ACTION NEWS
BY CHRIS DUNLAP
2005
UNAUTHORIZED COPYING = I KILL YOU!
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
                                                              FADE IN:

               INT. A TV STUDIO - EVENING

               The Channel 6 anchors, JOHN BLAIR and LYNN REYNOLDS, sit at a
               desk looking at sheets of paper.  They raise their heads and
               look toward the camera as a graphic reading "CHANNEL 6 ACTION
               NEWS" flashes on the screen.  The CHANNEL 6 ANNOUNCER begins
               speaking as the shot zooms in on the desk.  Intense
               background music plays throughout the scene.

                                   CHANNEL 6 ANNOUNCER (V.O.)
                         Tonight, on Channel 6 Action News:
                         Is your tap water really safe?

               The picture switches to a shot of a glass filling with tap
               water.  A computer-generated question mark appears over it.

                                   CHANNEL 6 ANNOUNCER (CONT'D)
                         Find out why you could be in
                         danger.  Then, our Action Weather
                         Team will help you prepare for the
                         work week with your seven day
                         forecast.

               A quick montage of various weather conditions accompanies the
               ANNOUNCER.

                                   CHANNEL 6 ANNOUNCER (CONT'D)
                         And our top story: The battle for
                         City Hall.  Who will be the next
                         mayor of Homestead?  See the latest
                         polls and watch live interviews
                         with the candidates.  

               The picture shows various city government buildings and brief
               shots from campaign events.

                                   CHANNEL 6 ANNOUNCER (CONT'D)
                         All this and more tonight on
                         Channel 6 Action News!

               The shot switches back to the studio, and the anchors smile
               at the camera.  The picture suddenly goes black.

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. LEACH'S OFFICE 

               GREGORY LEACH, 56, news director for Channel 4, sits at his
               desk with a remote control in his  hand. 
               He is a balding, heavyset man with a grim demeanor.  He turns
               to four members of his staff, who sit around a table behind
               him. 

                                   LEACH
                         Gentlemen...how long has Channel 4
                         had the top news show in town?

                                   EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
                         Eight years.

                                   LEACH
                         Eight years.  Right.  And how long
                         has Channel 6 had a news program?

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR
                         About three months.

                                   LEACH
                         Exactly.  So tell me...if we've
                         been here so much longer, then why
                         are we suddenly number two in
                         ratings?

               All sit and stare at LEACH for a few seconds.

                                   LEACH (CONT'D)
                         Well?

                                   ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
                         Greg, if I can-

                                   LEACH
                         Hey!  What did I tell you?

                                   ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
                         Sorry, Mr. Leach...sir.

                                   LEACH
                         Go on.

                                   ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
                         Well...people like new things,
                         right?  They're just trying
                         something different.  Give them a
                         few weeks, and they'll come back to
                         us. 

                                   LEACH
                         A few weeks?  We're losing viewers
                         every day!  

                                   NEWS PRODUCER
                         Maybe the election will-

               LEACH stands up.

                                   LEACH
                         The election won't matter if
                         nobody's watching our show!  If we
                         don't keep our ratings up, we'll
                         lose our advertisers...and our
                         jobs.  You know how this works.

               The ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR stands up.

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR
                         Can I say something?

               LEACH signals that he can.

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR (CONT'D)
                         Look at Channel 6's style.  That's
                         obviously what people like, right?

               Everyone slowly nods in agreement.

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR (CONT'D)
                         And our show is basically the same
                         as it was eight years ago, isn't
                         it?

                                   LEACH
                         What's your point?

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR
                         Maybe it's time for us to make some
                         changes.    

                                   LEACH
                         Keep talking.

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR
                         I was thinking that-

               The DIRECTOR opens the door and cuts him off.

                                   DIRECTOR
                         Hey, Greg, are we doing a show
                         tonight or not?

                                   LEACH
                         We'll continue this conversation
                         later.

               LEACH gets up and follows the DIRECTOR.

                                                           DISSOLVE TO:

               EXT. A RURAL ROAD - EVENING

               JUSTIN LOWERY, a 25 year-old reporter with a clean-cut
               appearance, stands in front of a camera holding a microphone. 
               Two parked cars sit in the middle of the road behind him.  He
               straightens his tie and looks toward the camera as SMITTY, an
               overweight, 34 year-old cameraman with disheveled hair,
               fiddles with the controls.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Smitty, how much longer?

                                   SMITTY
                         You're on in 20 seconds.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Everything looking good?

               SMITTY pushes a few buttons, then looks up.

                                   SMITTY
                         It is now.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Great.

               SMITTY begins a countdown with his fingers.

                                   SMITTY
                         In five...four...three...

               He signals the last two silently, and JUSTIN looks toward the
               camera.  A graphic on the bottom of the screen identifies
               him.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Thanks.  I'm here at the scene of
                         an accident that took place a few
                         minutes ago.  Both drivers appear
                         to be unharmed, but traffic could
                         be backed up in this area tonight. 

               Behind him, one car pulls away, followed by the other.

                                   JUSTIN (CONT'D)
                         I'm going to talk to the drivers
                         now and-

               He turns around and sees that the cars are gone, then turns
               back to the camera.

                                   JUSTIN (CONT'D)
                         ...Oh.  Uh...back to you.

               SMITTY looks down and shakes his head.

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. A NEWS VAN - NIGHT

               JUSTIN and SMITTY sit in the back of the van as it pulls into
               the road.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Smitty...do you remember why you
                         got into this business?

                                   SMITTY
                         Money.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Well, yeah...but didn't you also
                         want to show people the world and
                         keep them informed?

                                   SMITTY
                         No, it was mostly the money.

                                   JUSTIN
                         But...you don't even make much
                         money.

                                   SMITTY
                         Hey, it pays the bills...and it
                         beats flipping burgers.

                                   JUSTIN
                         So that's really all this job means
                         to you?

                                   SMITTY
                         Man, you take this stuff way too
                         seriously.  You need to relax.

                                   JUSTIN
                         I guess you're right...but I
                         thought there would be more to the
                         news than this.  I just want to
                         tell people the truth.

                                   SMITTY
                         Welcome to the real world, Lowery.

               JUSTIN stares out the window.

                                                           DISSOLVE TO:

               EXT. THE CHANNEL 4 PARKING LOT 

               The van pulls into the lot.  JUSTIN and SMITTY get out and
               walk toward the building.

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. THE CHANNEL 4 NEWSROOM 

               JUSTIN enters the room through the main door and sees most of
               the Channel 4 staff gathered inside.  He taps a FEMALE
               REPORTER on the shoulder, and she turns around.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Hey, what's going on?

                                   FEMALE REPORTER #1
                         Leach wants to say something.

               Two more reporters, BILL and JEFF, join them.

                                   BILL
                         I bet he'll fire everyone.  He's
                         been acting strange.

                                   JEFF
                         Don't be stupid.  He's probably
                         just going to do his motivational
                         speaker routine again.  

                                   JUSTIN
                         What's that?

                                   BILL
                         You haven't seen it yet?  It's
                         hilarious!

                                   JUSTIN
                         Well, I've only been here for a
                         month, so-

                                   JEFF
                             (sarcastic)
                         By the way, Lowery, that was a
                         great report you did on that car
                         crash.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Thanks, Jeff, it was...

