1987
Driven news producer Jane Craig navigates the competitive world of broadcast journalism, torn between her intellectual colleague Aaron Altman and the charismatic, but less principled, anchor Tom Grunick. Jane initially champions Tom, helping him rise through the ranks despite Aaron's cynical warnings about Tom's lack of journalistic integrity and his focus on presentation over substance. As Tom's career ascends, fueled by his on-screen charm, Jane finds herself increasingly attracted to him, while Aaron, deeply in love with Jane, struggles with his own professional frustrations and unrequited feelings. The network undergoes significant layoffs, and Tom is reassigned to London, prompting Jane to consider leaving with him, but her discovery of Tom faking a tearful reaction during an interview exposes his superficiality.
Save the Cat beat sheet
Broadcast News follows the professional and personal tensions among three newsroom colleagues as they navigate career ambitions, romantic entanglements, and ethical compromises.
Open full beat sheetTom Grunick is listed as Network News Anchor. Handsome, charismatic, lacks traditional journalistic depth but excels at the 'star system' of news. In the parsed data, Tom Grunick is connected to 29 scenes, 11 dialogue lines, 11 text mentions, first appearing around scene 2.
29 scenes / 11 dialogue linesJane Craig is listed as Network News Producer. Driven, obsessive, highly competent, struggles with personal relationships and professional ethics. In the parsed data, Jane Craig is connected to 26 scenes, 9 dialogue lines, 9 text mentions, first appearing around scene 5.
26 scenes / 9 dialogue linesAaron Altman is listed as Network News Reporter. Highly intelligent, earnest, cynical, struggles with insecurity and professional frustration. In the parsed data, Aaron Altman is connected to 18 scenes, 8 dialogue lines, 8 text mentions, first appearing around scene 3.
18 scenes / 8 dialogue linesErnie Merriman is listed as Washington Bureau Chief. Honorable, veteran newsman, part of the 'golden age'. In the parsed data, Ernie Merriman is connected to 6 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 6.
6 scenes / 2 dialogue linesBlair Litton is listed as Assistant Director. Prone to panic under pressure, ambitious. In the parsed data, Blair Litton is connected to 4 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 6.
4 scenes / 1 dialogue linesBuddy Felton is listed as News Source. Nervous, gay, provides inside information to Tom. In the parsed data, Buddy Felton is connected to 3 scenes, 3 dialogue lines, 3 text mentions, first appearing around scene 7.
3 scenes / 3 dialogue linesBill Rorish is listed as Network News Anchor. Journalistic king, experienced, charismatic. In the parsed data, Bill Rorish is connected to 3 scenes, first appearing around scene 6.
3 scenes / 0 dialogue linesGerald Grunick is listed as Father of Tom Grunick. A restaurant supply salesman, optimistic. In the parsed data, Gerald Grunick is connected to 2 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 2.
2 scenes / 1 dialogue linesJennifer Mack is listed as Correspondent. Pioneer beauty in news, well-trained. In the parsed data, Jennifer Mack is connected to 1 scene, first appearing around scene 6.
1 scenes / 0 dialogue linesGerald Grunick finishes his work day and gets into his truck where his son Tom is waiting.
Gerald Grunick, Tom GrunickGerald and Tom have a conversation about Tom's looks and his poor report card.
Gerald Grunick, Tom GrunickAaron Altman delivers his valedictory speech to a mixed reception.
Aaron AltmanAaron is bullied by other students after graduation.
Aaron AltmanYoung Jane Craig is interrupted by her father while writing letters to pen pals.
Jane CraigThe team watches the Central American news piece; Jane receives praise from Bill Rorish, causing tension with Aaron.
Tom Grunick, Aaron Altman, Jane Craig, Ernie Merriman, Bill Rorish, Blair LittonAaron attempts to interview Buddy Felton, but the interview goes poorly and is aborted.
Tom Grunick, Aaron Altman, Buddy FeltonTom walks with Buddy, who offers him inside information.
