.

[Owen McArdle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very easy book to read and keeps drawing you in for more.

In some ways it's two books in one: one on interviewing, and on humanity itself given some of the interview subjects featured, then a second half on the story of the Prince Andrew interview, which is understandably the highlight of the author's career.

As someone who is fascinated by what goes on behind the scenes in broadcasting, while I'd have loved even more detail, I can't complain otherwise about either of the two halves of the book!

[Alexandra]

I do love a behind-the-scenes look at interesting jobs and workplaces and this certainly fits the bill, shining a light on the hitherto invisible (to mainstream audiences) work of news producers. Sam has a distinct authorial voice and in addition to the engaging details sprinkled throughout the book, she touches upon themes of journalistic freedom and integrity and the importance of impartiality in news reporting. I’d love to hear more of her views in this regard and hope that opportunity arises in the future. Overall, a highly enjoyable read from one of the sharpest minds I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet.

[Teodora Agarici · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who works in the same role as McAllister, I kept nodding throughout the entire book. A reminder why I wanted to be part of this industry in the first place. Hard-hitting, nail-biting, fierce journalism is more than just headlines.

[Ashika · Rating 4 out of 5]

as someone who has seen almost all of the interviews the author has mentioned in this book, i LOVED the behind the scenes. sam mcallister clearly shaped a lot of the exclusive interviews from my teenage years

[Debbi Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A riveting read of the life of a booker/producer. Couldn't put it down.

[Vix S · Rating 4 out of 5]

A behind the scenes look at the colossal amount of effort that goes into producing what we see on television, and some great documentation of the tenacity of a good producer.

[Kim Ashworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting insight, gripping read

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not the book I expected it to be, but that doesn't mean it's any less worthwhile.

I entered into this book thinking that Sam was the interviewer and this would be about the questioning of certain interviews, but instead Sam is a producer, and that in itself is a fascinating thing given the role of a producer in relation to interviews is an undervalued and underappreciated one.

While there are countless books on interviews - many are great, many are not - Scoops does something unique, in that Sam outlines the process it takes to secure major exclusive interviews, and to work with subjects and their media/legal/PR team to get the right interview. Sometimes this goes wrong - after all, some subjects think they're stepping into one kind of interview, only to find it's something else entirely - but sometimes it goes right.

Sam's role as a producer is to set these things up in place, support the interviewer, and then in some cases, support the subject. She talks about that continued connection with her subjects long after the interview, almost like a therapist or a counsellor.

And this is maybe the aspect I appreciated the most about Scoops, Sam outlines the supportive role and interviewer can be in the process, while also outlining the critical and excoriating role they can be too. But that supporting aspect is, to an outsider, an unexpected one. After all, the time spent with a subject can be fleeting. But the reality is that as a producer or interviewer, you're facilitating the path of someone's personal experiences to a wider public. You then become intrinsically tied to those subjects and their history, depending on the weight of the interview.

Sam actively changed lives here, and Scoops outlines in clinical detail how she managed to achieve that.

So, while this isn't the book I expected it to be, it's still a mighty fine read.

[EH Ong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must confess that I picked up this book only after watching an intriguing Netflix movie based on it (it's amazing how often Netflix provides inspiration for my reading!) The movie focused on how the BBC had secured and produced an interview with Prince Andrew which turned out to be so damning (largely due to his tone deaf responses) that he was compelled thereafter to resign as a working royal. I expected the book to focus only on this episode as well, so I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the book's scope was broader, and covered the author's different experiences as a BBC producer working with a range of newsmakers/media personalities, from Stormy Daniels to Julian Assange. As a huge fan of the BBC (I think it produces some of the most brilliant documentaries and infotainment programmes), it was fascinating to learn about the effort which goes behind the scenes in producing a news programme. It was also a little disappointing to learn that like all organisations, the BBC is far from perfect: based on the author's accounts, it grapples with issues of bureaucracy, inefficiencies, and inequitable treatment of staff. In spite of all this, it is clear that the author was deeply passionate about her job. As a producer on BBC's Newsnight programme, her job was to come up with programme ideas, persuade (sometimes hound) newsmakers to come on the show, and deal with all the production logistics for an interview, amongst a host of other duties. I was impressed in particular by how her street-smart, "hustling" ways and negotiation skills allowed her to secure interviews with so many interesting newsmakers. Overall, Scoops provides a compelling read for anyone who's interested in getting some some insider scoops into how the media industry works.

[Lynn P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant.

I saw the author talking on TV about her book and she was so engaging that I thought I would look to review her book. Luckily for me the audio was available and I listened to it in two sittings.

Sam McAlister narrates the book herself and it really made me feel like she was just telling her tales directly to me. She's got all the right tone in her voice and although it is fast paced that really suits the subject. There is no boring details it's just like a work experience day with her. She must have kept some very good diaries because the detail is amazing. I could have listened to her forever.

