Power 98

Power 98

Year: 1996

Runtime: 89 mins

Language: English

Director: Jaime Hellman

ThrillerActionMystery

Tune In For Murder A controversial talk show host becomes involved in the murder of a beautiful woman in a war for ratings.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Power 98 (1996)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Power 98 (1996). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Los Angeles, Phoenix

Power 98 primarily unfolds in Los Angeles, the heart of the entertainment and radio world, where Karlin's on‑air bravado collides with ruthless competition. The Phoenix area anchors his early career at KPHX, establishing the base from which he launches his rise to stardom. The film's setting showcases glossy studios, late‑night shifts, and the high‑stakes culture of fame and ratings.

🌆 City 🎵 Media industry 🗺️ Entertainment hub

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:51

Main Characters – Power 98 (1996)

Meet the key characters of Power 98 (1996), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Karlin Pickett (Eric Roberts)

A fearless, boundary‑pushing radio host whose charm masks a capacity for manipulation and murder. He drives the show with ruthless confidence, orchestrating calls to fabricate crimes to boost ratings while secretly plotting victims’ demise. His arrogance ultimately collides with consequences when the truth begins to surface.

🔥 Charismatic 🧠 Manipulative 🎙️ Narcissistic 🔪 Murderer

Jon Price (Jason Gedrick)

An aspiring DJ who starts as Karlin's ally but grows increasingly uneasy with the artist's deception. He is pulled into a dangerous orbit of fame, power, and moral compromise, ultimately choosing to expose the truth and face the personal cost. His loyalty clashes with his integrity as events escalate.

🎯 Ambitious 🕊️ Moral compass 🎙️ Radio career

Sharon Penn (Jennie Garth)

Jon's partner and a lawyer who becomes disenchanted with the rapid, flash‑driven lifestyle around Karlin. She grows frustrated by Jon's obsession with wealth and his affair with Cynthia, ultimately signaling a break in their relationship.

💔 Disillusioned 🎯 Professional 🗨️ Loyal

Vivian Porter (Lisa Thornhill)

Karlin's date who dies after a fight, a key turning point that propels his crime spree and forces Jon to confront the consequences of Karlin's actions. Her death underscores the real stakes behind the radio theatre of confessions.

💔 Victim 🌟 Social figure 💬 Tragic

Cynthia Berkley (Leonora Scelfo)

A professional who becomes entangled in Karlin's schemes and later falls victim to his murder. Her involvement with Karlin deepens the moral complications central to the plot.

🗝️ Secretive 💔 Victim 💃 Professional

Rick Harris (Stephen Tobolowsky)

Owner of KOZY who greenlights Karlin's controversial show in pursuit of rising ratings. He embodies the business side of broadcasting, where success often overrides ethics and caution.

💼 Boss 📈 Ratings-driven 🗣️ Studio executive

Det. Wilkinson (James Pickens Jr.)

A police detective who investigates the series of crimes and the ensuing fallout. He represents the law and attempts to bring accountability to the escalating chaos surrounding the radio crew.

🕵️ Investigator 🧩 Authority 👮 Law

Eddie (voice) (Matt Letscher)

Voice role in the broadcast dynamic; part of the on-air team that supplements the show’s confessional format and chaotic energy.

🎙️ On-air voice 🗨️ Radio partner

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:51

Major Themes – Power 98 (1996)

Explore the central themes of Power 98 (1996), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎙️ Media Power

The film shows how the lure of ratings can override ethics, pushing a host to push boundary‑paring antics and even orchestrate real‑world crime for audience engagement. Karlin's sensational on‑air confessions blur truth and fiction, highlighting the corrosive influence of media fame. The radio studio becomes a stage where power, money, and attention shape ruthless behavior.

🕵️ Deception & Consequences

Karlin's manipulations draw in colleagues and lovers into a web of deceit. Jon's moral awakening clashes with Karlin's control, setting up a confrontation that tests loyalty and truth. The plot shows how lies, once broadcast, cannot stay hidden forever and lead toward a tipping point.

⚖️ Justice & Redemption

As evidence accumulates, a climactic reveal unfolds with a microphone confession and police intervention. Karlin meets his end in a confrontation with authorities, while Jon withdraws from the chaotic world to seek redemption. The ending underscores accountability and the possibility of starting anew after moral collapse.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 16:51

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Power 98 Summary

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Power 98 Summary

Power 98 Timeline

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Power 98 Timeline

Power 98 Spoiler-Free Summary

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Power 98 Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Power 98

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