Broadcast News

In 1981, Jane Craig delivers a passionate keynote address at a local broadcasters' conference in Washington, D.C. She urges her industry peers to uphold journalistic integrity amidst increasing sensationalism, but her words receive little enthusiasm from the audience.

After the conference, Jane is approached by Tom Grunick, a charming but somewhat superficial news anchor. He praises her speech and accepts her invitation for dinner, setting the stage for their evolving relationship.

In her hotel room, Tom expresses his discomfort about his rise to fame and the pressure of reporting. Jane’s suggestion for him to improve his skills offends him, leading to a hasty exit.

Jane is surprised to learn that Tom has been promoted to the anchor position at her network. This news complicates their dynamic as she begins to mentor him.

When a military base in Italy is bombed, the network demands a live report with Tom as the anchor. Jane insists that her more qualified colleague Aaron should lead, but Paul Moore disregards her advice. During the broadcast, she discreetly aids Tom via an earpiece, resulting in a successful segment.

Following their successful collaboration, Tom and Jane's relationship becomes increasingly personal. Tom expresses his excitement after their teamwork, likening it to 'great sex,' which hints at his growing feelings for Jane.

After a drunken visit, Aaron subtly reveals his feelings for Jane, but she leaves to meet Tom at a bar, only to find him with another reporter. This encounter deepens her attraction to Tom, and she invites him to a gathering.

Inspired by their chemistry, Tom proposes a story on date rape, which Jane initially dismisses. However, the final piece stirs critical discussions and challenges Jane's traditional reporting views.

The network faces severe budget cuts, leading to job insecurities. Aaron, anxious to prove himself, requests the opportunity to anchor the weekend news, and Tom mentors him, highlighting their contrasting personalities.

At the prestigious dinner, Jane and Tom sneak away, seeking a private moment at the Jefferson Memorial. Their intimate encounter is interrupted as Jane remembers to check on Aaron, creating tension between her feelings and commitments.

Aaron invites Jane to dinner following their tumultuous evening at the dinner. She declines, revealing her feelings for Tom, but Aaron reminds her of her own values and the potential problems in her attraction to him.

After a mix-up in their plans, Jane confronts Tom at work for canceling their evening together. This emotional confrontation leads to a reconciliation that strengthens their connection.

As the station reorganizes, Jane is promoted to replace Ernie Merriman while Tom receives a posting in London. Meanwhile, Aaron decides to leave for a new anchor role in Portland after realizing he cannot thrive in their current environment.

Just before a planned vacation with Tom, Jane discovers that he had faked emotion during their reporting of the date rape story. Distraught and feeling betrayed, she cancels their trip, indicating a rift in their relationship.

Fast forward to 1987, the three reunite at a broadcasting conference. Jane, now a managing editor in New York City, reveals her success and new fulfilling relationship, while Tom and Aaron share their life developments.