               The others laugh, and JUSTIN looks down as the insult
               registers.  The laughter stops as LEACH leaves his office and
               stands at the front of the room, followed by his assistants. 
               He has a very serious expression on his face.

                                   LEACH
                         Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.

                                   ALL
                             (monotone)
                         Good evening, Mr. Leach.

                                   LEACH
                         As you know, Channel 6 has taken
                         the lead in ratings.  My assistants
                         and I feel that we need to change
                         our approach to the news in order
                         to remain competitive.

               The ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR steps forward.

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR
                         You've all seen the Channel 6 News,
                         right?

               Most of the staff nods.

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR (CONT'D)
                         What do they have that we don't?

                                   JEFF
                         A budget?

               A few people laugh.

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR
                         ...No.  What they have is energy. 
                         When you watch Channel 6, it makes
                         you excited about current events.

               The NEWS PRODUCER steps forward.

                                   NEWS PRODUCER
                         That's why people don't watch our
                         show anymore.  Let's face
                         it...we're boring.

               The EXECUTIVE PRODUCER steps forward.

                                   EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
                         But we can fix that.  From now on,
                         you guys need to treat every story
                         like it's the most important thing
                         that ever happened.  

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR
                         Grab people's attention, and never
                         let go!

               The ASSIGNMENT EDITOR slowly steps forward.

                                   ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
                         Um...this may be hard for some of
                         you...but it's only for a little
                         while, and then-

               LEACH pushes him aside.

                                   LEACH
                         Actually, no.  It's a completely
                         new attitude.  

                                   EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
                         Exactly.  Learn it, live it, and
                         love it.  Or else.

                                   LEACH
                         Your futures depend on it.

               JEFF tries to hold back laughter.  LEACH points at him.

                                   LEACH (CONT'D)
                         Is there a problem, Shaffer?

                                   JEFF
                             (still laughing)
                         No, sir.

                                   LEACH
                         Any questions?

               JUSTIN raises his hand.

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR
                         Over there, the new guy.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Yes.  I was thinking...isn't this a
                         little dishonest?  

                                   LEACH
                         In what way?

                                   JUSTIN
                         What if a story isn't that
                         important?  Won't the audience get
                         suspicious?

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR
                         Look, people don't care about
                         honesty, okay?  They want to be
                         entertained.

                                   NEWS PRODUCER
                         And we're giving them what they
                         want.

                                   EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
                         It's a public service!

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR
                         Besides, it's not like we're making
                         things up.  We're just giving our
                         coverage an edge.  Get it?

                                   JUSTIN
                         ...I guess...

                                   LEACH
                         Good.  Any more questions?
                             (beat)
                         In that case, you can all go home. 
                         Remember our new strategy when you
                         prepare your reports tomorrow.  

               People begin leaving the room.  JUSTIN stands in the same
               place and stares at the wall for a few seconds before joining
               them.

                                                                CUT TO:

               EXT. THE CITY OF HOMESTEAD - DAY

               The sun sets on the city.  A graphic reading "CHANNEL 4
               EYEWITNESS NEWS" appears on the screen. 

                                   CHANNEL 4 ANNOUNCER (V.O.)
                         You're watching Channel 4
                         Eyewitness News: The most intense
                         half hour of the day!  

               The shot switches to an image of trees blowing in the wind,
               accompanied by heavy rain.

                                   CHANNEL 4 ANNOUNCER (CONT'D)
                         Our top story: The unpredictable
                         weather continues as powerful
                         storms pummel Homestead.  We'll
                         give you an eyewitness view of the
                         damage.

               The shot switches to an image of a cash register, followed by
               a sequence of other money-related scenes.

                                   CHANNEL 4 ANNOUNCER (CONT'D)
                         Then, is your money safe?  Find out
                         how a simple computer error could
                         cost you everything.

               The shot switches to a video of the MAYOR giving a speech.

                                   CHANNEL 4 ANNOUNCER (CONT'D)
                         And in election news, we examine
                         Mayor McAllister's record.  How
                         many of the city's problems are his
                         fault?  Keep watching Channel 4
                         Eyewitness News for the answer.

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. THE CHANNEL 4 STUDIO - EVENING

               The Channel 4 anchors, ED HUGHES and SHARON BALDWIN, sit at
               the desk holding sheets of paper.  Both are young and were
               obviously selected for their looks.

                                   CHANNEL 4 ANNOUNCER (CONT'D)
                         And now, your new Eyewitness
                         anchors, Ed Hughes and Sharon
                         Baldwin.

               The anchors look toward the camera.

                                   ED
                         Good evening.  The weather turned
                         violent last night as a
                         thunderstorm swept through the
                         area.  

                                   SHARON
                         That's right, Ed, and now, some
                         Homestead residents have no
                         electricity. 
                         We'll have live coverage in a few
                         minutes.  But first...

                                                                CUT TO:

               EXT. THE STANFORD RESIDENCE - EVENING

               JUSTIN stands in the front yard of a suburban house that
               clearly has no electricity.  An elderly couple, EARL and
               HARRIET, sits on the porch.  SMITTY adjusts various settings
               on the camera.

                                   JUSTIN
                         ...I can't do this.  It's
                         ridiculous.

                                   SMITTY
                         If you don't like it, quit.  

                                   JUSTIN
                         You know I can't do that.

                                   SMITTY
                         Then stop complaining.  This is
                         your big chance, right?  You're
                         doing the lead story.

                                   JUSTIN
                         That's true.

                                   SMITTY
                         Of course it is.  Now get over
                         there.  You're on in less than 30
                         seconds.

               JUSTIN walks over to the porch, and SMITTY follows with the
               camera.

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. THE CHANNEL 4 STUDIO 

               ED and SHARON sit at the desk, and a graphic reading "POWER
               FAILURE" appears behind them.

                                   ED
                         And now, for a closer look at the
                         effects of the storm, here's
                         Eyewitness reporter Justin Lowery. 
                         Justin? 

                                                                CUT TO:

               EXT. THE STANFORD RESIDENCE 

               JUSTIN stands in front of the elderly couple.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Thanks, Ed.  I'm here with Earl and
                         Harriet Stanford, who have gone
                         without power for almost 24 hours. 
                         Did either of you think something
                         like this was possible?

               JUSTIN holds the microphone in front of them.

                                   EARL
                         What do you mean?

                                   JUSTIN
                             (melodramatic)
                         Did you ever expect to lose all
                         your modern conveniences like this? 
                         It must have been a shock.

                                   EARL
                         No, it happens all the time. 
                         Happened last week, in fact.

                                   HARRIET
                         I like it better this way.  It
                         makes you appreciate the simpler
                         things in life.

               JUSTIN appears to be at a loss for words.

                                   JUSTIN
                         But...um...let's see...did
                         you...was there ever a time...when
                         you felt like you couldn't go on?

                                   HARRIET
                         Well, there was that time in '82...

                                   EARL
                         Harriet, don't talk about that!

                                   JUSTIN
                         I...I meant today.

                                   HARRIET
                         Oh.  No, we're fine.

