Good Night, and Good Luck.

The film opens on October 25, 1958, during a prestigious dinner honoring Edward R. Murrow. The grand event is attended by elegantly dressed guests, and as Ed takes the stage, he is celebrated as a hero against McCarthyism, setting a tense and vital backdrop for what follows.

During his speech, Ed criticizes the media's focus on only good news and laments the disconnect reporters have with reality. His observations create an uneasy atmosphere among the attendees, while Fred Friendly appears to appreciate Ed's boldness, indicating the underlying tensions in journalism.

The narrative flashes back to 1953, where Joe Wershba and his wife Shirley find themselves alone in the copy room. Their conversation about a troubling loyalty oath reveals the pressures they face under McCarthy's regime, culminating in Shirley's reluctant decision to sign the oath to protect Joe's job.

In a tense conference room, newsmen discuss potential stories but hesitate, especially regarding those tied to McCarthy. A dismissal of an Air Force officer due to familial communist ties becomes the main focus, leading the crew to decide on an investigation despite fears of McCarthy’s retaliation.

The crew sends a team to Chicago to investigate the case of the unjustly dismissed Air Force officer. This decision marks a crucial point in their reporting, showcasing their commitment to uncovering the truth despite potential dangers posed by McCarthy’s regime.

In a poignant moment, the crew reviews footage of the Air Force officer expressing concern for his children's future amidst political persecution. Ed advocates for airing this story, while others hesitate due to sponsorship conflicts, highlighting the tension between journalistic integrity and corporate pressure.

Following the airing of their critical segment, the team gathers at a bar to gauge the public's reaction. While initial reviews are positive, they soon face backlash, particularly as the ramifications affect Don Hollenbeck, who feels the weight of the criticism deeply.

William Paley, the head of CBS, reprimands Fred for their controversial coverage, particularly concerning their relationship with Alcoa. His ambiguous stance reveals his struggle between supporting the news team and recognizing the potential dangers of their reporting.

Joe receives a warning from a government official about potential repercussions for their critical broadcasts against McCarthy. This moment heightens the stakes for Joe and Shirley, who navigate their personal and professional lives under constant scrutiny.

With renewed determination, the news team launches a counterattack against Senator McCarthy during a Senate hearing. They expose discrepancies in his accusations, sparking public outcry against McCarthy, highlighting the power of media in holding figures accountable.

Ed invites McCarthy to appear on air to defend himself, providing an open platform for McCarthy to launch counterattacks. This pivotal moment demonstrates the broader clash between McCarthy and the news team, showcasing the risks they take in pursuing the truth.

The team learns that the Air Force officer they supported has been reinstated, a small victory overshadowed by the tragic news of Don Hollenbeck’s suicide. This heartbreaking event illustrates the extreme pressures faced by those in the field and the stakes of their work.

Joe and Shirley are called in regarding layoffs linked to their secret marriage, pushing them to confront the realities of workplace regulations. Defiantly, they reclaim their wedding rings, and Joe chooses to resign, prioritizing integrity over corporate pressures.

Ed confronts William Paley about the network's decision to reduce their airtime, emphasizing his commitment to bold journalism amid corporate fears. This confrontation underscores the ongoing battle for journalistic integrity in a climate of fear and censorship.

Returning to the gala on October 25, 1958, Ed concludes his pivotal speech, reminding everyone of journalists' essential role in holding the public accountable. With the iconic closing line, he captures the essence of the film's message about truth-telling.