Tom Grunick, Buddy FeltonTom presents his scoop to Ernie and George, but they decide not to run it.
Tom Grunick, Ernie MerrimanTom and Buddy discuss Tom's upcoming special report and their personal relationship.
Tom Grunick, Buddy FeltonJane prepares to produce the special report while Tom anchors.
Jane Craig, Blair Litton, Ernie Merriman, Tom GrunickAaron watches the news and provides input to Jane via phone.
Aaron Altman, Jane CraigJane manages the final minutes of the broadcast under pressure.
Jane Craig, Tom Grunick, Ernie Merriman, Bill RorishTom coaches Aaron on his news presentation, including physical posture and delivery techniques.
Tom Grunick, Aaron AltmanTom continues coaching Aaron on eye contact and delivery style.
Tom Grunick, Aaron AltmanAaron and Tom share a final moment where Tom gives career advice.
Tom Grunick, Aaron AltmanJane prepares for a date while Aaron visits to show her his outfit.
Aaron Altman, Jane Craig, Tom GrunickJane and Aaron share a moment before she leaves for her date.
Aaron Altman, Jane CraigJane rides to her date.
Jane CraigJane arrives at the hotel and meets Tom.
Jane Craig, Tom GrunickAaron prepares for his weekend news anchor debut.
Aaron AltmanJane and Tom navigate the dinner event.
Jane Craig, Tom GrunickAaron anchors the news but suffers from severe sweating.
Aaron AltmanTom and Jane talk about their relationship.
Tom Grunick, Jane CraigJane visits Aaron after his broadcast.
Aaron Altman, Jane CraigTom waits for Jane; they have a tense phone call.
Tom Grunick, Jane CraigJane checks her messages.
Jane CraigErnie is fired from his job.
Ernie MerrimanJane works while layoffs begin.
Jane Craig, Blair LittonJane confronts Tom while his father is present.
Jane Craig, Tom GrunickBill Rorish visits the bureau during layoffs.
Bill RorishTom visits Jane to discuss his father's opinion.
Tom Grunick, Jane CraigTom is told he is being reassigned to London.
Tom GrunickAaron and Tom discuss their futures as layoffs continue.
Aaron Altman, Tom Grunick, Ernie MerrimanTom packs his belongings into a wastebasket and leaves a note for the next occupant.
Tom GrunickTom walks through the newsroom as people pack up; he sees Jane saying goodbye to colleagues.
Tom Grunick, Jane Craig, Blair LittonTom and Jane discuss their future and Tom proposes a trip to an island.
Tom Grunick, Jane CraigJane calls Aaron to tell him she is leaving.
Aaron Altman, Jane CraigAaron and Jane discuss their careers and their relationship.
Aaron Altman, Jane CraigJane watches the outtakes of Tom's interview and realizes he faked his reaction.
Jane CraigJane confronts Tom about the faked interview at the airport.
Tom Grunick, Jane CraigJane catches up to Tom at the boarding ramp.
Tom Grunick, Jane CraigJane leaves the airport.
Jane CraigSeven years later, Tom gives a speech at a broadcasting convention.
Tom Grunick, Aaron AltmanTom, Aaron, and Jane meet for a final conversation.
Tom Grunick, Aaron Altman, Jane CraigI think the pilot that shot down the Libyan in 1981 is stationed right here. Maybe you could get him -- and maybe Tom should say that our F-14 is one of the hardest planes to fly. They're nicknamed 'Tomcats'.
The latest message seems to indicate that the Libyan pilot was acting on his own without authority from anyone else. In other words, I think we're okay.
I just found out. You didn't say anything to me? You just resign? Will you meet me now? -- No, now! I'm going away tomorrow. Please.
I don't know a recent Saturday I've sold more. You didn't think I'd sell that health restaurant, did you?
You finally got a piece in a few minutes early and I hear Bill loved it.
These people -- it's all so awful. It just hurts physically, doesn't it?
The Secretary of Labor is going to be indicted on Wednesday.
It's not even a close call. Of course we can't go with it.
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