                                   JUSTIN
                         ...And there you have it.

                                   EARL (O.C.)
                         Nice talking to you, young man.

                                   JUSTIN
                         It looks like the storm wasn't so
                         bad after all.  Ed?

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. THE CHANNEL 4 STUDIO 

               ED looks somewhat confused.

                                   ED
                         ...Thanks.  For another perspective
                         on the storm...

                                                                CUT TO:

               EXT. THE STANFORD RESIDENCE 

               SMITTY turns off the camera as JUSTIN begins walking toward
               the van.

                                   SMITTY
                         What happened, man?  You blew it!

                                   JUSTIN
                         How did I blow it?  I think it went
                         well.

                                   SMITTY
                         You think it...

               SMITTY shakes his head and mumbles to himself.

                                   JUSTIN
                         What?

                                   SMITTY
                         Lowery, listen to me.  You just
                         have to do what they tell you, all
                         right?  

                                   JUSTIN
                         Smitty, they told me to report on
                         the power failure, and that's what
                         I did.

                                   SMITTY
                         You know what I mean.  

                                   JUSTIN
                         Yeah...I do.  I said this was
                         ridiculous, didn't I?  Why
                         shouldn't I be able to tell it like
                         it is?

                                   SMITTY
                         Because that's not what people
                         want.  

                                   JUSTIN
                         It's what I want...

                                   SMITTY
                         Tough.  Now come on.  Let's go see
                         if you still have a job.

               SMITTY and JUSTIN get in the van, and it drives off.

                                                           DISSOLVE TO:

               INT. LEACH'S OFFICE - AFTERNOON

               LEACH sits at his desk watching a tape of a Channel 6 News
               broadcast. 

                                   CHANNEL 6 ANNOUNCER
                         Our top story tonight: A new study
                         says tap water could be good for
                         your health...  

               A knock at the door covers up the end of the sentence, and
               LEACH turns off the TV.

                                   LEACH
                         Come in.

               The ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR enters.

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR
                         Afternoon, Greg.

                                   LEACH
                         What do you want?

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR
                         The new ratings are in.

                                   LEACH
                         Did our plan work?

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR
                         It's hard to tell in only three
                         weeks, but...as of now, we're even
                         further behind Channel 6 than we
                         were before.

               LEACH stands up.

                                   LEACH
                         What?

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR
                         I don't understand it either, so
                         let's not-

                                   LEACH
                         You said that exaggerating our
                         coverage was the answer!  

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR
                         Relax.  I have another idea.  Maybe
                         we're looking at this the wrong
                         way.

                                   LEACH
                         I think we've established that.

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR
                         Are you going to keep insulting me,
                         or can I tell you my new plan?

                                   LEACH
                         Make it quick.

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR
                         Right.  I've noticed that a lot of
                         people in this town are...a little
                         slow.  Know what I mean?

                                   LEACH
                         You're saying the viewers are
                         idiots?

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR
                         Not necessarily...but I do think
                         our coverage is on a higher level
                         than the average person wants to
                         deal with.  

                                   LEACH
                         I see.  So if we dumb down our
                         reports...

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR
                         Exactly.  It may seem strange to
                         us, but that's because we're more
                         intelligent than most people.

                                   LEACH
                         ...I'll think about it.

                                                           DISSOLVE TO:

               INT. THE CHANNEL 4 NEWSROOM - MORNING

               JUSTIN sits at his desk typing notes on his computer.  LEACH
               appears beside him.

                                   LEACH
                         Good morning, Lowery.

               JUSTIN keeps his eyes on the screen.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Morning, Mr. Leach.  I was just
                         revising my notes on the preschool
                         story.

                                   LEACH
                         Good.  That's what I wanted to talk
                         to you about...

               JUSTIN looks up.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Is there a problem?

                                   LEACH
                         In a way, yes.  I'm sure you've
                         heard by now that we're changing
                         our approach again.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Right.  You want the reports to be
                         easy to understand. 

                                   LEACH
                         That's a start, but it's not
                         enough.  You need to realize that
                         most of the people in this city
                         aren't very bright.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Are you sure about that?

                                   LEACH
                         I know it's hard to accept, but if
                         it wasn't true, our show would be
                         getting better ratings.

                                   JUSTIN
                         ...How do you-

                                   LEACH
                         And after the...incident with your
                         power failure coverage, I wanted to
                         make sure we're on the same page.

                                   JUSTIN
                         What do you want me to do?

                                   LEACH
                         Keep it simple.  So simple that
                         even a child could follow the
                         story.  

                                   JUSTIN
                         Okay, if you think it'll work...

                                   LEACH
                         I know it will.  Just remember that
                         we're trying to reach as many
                         people as possible, and you'll be
                         fine.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Thanks for the advice.

                                   LEACH
                         My pleasure.

               LEACH walks away, and BILL and JEFF take his place.  BILL
               watches LEACH return to his office.

                                   BILL
                         He's really serious about this.  He
                         made me rewrite a whole segment
                         because the words were too big.

                                   JEFF
                         Quit your bitching.  This just
                         makes the job easier.

                                   BILL
                         So, what are you working on,
                         Lowery?

                                   JUSTIN
                         I'm covering the preschool that
                         opened last week.  Interviewing
                         teachers and students...you know
                         how it is.

                                   JEFF
                         Sounds like the perfect story for
                         you.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Thanks, I-

                                   JEFF
                         After those old people made you
                         look like an idiot, it's only fair
                         to give a bunch of little kids the
                         chance.

               JEFF and BILL laugh.  JUSTIN is visibly shaken.

                                   JUSTIN
                         You...why do you always...I
                         didn't...

                                   JEFF
                         Aw, lighten up.  I'm just fuckin'
                         with you.

                                   JUSTIN
                         ...Okay...

                                   JEFF
                         Just stay alert...or the kids might
                         run away before you get a chance to
                         talk to them!

               JEFF and BILL laugh again, and JEFF walks away.  

                                   BILL
                         I want to say "just ignore him,"
                         but...that really was pretty funny.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Yeah, thanks, Bill.  

                                   BILL
                         Heh.  "The kids might run away..."

               BILL walks away.  JUSTIN stares at his computer and slowly
               types a few words.

                                                           DISSOLVE TO:

               INT. A NEWS VAN - AFTERNOON

               JUSTIN and SMITTY sit in the back of the van.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Smitty, have you noticed that
                         nobody at the station respects me?

                                   SMITTY
                         Maybe if you didn't complain so
                         much...

                                   JUSTIN
                         Don't tell me you're going to start
                         now.

                                   SMITTY
                         You wanted the truth, right?  I'm
                         just "telling it like it is..."

                                   JUSTIN
                         Okay, I get the point.

                                   SMITTY
                         I'll believe that when you start
                         doing your job and stop crying to
                         me about your problems.

                                   JUSTIN
                         All right!  I said I get it!

               SMITTY looks out the window.

                                   SMITTY
                         And here's your chance to prove it.  

                                                                CUT TO:

               EXT. WESTVIEW PRESCHOOL

               The van pulls into the parking lot of the school.  JUSTIN and
               SMITTY leave the van and walk toward the door.