I am not really that interested in politics or the news but the fact that the author was previously a barrister drew me in. It's a career she fell into and the early part of the book covers her life growing up and going to Uni, where she literally fell into law. Deciding the stress was not for her she then ventured into radio and then Newsnight. Her skill set turned out to be the perfect match for these roles and listening to how she prepared for interviews was fascinating. I never really knew what a producer did, but I do now.

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this – it was hard to put down from start to finish!

I found Scoops to be utterly compelling reading, and Sam to be a terrific storyteller. I found myself as completely engrossed in her personal journey from barrister-to-journalist - largely while juggling responsibilities as a single mum - as I did in each of her individual “scoops”.

It’s an exciting read that brings to life what it’s like to try and secure some of the world’s biggest and most exclusive interviews, with her saving *that* interview with Prince Andrew, the piece de resistance, till last.

But it’s also a very personal story about moving from a very rural upbringing into a cut-throat environment, and trying to achieve what most people would think impossible. It’s hard not to love Sam as she takes you on her very personal journey, and navigates her way through some of the most difficult Newsnight interviews.

For anyone seeking to go into journalism, it’s a must read – up there with Piers Morgan’s The Insider.

More broadly, it’s an enticing read that gives real insight into what it’s like working in the BBC, being in the same room as people like Julian Assange, and negotiating interviews with some of the most controversial world figures of the last decade.

[Neil Fulwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Subtitled ‘the BBC’s most shocking interviews from Steven Seagal to Prince Andrew’, it’s the latter that most readers will be interested in and it merits three chapters to everyone else’s one. Indeed, some of the other interviews McAlister dwells on barely register, let alone count as “shocking”. The 22 pages devoted to Emily Maitlis’s frankly boring Newsnight interview with Amy Schumer is just so much padding and seems to be motivated by little more than McAlister’s personal dislike of Schumer.

It’s a bit of a scattershot book, to be honest, and - strangely, given that McAlister has worked as a lawyer as well as a producer, both professions where precise communication is essential - her prose style is wonky, marked by tautologies, Americanisms, and a sloppy handle of prepositions.

It’s a quick and relatively entertaining read, but nowhere near the definitive account of Nonce Andrew’s televised demolition. Will Emily Maitlis’s memoir, up next on my reading list, redress that? Let’s find out.

[Roderick Vonhogen · Rating 4 out of 5]

"'Scoops: Behind the Scenes of the BBC's Most Shocking Interviews' is a fascinating account of McAllister's work at the BBC, arranging an array of high-profile interviews. The book really puts the spotlight on the talent and effort of people like her—work that’s often far more crucial to the success and impact of these interviews than what the interviewer contributes. As someone who works as an interviewer for a Dutch TV program, I really understand how essential this behind-the-scenes work is. Interviewers like me lean heavily on professionals like McAllister to deliver something memorable.

The end of the book focuses on the infamous interview with Prince Andrew about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. It’s a baffling story of how naive both the prince and his PR team were in agreeing to the interview—and how shockingly unprepared he was when it came to the actual conversation. McAllister calls it a masterclass in PR and crisis communication on what *not* to do or say when you’re under fire. Honestly, it’s a gripping read."

[Ralph Cunningham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nabbing an interview with a newsworthy personality is more, much more than calling their PR representative one day and them agreeing the next. Sam McAlister, a producer with BBC's Newsnight, takes you behind the scenes with this gripping look at what goes in to choosing and then booking an interviewer. McAlister goes through some of the programme's more memorable interview s of recent years, such as Stormy Daniels, Steven Seagal and possibly the most remarkable interview on UK television in recent years - Prince Andrew. A lot of the time who to interview is hardly a choice. If a person is in the news, it's slightly perverse not to interview them because they are on every other channel. Other targets are newsworthy but reluctant interviewees, so it's the skill and doggedness of the interview producer to identify a target and get them in the schedule. McAlister brings the negotiation and interplay between Newsnight and interview to life in an engaging and accessible style.

[Thekirkiepirate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having watched the Newsnight Prince Andrew interview and the film Scoop, I was very keen to read this and it didn't disappoint.

Rather than just focus on the Prince Andrew interview, she gives an account of some of the other interviews she managed to secure, as well as an account of working at the BBC. I was surprised to read about the fierce rivalry between different programmes, having assumed a more cooperative environment.

My only negative was that I felt some of the chapters were hurried over, and I would have liked a little more detail. However, she has a very engaging style.

Some of the background to the Prince Andrew interview was astonishing - for example, he seemed not to have taken any advice, legal or otherwise, as to whether he should have done the interview in the first place - I bet he now wishes that he had!

I see that she now runs negotiation skills courses - I would love to have been on one...

[Kanako Okiron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Piers Morgan reviewed this book in favour of presenter Sam McAlister? Despite her career in the BBC? No way! This would raise some eyebrows, but all is revealed at the end (spoiler) when Sam mentions that she quit the BBC over a dispute over pay rises and the toxic culture which is frankly hinted throughout the book. I praise her for doing so, as there are many issues that need to be addressed with Australia’s national broadcaster, the ABC (where I’m writing from). Sam McAlister gives such great insight, she must be an amazing person to work with who is skilled at her job. I usually skim through the contents and I could not have expected her to be the one to interview radio host Mel Greig ten years ago! As someone who was too young to remember the tragic circumstances that unfolded in the hands of our media, I devoured this chapter the most, to say the least.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Scoop is coming out soon, with Gillian Anderson as Emily Maitlis, a role she’s reportedly said was more challenging than playing Mrs Thatcher. So, I read the book the film is based on, Scoops, by Sam McAlister, the ‘booker extraordinaire’ of Newsnight exclusives.

