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.

Power 98 (1996) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Power 98 (1996) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the cut‑throat world of late‑night radio, a station’s success hinges on the shock value it can deliver to an audience hungry for scandal. The airwaves of Los Angeles pulse with a blend of brassy ambition and restless curiosity, where on‑air personalities are both entertainers and provocateurs, and the race for ratings feels like a high‑stakes game of influence.

Karlin Pickett is a magnetic disc jockey whose fearless flirting and blunt banter have already turned him into a cult figure at his Phoenix home base. After a tumultuous personal episode, he relocates to L.A. and joins the edgy lineup at KOZY, a station owned by the seasoned yet sly Rick Harris. Karlin’s larger‑than‑life presence quickly reshapes the station’s vibe, pushing the limits of what listeners expect from a talk show host.

Jon Price arrives as an eager, up‑and‑coming DJ, drawn into Karlin’s orbit and soon paired as a co‑host. His relationship with Sharon Penn, an ambitious young lawyer, grounds him in a world outside the studio, offering a counterbalance to the seductive allure of the microphone. As the duo’s chemistry sparks, they experiment with daring formats that blur the line between entertainment and confession, inviting callers to voice their deepest secrets on air.

The film swims in a tone that is simultaneously glossy and gritty, bathing its characters in neon‑lit studios and the restless hum of a city that never sleeps. Ambition, ego, and the pursuit of ever‑higher ratings create a palpable tension, hinting at the moral compromises that may be required to stay on top. Within this electric atmosphere, each personality battles personal desire against professional pressure, leaving the audience to wonder how far the quest for fame will push them before the static finally takes over.

Last Updated: October 27, 2025 at 16:40

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Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Thrillers about media corruption like Power 98

Stories where the hunger for fame and ratings destroys moral boundaries.If you liked the media-fueled moral collapse in Power 98, you'll find similar movies here. These are tense, cynical stories about TV hosts, journalists, and public figures whose ambition leads them into a web of deception, crime, and ethical ruin.

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Narrative Summary

These narratives typically follow a protagonist who starts with a drive for success, only to find that the system they operate in (media, politics, etc.) rewards increasingly unethical behavior. The plot often involves a central deception that spirals out of control, blurring the lines between performance and reality, and forcing a confrontation with the consequences of their actions.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread share a dark, cynical tone and a focus on the corrupting influence of power and public perception. They feature morally ambiguous characters, high-stakes manipulation, and a gripping sense of paranoia as personal ambition clashes with ethical decay.

Fast-paced conspiracy thrillers similar to Power 98

High-stakes chases where the protagonist is trapped in a conspiracy.Fans of the relentless pacing and high tension in Power 98 will enjoy these movies. They are action-packed mysteries where a lone character uncovers a dark secret, leading to a breathless cat-and-mouse game with life-or-death stakes.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a rapid inciting incident that thrusts an ordinary person into extraordinary danger. The plot unfolds at a breakneck speed with a series of escalating revelations and close calls. The protagonist often can't trust anyone as they piece together a puzzle, leading to a final, explosive confrontation.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their fast pacing, high intensity, and pervasive sense of paranoia. They create a consistently suspenseful and anxious viewing experience, focusing on a character's desperate fight for survival and truth against a shadowy, manipulative adversary.

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Power 98 Summary

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Power 98 Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Power 98

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Power 98

More About Power 98

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