                                   SMITTY
                         Get in there, do the report the way
                         Leach told you to, and go home. 
                         Simple.

                                   JUSTIN
                         I'll try...

                                   SMITTY
                         They're just kids!  You won't even
                         have to try!

               They go inside.

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. A CLASSROOM 

               JUSTIN walks into the room, followed by SMITTY, who is
               adjusting the camera settings.  The TEACHER, a short, middle
               aged woman, greets them.

                                   TEACHER
                         Hi!  You must be from Channel 4.  

                                   JUSTIN
                         That's right.  I'm Justin Lowery,
                         and I'll be doing the interviews.
                         This is Paul Smith.  He runs the
                         camera.

                                   SMITTY
                         Please, call me Smitty.

                                   TEACHER
                         Justin, Smitty...nice to meet you. 
                         I'm Susan Clancy.  My students are
                         looking forward to being on TV.

               She glances toward the class, and a few STUDENTS wave at her,
               while others are silent.

                                   TEACHER (CONT'D)
                             (quietly)
                         Some of them are still adjusting to
                         this environment, so please don't
                         put too much pressure on them.

                                   JUSTIN
                         I'll do my best.

               JUSTIN and SMITTY move to the back of the class while the
               TEACHER stands at the front.

                                   TEACHER
                         Class, we have some very special
                         visitors today.  Say hello to Mr.
                         Lowery and Mr. Smith from Channel 4
                         News.

                                   CLASS
                         Hello!

                                   TEACHER
                         Mr. Lowery wants to learn about
                         this school, so he's going to ask
                         you some questions.

               She turns toward JUSTIN

                                   TEACHER (CONT'D)
                         Is everything ready?

                                   JUSTIN
                         Just a second.

               He turns to SMITTY

                                   JUSTIN (CONT'D)
                         Are we good to go?

                                   SMITTY
                         Tape's ready to roll when you are.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Great.

               JUSTIN turns toward the camera.  SMITTY cues him.

                                   JUSTIN (CONT'D)
                             (slow and condescending)
                         Thanks.  I'm here at Westview
                         Preschool, which opened last
                         Monday.  Preschool, of course,
                         comes right before kindergarten.

               The TEACHER gives him a strange look.

                                   JUSTIN (CONT'D)
                         The children are very happy to be
                         here, and they're going to tell you
                         all about it.

               JUSTIN turns to a BOY near the front.

                                   JUSTIN (CONT'D)
                         Hi!  What's your name?

                                   BOY #1
                         Joey.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Hi, Joey!

                                   BOY #1
                         Hi!

                                   JUSTIN
                         Are you having fun here?

                                   BOY #1
                         Fun is...fun!

               JUSTIN turns back to the camera with a serious expression.

                                   JUSTIN
                         You heard it here first.  Fun is
                         fun.

               JUSTIN turns to a GIRL sitting near him.

                                   JUSTIN (CONT'D)
                         And what's your name?

               The GIRL covers her face and doesn't answer.

                                   JUSTIN (CONT'D)
                         Come on, it's okay.

                                   GIRL #1
                         Mama...where's Mama...

                                   JUSTIN
                         Um...

               The GIRL starts to cry.

                                   JUSTIN (CONT'D)
                         Hey...don't cry...it's okay...

               SMITTY turns the camera off.

                                   SMITTY
                         Maybe you should interview someone
                         else now, Lowery.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Yeah...we'll finish this later. 
                         Can we talk to you, Mrs. Clancy?

                                   TEACHER
                         Absolutely.  

               JUSTIN and SMITTY move to the front of the room.  SMITTY
               positions the camera and turns it on.

                                   JUSTIN
                             (still slow and
                              condescending)
                         I'm here with Susan Clancy, who is
                         a teacher here at Westview
                         Preschool.  Hi, Mrs. Clancy!

                                   TEACHER
                             (uncomfortable)
                         Um...hi.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Now, the first thing we all want to
                         know is...are you having fun here?

                                   TEACHER
                         Excuse me?

               JUSTIN leans in closer to her.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Are you having fun?

                                   TEACHER
                         Well, I...I guess I do enjoy my
                         job, yes.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Are you excited to be in preschool?

                                   TEACHER
                         I...I'm sorry, I thought we were
                         going to talk about how this school
                         affects the community.

                                   JUSTIN
                         We can talk about that.  Do you
                         think the school makes people here
                         happy?

                                   TEACHER
                         Why are you talking like that?

                                   JUSTIN
                         I'm...I was...you see...

               JUSTIN drops the microphone and walks out of the room. 
               SMITTY turns the camera off and follows him.

               INT. THE SCHOOL HALLWAY 

               JUSTIN walks down the hall toward the exit, with SMITTY close
               behind.

                                   SMITTY
                         Where the hell are you going?

                                   JUSTIN
                         I tried, Smitty...I couldn't take
                         it anymore.  I have to get out of
                         here.

                                   SMITTY
                         You can't just leave!  Do you have
                         any idea how pissed Leach is going
                         to be?

                                   JUSTIN
                         Yes, I do.  Let me deal with it.

                                   SMITTY
                         It's your funeral...

               JUSTIN walks out the door, and SMITTY follows.

                                                           DISSOLVE TO:

               INT. THE CHANNEL 4 STUDIO - NIGHT

               ED and SHARON sit at the desk as a graphic reading "NEW
               PRESCHOOL" appears behind them.

                                   ED
                             (slow and condescending)
                         A brand new preschool opened last
                         week in Westview.  

                                   SHARON
                         That's right!  We had one of our
                         Eyewitness reporters visit the
                         school.  Here's what he found.

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. THE CHANNEL 4 NEWSROOM

               A few reporters, including JUSTIN, stand around a large
               television displaying the broadcast.  

                                   JUSTIN
                         This is it, guys.  

               The screen displays a report from the preschool, but the
               interviewer is JEFF.  Justin watches in shock.

                                   JEFF
                         ...Westview Preschool, where the
                         kids and teachers are having a
                         great time...

                                   JUSTIN
                         But how did-

               A hand grabs JUSTIN'S shoulder, and we see that SMITTY is
               pulling him away.

                                   JUSTIN (CONT'D)
                         Smitty, what's going on?

                                   SMITTY
                         What's going on?  Your little
                         breakdown kept me from getting
                         enough footage for a two minute
                         package, that's what. 

                                   JUSTIN
                         Oh.

                                   SMITTY
                         I told you Leach would be pissed. 
                         He didn't even tell you he was
                         sending someone else, did he?

                                   JUSTIN
                         No...

                                   SMITTY
                         Nice work, Lowery.  Real nice.

               SMITTY walks away, and JUSTIN stares at the floor.

                                                           DISSOLVE TO:

               INT. LEACH'S OFFICE 

               LEACH sits at his desk looking over a stack of papers.  We
               hear a knock at the door.

                                   LEACH
                         Come in.

               JUSTIN opens the door and stands in front of the desk.  LEACH
               doesn't look up.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Mr. Leach, can I talk to you for a
                         minute?

               LEACH looks up and recognizes JUSTIN.

                                   LEACH
                         Ah, Lowery.  I was going to ask you
                         the same thing tomorrow morning. 
                         Have a seat.

