At a time when TV news has been demonized and polarized, it's refreshing to read this colorful memoir by a groundbreaking journalist whose intelligence, integrity, and good humor propelled her to great heights—through the glass ceiling and beyond.
— Andrew Heyward, former president, CBS News
Linda Mason blazed a trail across the tough and sometimes hostile terrain of network TV news and helped clear a path for every woman who followed her. It's an inspiring story of brains, guts, and determination along with a colorful insider's account of one of America's most celebrated institutions by a pioneer who was there every step of the way—whether the guys liked it or not.
— Marcy McGinnis, former Sr. Vice President, CBS News
Linda Mason shows us what it took to report pivotal moments in history. At a time when trust in the news media needs it most, Linda explains the extraordinary work it took to get the story right, and the importance given to that effort. While she downplays just how remarkable it was that she, a woman, had a seat at the table, Linda Mason was at the center of that critical moment in the life of some of the most important stories of our time.
— Elisa Lees Muñoz, executive director, International Women's Media Foundation
Women everywhere are in debt to Linda Mason. Her perseverance helped make CBS News vibrant with the contributions of women and people of color. Speak Up is a fight for justice wrapped in the amazing adventures of an intrepid journalist.
— Scott Pelley, correspondent and anchor, CBS News
Linda Mason made such a strong impression on me when I was a new Broadcast Associate through standards seminars that she ran. I still invoke her name and think of her as a holy grail of sorts for thorough, serious vetting and consideration in news reporting.
— Josh Ravitz, senior director of rights and clearances, CBS News
Linda Mason has been a guiding light for CBS News and the hundreds of journalists she has helped along the way. Her life served as the perfect foundation for her inspirational and pivotal role. Linda not only broke through multiple glass ceilings, she made sure she would help others do the same. Speak Up is a testament to her legacy.
— Alturo Rhymes, executive story editor, CBS Evening News
I don't think there's another woman who could write a memoir like Linda Mason's. She was usually the only "she" in the room, influencing and shaping news coverage at CBS News for 30 years of major historical events. She writes colorfully about collaborating with Walter Cronkite and Dan Rather, about navigating and handling the #MeToo moments, and about juggling a big job with kids and a husband. She was in the room with real power. It's an extraordinary news flash and a wonderful book.
— Lesley Stahl, journalist, CBS News and 60 Minutes
Among the women pioneers in broadcast news, Linda Mason is best positioned to share invaluable context and perspective in her rise through the predicaments of gender politics at CBS where her talent and persistence prevailed.
— Matthew Winkler, co-founder and editor-in-chief emeritus, Bloomberg News