DEADLINES AND DATELINES

These quick commentaries on news and events--large and small, local, national and international--offer a unique personal glimpse of the man behind the anchorman. David Ackroyd makes Dan Rather's essays lively and entertaining, as well as informative. When Rather sometimes strays into sermonizing, the listener isn't subjected to the tone and delivery of a news reader. Since Rather is privy to all the details surrounding news events that include celebrity murders, the state of America's classrooms and political scandals, he has a lot to say, but he keeps his observations short and thoughtful. Ackroyd's easy skill with these vignettes makes this a delightful listen on short trips around town. H.L.S. © AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC/JAN 00]