               JUSTIN sits down across from LEACH.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Look, I know I was out of line at
                         the preschool, but...

               He hesitates.

                                   LEACH
                         ...Well?

                                   JUSTIN
                         ...You...I mean...I'd like to know
                         if I'm going to be replaced...sir.

                                   LEACH
                         This isn't about you.  It's about
                         professionalism.  If you don't do
                         your job, you don't get air time. 
                         No exceptions.

                                   JUSTIN
                         But at least you-

                                   LEACH
                         Listen, you've probably heard this
                         enough, but time is money.  The
                         news is a business.  I know you
                         understand all this.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Of course.  But I get the feeling
                         that I'm not welcome here.

                                   LEACH
                         What makes you say that?

                                   JUSTIN
                         Well...everything that happened
                         today, for one.

                                   LEACH
                         But we just discussed that, didn't
                         we?  

                                   JUSTIN
                         Yeah, I guess...

                                   LEACH
                         Then what's the problem?

                                   JUSTIN
                         I'm...I'm just not sure I agree
                         with the way we're presenting our
                         stories.

               LEACH stands up and faces the window behind him.  He stares
               for a few seconds, then turns around.

                                   LEACH
                         I understand your concern.  I've
                         heard it all before.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Really?

                                   LEACH
                         Absolutely.  We're trying something
                         different, and it can be awkward,
                         but it's the only way to stay on
                         top.

                                   JUSTIN
                         That's what I'm worried about.  It
                         seems like nobody cares about
                         anything but ratings.  

                                   LEACH
                         I see.  You're afraid that we're
                         sacrificing our integrity, aren't
                         you?

                                   JUSTIN
                         ...Basically, yes.

                                   LEACH
                         I told you, I've heard this before. 
                         I've even said it myself.

                                   JUSTIN
                         ...When?

               LEACH sits down.

                                   LEACH
                         I was a reporter years
                         ago...probably before you were
                         born.  Things really haven't
                         changed much since then.  You have
                         studied the history of journalism,
                         right?

                                   JUSTIN
                         Yes.  It was a requirement in
                         college.

                                   LEACH
                         Then I won't insult your
                         intelligence by reminding you that
                         reporting is only part of the
                         equation.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Uh...thanks?

                                   LEACH
                         As I was saying, I had the same
                         questions you're asking, and I even
                         complained to the producers more
                         than once.

               JUSTIN leans forward.

                                   JUSTIN
                         I'm sorry, but...why are you
                         telling me all this?  I just want
                         to know why we have to use all
                         these gimmicks.

                                   LEACH
                         Simple.  You want to tell people
                         the truth, right?

                                   JUSTIN
                         Exactly.

                                   LEACH
                         But how can you do that if they're
                         not listening?

                                   JUSTIN
                         I'm not sure I understand.

                                   LEACH
                         All I'm saying is that you have to
                         have an audience before you can
                         inform them.  High ratings just
                         mean that more people are listening
                         to you.  Isn't that what you want?

               JUSTIN shifts in his chair and appears to be losing his
               patience.

                                   JUSTIN
                         I get that part.  I just don't see
                         why we have to be so...

                                   LEACH
                         So what?

                                   JUSTIN
                         ...So...fake.

               LEACH stands up.

                                   LEACH
                         There's nothing fake about it.  

                                   JUSTIN
                         But the tone I had to use with the
                         teacher today...and the storm
                         coverage...and...

                                   LEACH
                         I think I understand.  You just
                         want to stand in front of the
                         camera and tell people what's
                         happening.

                                   JUSTIN
                         That might be nice...

                                   LEACH
                         Guess what?  That's not what people
                         want to see.  That's why our
                         ratings were so low in the first
                         place.

                                   JUSTIN
                         True...

                                   LEACH
                         So if you want anyone to see your
                         reports, you need to make them
                         interesting. 
                         If that seems fake to you, then
                         you're in the wrong line of work.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Yeah...I see what you mean.  As
                         long as we're still being honest...

                                   LEACH
                         We wouldn't be the news if we
                         weren't.  Any more questions?

                                   JUSTIN
                         No, you covered everything.  Sorry
                         to bother you.

                                   LEACH
                         It's no problem.  I'm glad we're on
                         the same page.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Yeah, me too.  I'd better get
                         going.

               JUSTIN stands up and walks toward the door.

                                   LEACH
                         Remember what we talked about.

                                   JUSTIN
                         I will.

               JUSTIN leaves, and the ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR walks in
               looking worried.

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR
                         I hope that was important.

                                   LEACH
                         Sorry to keep you waiting.  Is
                         something wrong?

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR
                         I don't know for sure.  But
                         apparently, Channel 6 has something
                         big planned for their 10 PM show.

                                   LEACH
                         How big?

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. THE CHANNEL 6 STUDIO - NIGHT

               The Channel 6 anchors sit at the desk and face the camera.

                                   JOHN
                         Welcome to Channel 6 Action News. 
                         Our top story tonight: A scandal
                         that could change the course of the
                         election.  Reporter Aaron Sauer
                         investigated earlier today.  Here's
                         what he found.

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. CITY HALL - DAY

               AARON SAUER, a tall, middle-aged reporter, stands outside the
               mayor's office holding a microphone.  A graphic on the screen
               identifies him.

                                   AARON
                         I'm standing outside Mayor George
                         McAllister's office in City Hall. 
                         Channel 6 has learned that the
                         mayor may be using your tax dollars
                         illegally.  I'm going to talk to
                         him now and get the inside story.

               AARON opens the door.

               INT. THE MAYOR'S OFFICE 

               Mayor GEORGE MCALLISTER, a stocky older man with gray hair
               and glasses, sits at his desk talking on the phone.  He puts
               the receiver down as AARON enters the room.

                                   MCALLISTER
                         I told you to leave!

                                   AARON
                         Mr. Mayor, is it true that you've
                         been embezzling funds from the city
                         treasury?

                                   MCALLISTER
                         Absolutely not!  Now get out!

                                   AARON
                         But sir...

               AARON turns toward the camera

                                   AARON (CONT'D)
                         ...our Action News Team...

               He turns back to MCALLISTER.

                                   AARON (CONT'D)
                         ...has proof that you illegally
                         transferred thousands of tax
                         dollars to your own account.

                                   MCALLISTER
                         That's a lie!

                                   AARON
                         Is it?

               AARON takes a large sheet of paper out of his suit jacket.

                                   AARON (CONT'D)
                         This is a list of all the city
                         employees who received a paycheck
                         in the last month.  We've found
                         that at least a dozen of these
                         people don't exist.  Where did
                         their salaries end up?

                                   MCALLISTER
                         Enough!

               AARON pulls out several smaller pieces of paper.

                                   AARON
                         And these records show that
                         taxpayer dollars were used to fund
                         several city projects that never
                         took place.  That money had to go
                         somewhere, Mr. Mayor...

                                   MCALLISTER
                         That's all out of my control, and
                         you can't prove anything!  Now turn
                         that damn camera off!

               MCALLISTER gets up and chases AARON and the camera crew out
               of his office.

               INT. CITY HALL 

               AARON walks to the front door and faces the camera.  

