Good Night, and Good Luck

On October 25, 1958, Ed Murrow delivers a speech at the 'A Salute to Edward R Murrow' gathering, where he mentions Senator McCarthy among others. This speech underscores the importance of honest journalism and the responsibility of media to hold power to account. The scene sets a tone of integrity in Murrow's character and the film's focus on media ethics.

The film reverts to October 14, 1953, showing the CBS Studios where on-screen titles explain that McCarthy claims there are over 200 Communists in the US government. This marks the beginning of the political climate of suspicion and the threat of McCarthy's anti-communist crusade targeting government officials.

Fred Friendly and the CBS news team discuss their investigative options regarding Milo Radulovich, who was discharged from the Air Force due to his family’s alleged communist ties. Murrow proposes examining the story further, highlighting concerns about military justice and the fairness of Radulovich’s treatment.

Joseph Wershba interviews Milo Radulovich, providing footage that raises questions about the fairness of his discharge. CBS faces pressure from military authorities to suppress the story, but is determined to broadcast the segment on Murrow's show 'See It Now', emphasizing journalistic integrity.

CBS airs the Radulovich story despite military objections. The segment confronts the injustice of his discharge and questions military authority, exemplifying Murrow’s pursuit of truth and courage in reporting controversial stories during a politically tense period.

The news team begins targeting Senator McCarthy, showcasing clips where he accuses individuals of being communists, including a man represented as having a connection to the ACLU. Murrow challenges McCarthy's methods, aiming to disclose the truth and expose falsehoods in his hearings.

Murrow personally invites McCarthy on his show to respond to allegations. During the segment, Murrow confronts McCarthy about his tactics, exposing the senator's lies and emphasizing that criticism of McCarthy is often met with accusations of communism, undermining McCarthy’s authority.

Following McCarthy's attack, Murrow delivers a powerful reply denying membership in the Communist Party and criticizing McCarthy’s methods. He highlights the dangers of McCarthy’s tactics and defends honest journalism as essential for democracy.

The tide turns against McCarthy as the Army-McCarthy hearings are televised, showing Joseph Welch questioning McCarthy’s conduct. Public opinion shifts, and McCarthy's influence diminishes as allegations are made against him, leading to his investigations and loss of support.

CBS reports the suicide of journalist Hollenbeck, who was accused of being a communist sympathizer. Chief executive Paley announces cuts to the program’s sponsorship and schedule changes, highlighting the increasing pressures and reprisals faced by the news team.

Due to loss of major sponsorship and internal pressures, CBS limits the number of episodes of Murrow’s show and relocates its schedule, signifying the suppression of dissenting investigative journalism during this period. This reflects the broader climate of fear and censorship.

Murrow concludes his speech emphasizing the vital role of television in informing and enlightening the public. He warns about the dangers of television becoming merely a conduit of wires and lights, advocating for integrity and responsibility in broadcast journalism.

Murrow wraps up with his iconic sign-off, reinforcing his message about the power and responsibility of media to serve truth and the public interest. The phrase becomes a call for journalistic integrity and a reminder of the importance of courageous reporting.