Best Media & Communications Industry Books of 2025

The book "Traffic: Genius, Rivalry, and Delusion in the Billion-Dollar Race to Go Viral" by Ben Smith is an insightful account of the early days of online media and the pursuit of attention at scale. Smith chronicles the candid inside tale of two online media rivals, Jonah Peretti of HuffPost and BuzzFeed, and Nick Denton of Gawker Media, who helped release the dark forces that would overtake the internet and American society. The book explores the unintended consequences of the pursuit of clicks and the great irony of our time: the internet, which was supposed to help the left remake the world in its image, has become the motive force of right populism. Overall, "Traffic" is a must-read book for anyone interested in the media and communications industry.

The book "Unscripted" by James B. Stewart and Rachel Abrams is a jaw-dropping tale of toxic wealth and greed that offers an unvarnished look at the inner workings of two public companies, their boards of directors, and a wealthy, dysfunctional family in the throes of seismic changes. The book offers an explosive and shocking inside story of the struggle for power and control at Paramount Global, the multibillion-dollar entertainment empire controlled by the Redstone family. It's an excellent read for anyone interested in the entertainment industry and corporate power struggles.

All You Need to Know About the Music Business, now in its tenth edition, is the definitive guide to the music industry. Written by veteran music lawyer Don Passman, this book offers timely and authoritative information on the most profound change in the music industry yet: streaming. Passman leads novices and experts alike through how to select and hire a winning team of advisors, navigate the ins and outs of record deals, songwriting, publishing, and copyrights, and how the game is played in a streaming world. This updated edition is more essential than ever for anyone trying to navigate the rapid transformation of the industry.

Unleash the Power of Storytelling by Rob Biesenbach is a practical guide that teaches readers how to craft and deliver compelling stories for personal and professional success. The author provides a clear roadmap and a five-step process to create powerful stories that can inspire, teach, and influence people to act. This book is a go-to authority for ambitious leaders who want to become masterful storytellers. The author's unique point of view and experience make this book stand out from the rest. Overall, this book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their storytelling skills and achieve their goals.

Ask Powerful Questions: Create Conversations That Matter by Will Wise and Chad Littlefield is a best-selling book that provides a set of practice tools for understanding others by changing the way we ask questions. The book shows how to transform meaningless small talk into conversations that change not only how you lead but who you are as a person. The Asking Powerful Questions Pyramid™ breaks down the art of asking into six simple steps for everyone to understand. It's a must-read for educators, business professionals, personal coaches, and anyone in a position of leadership who wants to build a culture of connection.

slide:ology: The Art and Science of Creating Great Presentations by Nancy Duarte, CEO of Duarte Design, is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their presentation skills. This book provides practical approaches to visual storytelling, with insightful case studies from the world's leading brands. Duarte challenges traditional approaches to creating slides by teaching readers how to be visual thinkers. With slide:ology, readers will learn how to connect with specific audiences, turn ideas into informative graphics, and develop truly influential presentations. This book is a valuable resource for professionals at any level and is a unique addition to the communication skills book genre.

This book, "Copywriting Secrets," is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their sales copy. The author emphasizes the importance of copywriting in all forms of business, from online to direct mail, and provides actionable steps to improve your skills. The book is written in a street-smart style, making it easy to understand and implement the techniques. What sets this book apart is the author's experience as one of the highest-paid copywriters in the world, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to increase their income and achieve a more fulfilling lifestyle.

Uncovered by Steve Krakauer is a must-read for anyone interested in media bias. The book delves into the biggest media disasters of recent years, from the COVID lab leak theory to Hunter Biden's laptop. Krakauer, a former CNN executive and media critic, reveals the truth behind these stories and explains why the media went off the rails. Through exclusive on-the-record interviews with media members, Krakauer offers never-before-seen details about the press over the past five years. Overall, Uncovered is a fascinating and insightful critique of the media that is both timely and necessary.

The book "Relationship Bank Account: How to Make Friends, Have Fun, and Attract Lifelong Success" offers readers practical insights on building and nurturing relationships to achieve success in life and business. The author draws from personal experience and success stories of others who have implemented the ideas presented in the book. The author's no-excuses approach challenges readers to be honest with themselves and take action. The inclusion of insights from successful individuals such as Drew Brees, Dan Fleyshman, and Neil Patel adds value to the book. Overall, this book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their relationships and achieve success.

The Gray Lady Winked is a thought-provoking book that delves into the history of the New York Times and the impact of its journalistic failures. The book reveals how the newspaper's ideological and political biases have influenced its coverage of events, leading to devastating consequences. The author's novelistic flair makes for a gripping read as he sheds light on the tangled relationship between media, power, and politics in a post-truth world. Overall, this book is an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the role of the media in shaping our world.