                                   AARON
                         Clearly, the mayor has something to
                         hide.  For Channel 6 Action News,
                         I'm Aaron Sauer.

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. THE CHANNEL 6 STUDIO

               LYNN faces the camera as a large graphic reading "SCANDAL"
               appears behind her head.

                                   LYNN
                         We'll have more on this scandal as
                         it develops.  Our next story...

                                                           DISSOLVE TO:

               INT. LEACH'S OFFICE - MORNING

               LEACH sits at his desk watching a recording of the Channel 6
               broadcast from the previous night.  He switches it off as his
               four assistants enter.

                                   LEACH
                         Good morning, gentlemen.  Sit down. 
                         We need to talk.

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR 
                         Yes, we do.  

               They sit down around the table in front of LEACH.

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR (CONT'D)
                         I have bad news and worse news. 
                         Which one do you want to hear
                         first?

               All stare at him.

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR (CONT'D)
                         Okay...the bad news is that Channel
                         6 earned its highest ratings ever
                         last night.  That embezzlement
                         story really attracted a lot of
                         viewers.

                                   LEACH
                         Fantastic.  What's the worse news?

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR
                         Well...our ratings are now...

               He stops.

                                   LEACH
                         Just say it.

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR
                         ...The lowest in Channel 4 history.

               The assistants talk quietly to one another for a few seconds.

                                   LEACH
                         It's okay...we can handle this. 
                         Who's got an idea?

                                   EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
                         ...Maybe we can dumb down the show
                         even more.

                                   LEACH
                         No.  That's clearly not going to
                         work.

               LEACH glares at the ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR.

                                   LEACH (CONT'D)
                         We need something bigger.

                                   NEWS PRODUCER
                         What if we had some sort of
                         contest?

                                   LEACH
                         Let me think about it...no.

                                   ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
                         I think we should...do...something. 
                         Something...different.

               LEACH stares at him for a few seconds.

                                   LEACH
                         Do you enjoy having a job?

                                   ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
                         Yeah.

                                   LEACH
                         Then never say anything that
                         useless again.

                                   ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
                         Sorry, Mr. Leach.

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR
                         I've got it!  It's simple.  If
                         Channel 6 can win viewers by
                         exposing a scandal...maybe we
                         should find one of our own.  

                                   LEACH
                         Hmm.  Investigative journalism. 
                         It's an idea.  But how do we do
                         that?

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR
                         There has to be something out there
                         that would affect the election. 
                         That's the only way we're going to
                         stay competitive.

                                   NEWS PRODUCER
                         What do we know about the guy
                         running against McAllister?

                                   EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
                         His name's Grant Larson.  He's a
                         member of the city council, but he
                         says he wants to reform Homestead
                         from the top.

                                   LEACH
                         Do we have any dirt on him?  All
                         politicians have skeletons in the
                         closet...

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR
                         Maybe that doesn't even matter...

                                   LEACH
                         Okay, you're making less sense than
                         him.

               LEACH points to the ASSIGNMENT EDITOR.

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR
                         Just give me a chance.  Don't you
                         think the timing of that Channel 6
                         story was a little too convenient?  

                                   LEACH
                         Hmmm...we were just introducing our
                         new style.  Are you seeing a
                         connection?

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR
                         I think they heard that we were
                         making some changes and decided to
                         draw attention away from us.  

                                   ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
                         Wait...how did they get all those
                         records in one day?

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR
                         That could be all the time they
                         needed...if they didn't actually
                         look for anything.

                                   LEACH
                         Are you saying they made the whole
                         thing up?

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR
                         It's the only explanation that
                         makes sense.  

                                   ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
                         I thought they were just really
                         good at doing research.

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR
                         Have you seen their show?  There's
                         no information.  It's all noise. 
                         Why would they start doing real
                         research now?  

                                   LEACH
                         Especially on the same day that we
                         try something new...

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR
                         Exactly.

                                   LEACH
                         We need to deal with this now. 
                         What do you suggest?

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR
                         We need a scandal that's more
                         exciting than theirs, but still
                         realistic enough to be believable.  

                                   EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
                         Are you sure this isn't a huge
                         mistake?

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR
                         Look, if people were stupid enough
                         to believe that embezzlement
                         bullshit, they'll accept anything
                         we tell them.  It just has to be
                         good.

                                   LEACH
                         We can either do this or lose our
                         jobs.  

                                   NEWS PRODUCER
                         I don't know...it doesn't seem
                         worth it just to get back in the
                         lead.

                                   LEACH
                         Who decided to broadcast a fake
                         story in the first place?  It sure
                         wasn't us.  This is just to level
                         the playing field.  Now let's think
                         of something really shocking...

                                                           DISSOLVE TO:

               INT. THE CHANNEL 4 NEWSROOM - AFTERNOON

               JUSTIN sits at his computer and types rapidly.  There is a
               large stack of papers next to the keyboard.  BILL walks past,
               then turns around and stops beside the desk. 

                                   BILL
                         Wow, you're really working hard. 
                         Did Leach give you a raise, or
                         a...death threat or something?

                                   JUSTIN
                         I'm doing my job, Bill.  If we
                         don't tell people what's happening,
                         who will?

                                   BILL
                         Uh...Channel 6, probably.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Not for long.  I'm working on a
                         series of reports about high crime
                         areas in the city.  Anyone who
                         wants to stay safe will have to
                         watch the show for the next couple
                         weeks.

                                   BILL
                         Sounds helpful.  What have you
                         found so far?

                                   JUSTIN
                         How long do you have?

                                   BILL
                         About two minutes.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Then I can't tell you everything.

                                   BILL
                         I'll take your word for it.  So,
                         what else-

                                   LEACH (O.C.)
                         Attention, everyone!

               BILL stops and looks over his shoulder.  LEACH stands at the
               front of the room with his assistants.  

                                   LEACH (CONT'D)
                         We have a very important
                         announcement.  Gentlemen?

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR
                         As you know, Channel 6 believes
                         that Mayor McAllister has been
                         stealing from the city treasury. 
                         But we've done some research of our
                         own...

                                   NEWS PRODUCER
                         And we think their story is just a
                         distraction from a more important
                         issue.  Grant Larson claims that
                         his five years on the city council
                         qualify him to be the mayor.

                                   EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
                         But how did he manage to get
                         elected to the council in the first
                         place?  You may remember that his
                         most serious challenger was Arnold
                         Bennett, who died a week before the
                         vote.

                                   LEACH
                         I don't think I have to explain why
                         this is suspicious. 
                         As of now, our top priority is to
                         investigate Councilman Bennett's
                         death.  Find out if there was any
                         foul play involved.

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR
                         We're working on obtaining concrete
                         evidence of Larson's guilt, and
                         we'll have that to you as soon as
                         possible.

                                   LEACH
                         The rest of you, get to work!

                                   ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
                         Okay, I've got new assignments for
                         a few of you.  Here's how it breaks
                         down...

               He continues in the background, but we don't hear any
               specifics.

                                   BILL
                         Wow.  This could change everything.  

                                   JUSTIN
                         Probably...
                             (beat)
                         ...I should get back to work.

                                   BILL
                         Yeah, me too.  I'm sure that-

               The ASSIGNMENT EDITOR approaches the desk.