There are chapters on Julian Assange, Amy Schumer, Sean Spicer and Paul Flowers as well as of course Prince Andrew, which makes up the final chapter of the book.

I enjoyed the glimpse behind the scenes of how the programme Newsnight comes to screen each evening, and particularly remembering Jeremy Paxman’s great work as an interviewer.

I found some of the chapters less interesting - the Amy Schumer chapter I could have done without, to be honest. But overall, a diverting read.

[Ffelicis97 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating page-turner of a book. I binge-read this book after having watched the movie Scoop on Netflix ! I mostly read it in one sitting with only one major interruption (that of watching the actual BBC Newsnight interview of Prince Andrew and falling into the rabbit hole of Epstein/Maxwell documentaries) to get the full context of the last three chapters of this book.

In addition to being an excellent account of the numerous interviews that Sam McAlister booked for BBC Newsnight, it was also a crashcourse on the major cultural/political events that took place in the years 2012-2019, handled with the perfect combination of nuance and broad strokes. McAlister's badassery and competence delightfully spill out of every page of this book that I simply could not put down!

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve never read a book this fast! It’s a page turner. I finished it in 2 days. Good for a fun summer read as well as for anyone interested in media, journalism, pr, communication or who wants to read about celebs and the royals!!! There’s also some politics in there as well. She gives a frank and approachable insight into her work and the challenges of working at big media organizations. I think anyone who is interested in the workings of the BBC or mainstream media will also find it fascinating. It’s also really Inspiring to read about how she hustled her way to be so successful as a single mum and someone who appears to have remained true to themselves during the whole process

[Julie Chamaa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sam McAllister has certainly bagged many interviews that are interesting and which are recounted in this memoir but the one which exposed Prince Andrew as a sleazy, pervert who associated with the biggest of sleazy perverts seems to have been the prized highlight - the biggest career scoop! Yet this book is somewhat disappointing, smug and full of artificial self praise. The Queen had a photo in a frame which looked as if it was from IKEA. Wow, such detail or was this an attempt by the author at a metaphor for how cheap and worthless the monarchy seems to be.

Interview transcripts would have been more authentic.
Perhaps the movie will be better - who knows!

[Joe Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick recounting of some of the most well-known, interesting, harrowing and absurd interviews by the Newsnight Producer Sam McAlister.

From 'The Crystal Methodist' Paul Flowers, Steven Segal to finally culminating in Prince Andrew's disastrous (for him) November 2019 interview with Emily Maitlis about his shady connection to Paedophile Financier Jeffrey Epstein, McAlister's account is funny, insightful and sobering into some of the most revealing interviews the BBC conducted in 21st Century.

I only reserve criticism for the book's relatively short length, but a hugely entertaining read.

4/5 stars.

[Issys · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I may have just read my book of the year…Scoops by Sam McAlister , the producer/booker of the BBC’s Newsnight. It illustrates the huge amount of work goes into getting TV interviews, and how the pivitol role of producer typically goes unrecorded. The author reads the audiobook herself, and does a fabulous job. My pet hate of some audiobooks is the way they are ‘ptoductiobs’, withe special effects and narrators attempting dodgy accents! As an avid reader before having problems with reading print, I need have, or want these, so why should I have to suffer them in an audio version, I just want a straight read of the book, which is exactly what is book is - so refreshing!

[Jono Weir · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure what to expect really from this book!
I remember the famous Prince Andrew interview and all - so that was my main Interest then watching Netflix’s recent drama had me buzzed for this book! I hadn’t expected it to cover other stories and such - but some were rather interesting, others for me were not. I had picked this book out of a charity shop and now I’ve read it I’m happy to put it back to a charity shop! Very much a once you’ve read it once, there’s no need to read it again book! But was a quick read.

[Niamh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though perhaps not as in-depth as Emily Maitlis' 'Airhead' (in which this book finds a similar vein), 'Scoops' is nevertheless a fascinating insight into some of Newsnight's most intriguing interviews. From members of the Trump administration to the car-crash-in-real-time that was the Prince Andrew interview, McAlister provides a wholly unique perspective on each interview and details the true work of a producer during her time at the BBC.

[Ami · Rating 3 out of 5]

A look behind the scenes of the negotiations preceding some of the world’s biggest interviews. Although many are interesting, the backstory behind the now-infamous Prince Andrew interview is the most incredible. After 6 solid months of negotiations, the production team behind the interview were just as shocked as it unfolded as the rest of the world was to be.

As someone who has no idea what the world of media is like, this book was a good peek behind the curtain.