Network

In September 1975, Howard Beale learns from his friend Max Schumacher that he will be terminated from the UBS Evening News due to significantly dropping ratings. This devastating news strikes Beale hard, as he realizes his decades-long career is coming to an abrupt end.

That same night, Beale provocatively announces to his audience that he plans to commit suicide during the next Tuesday newscast. His declaration stuns viewers and prompts the network to consider immediate action to remove him from the air.

Max Schumacher intervenes, insisting that Beale deserves a dignified farewell rather than a rushed dismissal. This decision reflects Schumacher's struggle with the pressures from the network while also trying to protect his friend's well-being.

At the annual stockholder's meeting, CCA's CEO Frank Hackett announces a shift towards making the news division accountable to the local network. This revelation blindsides Schumacher and threatens his influential position in the newsroom.

In a surprising turn, instead of an apology, Beale delivers a passionate tirade on live television, calling life 'bullshit' and expressing his outrage. The network is taken aback, but Schumacher sees potential in Beale's raw emotions.

After his emotional outburst, Beale's unconventional candidness captivates viewers and leads to a massive spike in ratings. This newfound popularity catches the UBS executives off guard, prompting them to leverage his public persona.

As a result of his rising fame, Beale is given a new program titled The Howard Beale Show. This launch propels Beale into a position of national prominence, making his show one of the top-rated programs in the country.

Schumacher experiences turmoil in his personal life as his marriage to Louise deteriorates amidst the show's success. As he grows closer to Diana Christensen, the complications in his personal and professional life begin to intertwine dangerously.

Diana Christensen seeks to take full control of Beale's image, aiming to turn him into a more marketable figure. However, this causes tension between her and Schumacher as they clash over how to best manage Beale’s newfound success.

As Beale shifts his focus to addressing serious societal issues, the show's ratings begin to decline. Audiences are overwhelmed by the darker narrative, putting pressure on the network executives who fear losing their ratings-driven revenue.

Fearing the consequences of Beale's influence and the potential for declining ratings, UBS executives hatch a dramatic plot to assassinate him live on air. This extreme decision underscores the network's prioritization of viewership over human life.

In a chilling climax, Beale is killed live on air as part of the network's ruthless strategy to regain control. This shocking event marks the abrupt end of The Howard Beale Show, leaving audiences stunned and provoking widespread outrage.

Following Beale's assassination, the network hastily introduces a new program titled The Mao Tse-Tung Hour. This transition signifies a dark new chapter for the network and reflects the ruthless nature of entertainment driven exclusively by profit.

The film concludes with a voice-over highlighting the legacy of Howard Beale, noting that he was the first to be killed due to poor ratings. This chilling commentary encapsulates the tragic reality of a world where human life is sacrificed for entertainment value.