                                   ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
                         Lowery, I've decided to send you
                         out to talk to Bennett's family.

                                   JUSTIN
                         His family?

                                   ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
                         Right.  His wife and kids are still
                         living in this area.  Find out if
                         his death came as a shock to them.
                         At least try to get some crying or
                         something.  And get us the video by
                         tomorrow afternoon.  Smitty will be
                         going with you.

                                   JUSTIN
                         I'll do what I can.

                                   ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
                         Good.  Here's the contact info.

               He hands JUSTIN a sheet of paper.

                                   JUSTIN
                         What about my crime story?

                                   ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
                         You can work on it after you're
                         finished with this.

                                   JUSTIN
                         ...Thanks.

                                   ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
                         No problem.  Good luck.

               He walks away.

                                   BILL
                         Tough break.  At least you'll still
                         get to be on camera.

                                   JUSTIN
                         I...guess that's what matters.

                                   BILL
                         Well, I've gotta go.  Later.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Later.

               JUSTIN looks over the contact information.

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. LEACH'S OFFICE 

               LEACH sits at his desk, and his assistants sit at the table.

                                   LEACH
                         That went well.  

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR
                         They bought it, just like the
                         audience will.

                                   ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
                         Why can't we tell them we made this
                         up?

                                   LEACH
                         Do you really expect a room full of
                         journalists to keep quiet?  They
                         have to believe it's real. 

                                   ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
                         But they're not going to find
                         anything!  

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR
                         That's why we're here.  I have a
                         feeling Councilman Larson is
                         already covering his tracks...

                                   ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
                         Covering his...what does that mean?

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR
                         The reporters are waiting for
                         evidence.  We have a printer and a
                         copier.  Don't make me spell it out
                         for you.

                                   EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
                         Every time a source denies
                         something, we "prove" that they're
                         lying.  Right, Greg?

                                   LEACH
                         Exactly.  The staff trusts us
                         enough that they'll use any
                         evidence we give them.  

                                   NEWS PRODUCER
                         And nobody else can know...

               He glares at the ASSIGNMENT EDITOR.

                                   ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
                         If you say so...

                                   LEACH
                         We say so.  Now let's get to work. 
                         We need proof that Larson worked
                         with an accomplice.  Who wants to
                         forge an e-mail?

                                                           DISSOLVE TO:

               INT. THE CHANNEL 4 NEWSROOM - EVENING 

               Several reporters and other station employees, including
               JEFF, gather around the large television watching the Channel
               4 news.  We see the top half of the screen.

                                   ED
                         That's all for tonight.

                                   SHARON
                         But tune in tomorrow at 6 for a
                         Channel 4 exclusive that could
                         change the course of the election.

                                   ED
                         Until then, I'm Ed Hughes.

                                   SHARON
                         I'm Sharon Baldwin.

                                   ED
                         And this is Channel 4 Eyewitness
                         News.  Goodnight.

               The Channel 4 theme music plays, and the station employees
               scatter.  The ASSIGNMENT EDITOR approaches JEFF as he walks
               away.  

                                   ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
                         Hey, wait up.  

               JEFF stops walking and turns around.

                                   ASSIGNMENT EDITOR (CONT'D)
                         Leach has a job for you.  It's very
                         important, and you need to keep it
                         secret for now.  Can you do that?

                                   JEFF
                         What is it?  

                                   ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
                         Follow me.  

               He leads JEFF toward his office.

                                                           DISSOLVE TO:

               INT. LEACH'S OFFICE - MORNING

               Leach and his staff sit in their usual locations.  

                                   LEACH
                         Is everything on track?

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR
                         Seems like it.  

                                   EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
                         How did the...operation turn out?

                                   NEWS PRODUCER
                         See for yourself.

               He puts a digital videotape on the table, and the EXECUTIVE
               PRODUCER picks it up and reads the label silently. 

                                   EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
                         Excellent.  What about the
                         interview with the family?  

                                   ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
                         I'll find out about that as soon as
                         I can.

                                   LEACH
                         Who did you assign that to, by the
                         way?

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. THE CHANNEL 4 NEWSROOM 

               JUSTIN sits at his computer doing research. The ASSIGNMENT
               EDITOR approaches him.

                                   ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
                         Morning.  The producers want to
                         know if you talked to Bennett's
                         family. 

                                   JUSTIN
                         That may be a problem.  I couldn't
                         reach them yesterday, so I had to
                         make some calls a few minutes ago.

                                   ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
                         And?

                                   JUSTIN
                         And...none of them are available
                         until this evening.  

                                   ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
                         So you can't get us a tape before
                         showtime?

                                   JUSTIN
                         No.  

                                   ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
                         Oh.  I'll go let Mr. Leach know...

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. LEACH'S OFFICE 

               The ASSIGNMENT EDITOR stands in front of LEACH, who sits
               behind the desk.

                                   LEACH
                         None of them? 

                                   ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
                         That's what he told me.  Look, they
                         all have jobs, so maybe we
                         should've anticipated-

                                   LEACH
                         No excuses!  We need to show
                         everything at once.  

                                   ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
                         Can I make a suggestion?

                                   LEACH
                         Make it very quick.

                                   ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
                         We still have an opening in the
                         show, right?  We can just send him
                         out and broadcast the interview
                         live.

                                   LEACH
                         I'd feel better about this if you
                         hadn't given the job to
                         Lowery...but it's our only choice. 
                         Make it happen.

                                   ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
                         Yes, sir.

               The ASSIGNMENT EDITOR leaves the office.

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. THE CHANNEL 4 STUDIO - EVENING 

               ED and SHARON sit at the desk as the digital Channel 4 logo
               fades away in front of them.  

                                   ED
                         Welcome to Channel 4 Eyewitness
                         News.  Our top story: Channel 4 has
                         discovered that mayoral candidate
                         Grant Larson may have had a hand in
                         the death of a city councilman
                         several years ago.  

                                   SHARON
                         That's right, Ed.  We sent one of
                         our investigative reporters to talk
                         to Mr. Larson last night.  Here's
                         what he found.

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. GRANT LARSON'S HOUSE - NIGHT

               JEFF stands in LARSON'S living room with his back to the
               camera.  The camera is clearly in night vision mode.  He
               speaks into a microphone but doesn't turn around.

                                   JEFF
                         I'm here in Councilman Grant
                         Larson's house, and I'm going to
                         find out if-

               The picture suddenly turns bright green, and we hear a click
               as the night vision is switched off.  This reveals that
               LARSON, 43, has turned on the light and is standing on the
               stairs behind JEFF.

                                   LARSON
                         Who the hell are you?  Get out of
                         my house!

                                   JEFF
                         Mr. Larson, is it true that you
                         hired someone to kill Councilman
                         Arnold Bennett so you could win the
                         election five years ago?

                                   LARSON
                         What?  That's insane!

                                   JEFF
                         Then how do you explain this e
                         mail?  It was sent from your
                         address the day before Bennett
                         died.  

               JEFF takes a piece of paper out of his jacket and hands it to
               LARSON.

                                   LARSON
                         Where did you-

                                   JEFF
                         How could you order an innocent man
                         to be poisoned for political gain?

                                   LARSON
                         I didn't write this!

                                   JEFF
                         That's not what your accomplice
                         told us.

               LARSON'S wife MARY appears behind him.

                                   MARY
                         What's going on?

                                   LARSON
                         Mary, go get the phone!

                                   JEFF
                         Mrs. Larson, how does it feel to be
                         married to a murderer?

                                   MARY
                         What is he talking about?

                                   LARSON
                         Mary!  The phone!  Now!

               MARY runs back upstairs.

                                   LARSON
                         If you don't leave in the next ten
                         seconds, I'm calling the police!

                                   JEFF
                         I don't think you want to deal with
                         the police now that everyone knows
                         about your little scheme.

                                   LARSON
                         (BLEEP) you!  Get your (BLEEP)ing
                         camera out of my (BLEEP)ing house!

               LARSON runs down the stairs and tries to grab the camera. 
               JEFF sprints toward the front door, which hangs wide open. 
               As he turns around, we see that he is wearing a ski mask.

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. THE CHANNEL 4 STUDIO - EVENING 

               ED, obviously confused, looks toward the camera, and a
               graphic reading "CANDIDATE A MURDERER?" appears behind him. 
               He pauses, then composes himself.

                                   ED
                         Is this the behavior of an innocent
                         man?

                                   SHARON
                         Definitely not, Ed.  But we wanted
                         to find out more, so we sent one of
                         our Eyewitness reporters to talk to
                         Councilman Bennett's family. 
                         You'll see it live after the break. 
                         But first...

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. THE BENNETT RESIDENCE

               JANE BENNETT, the councilman's 53 year-old widow, sits at her
               kitchen table.  FRANK and JULIE, her son and daughter, both
               in their late twenties, sit beside her.  JUSTIN stands in the
               doorway as SMITTY turns on the camera.

                                   FRANK
                         Is this going to take long?  I
                         really have to get home.

                                   JUSTIN
                         I only have a couple minutes.

                                   FRANK
                         Good.

               SMITTY raises the camera.

                                   SMITTY
                         It's about time.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Everybody ready?

               The Bennetts nod.

                                   SMITTY
                         In five...four...three...

               He signals the last two seconds, and JUSTIN faces the camera.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Thanks.  I'm here with Councilman
                         Arnold Bennett's family.  Mrs.
                         Bennett, was it a shock when your
                         husband died?

                                   JANE
                         At first, yes.  It's still hard to
                         think about sometimes.  

                                   JUSTIN
                         I'm sure you have a lot of fond
                         memories.

                                   FRANK
                         He was a great father...just a
                         great guy.  

                                   JULIE
                         We all miss him.

                                   JUSTIN
                         And I'm sure you're still upset
                         that he was taken before his time.

                                   JANE
                         Some days are harder than others...

                                   JUSTIN
                         Do you ever wish that the mystery
                         of his death could be solved?

                                   JULIE
                         Mystery?  That's-

                                   JUSTIN
                         Because the Channel 4 Eyewitness
                         News Team has evidence that mayoral
                         candidate Grant Larson was behind
                         it.

                                   FRANK
                         I think you've got the wrong-

                                   JUSTIN
                         Is there anything you'd like to say
                         to Mr. Larson?  

               SMITTY moves closer to the table.

                                   JANE
                         I don't know what you're talking
                         about.  Arnold had a very serious
                         heart condition.  We all wish he
                         could still be here, but it's not a
                         mystery why he died.

                                   JUSTIN
                         But isn't that just what the killer
                         would want you to think?

                                   FRANK
                         No more questions.

                                   JUSTIN
                         A family in denial.  A city
                         official caught in his own trap. 
                         Stay tuned for more coverage of
                         this shocking scandal.  For Channel
                         4 Eyewitness News, I'm Justin
                         Lowery.

               SMITTY turns off the camera.

                                   JANE
                         You said this was going to be about
                         Arnold, not some phony scandal!

                                   JULIE
                         What's wrong with you?

                                   JUSTIN
                         I'm just telling it like it is.

                                   FRANK
                         I'm leaving.  You media pricks make
                         me sick.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Don't kill the messenger.

                                   FRANK
                         Don't tempt me.

               FRANK leaves, slamming the door behind him.

               JULIE gets up, stares angrily at JUSTIN for a second, then
               leaves.

                                   SMITTY
                         Hey, I don't think we should stick
                         around.  

                                   JUSTIN
                         Right.  Thanks for your time, Mrs.
                         Bennett.

               JANE gets up and walks away.

                                   JUSTIN (CONT'D)
                         Um...let's head back to the
                         station.

               JUSTIN and SMITTY leave the house.

                                                           DISSOLVE TO:

               INT. LEACH'S OFFICE - NIGHT

               LEACH sits at his desk and talks on the phone.  The
               ASSIGNMENT EDITOR and ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR sit at the
               table in front of him.

                                   LEACH
                         I understand...oh, absolutely...I
                         had no idea.  It'll be taken care
                         of.  Goodbye.

               LEACH hangs up the phone.

                                   LEACH (CONT'D)
                         I think it's safe to say that our
                         scandal got people's attention.

                                   ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
                         I knew this wasn't going to work. 
                         They'll shut us down...

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR
                         Relax.

                                   ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
                         But thousands of people just
                         watched one of our guys break into
                         someone's house!

                                   LEACH
                         It's under control.

                                   ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
                         Really?  How?

               Someone knocks on the door.

                                   LEACH
                         Watch and learn.  Come in!

               The door opens, and JEFF walks in.

                                   JEFF
                         You wanted to see me?

                                   LEACH
                         Good evening, Shaffer.  Take a
                         seat.

               JEFF sits down.  

                                   JEFF
                         Is this about my report?

                                   LEACH
                         Something like that.

                                   JEFF
                         ...Was there something wrong with
                         it?  I can be more aggressive next
                         time.  

                                   LEACH
                         That's not it.  People are
                         complaining...including Larson.

                                   JEFF
                         Larson?  He didn't even call the
                         police.  Shouldn't he be in hiding
                         by now?

                                   LEACH
                         He should...but he's not.  He
                         didn't know which station you were
                         from until he saw our show...and
                         now he says we have to fire the
                         person responsible, or he will get
                         the police involved.

                                   JEFF
                         What does this have to do with me,
                         then?  The whole "catch him off
                         guard" thing was your idea.

                                   LEACH
                         I know.  And here's another one of
                         my ideas: You're fired.

                                   JEFF
                         You can't do that!

                                   LEACH
                         Really?  It seemed pretty easy.  In
                         fact...you're still fired.

                                   JEFF
                         Nobody even saw my face!

                                   LEACH
                         They heard your voice.  I'm sure
                         quite a few people would recognize
                         it if we gave them a chance.

               JEFF stands up and moves closer to LEACH.

                                   JEFF
                         This is bullshit!  I'll go to the
                         other networks and-

                                   LEACH
                         They won't believe you, and neither
                         will anyone else.  Now, you have
                         two options: Leave Channel 4 and
                         try to find a job somewhere else,
                         or keep yelling at me.  

                                   JEFF
                         Son of a bitch, will you-

                                   LEACH
                         If you choose the first option,
                         I'll help protect your identity. 
                         If you choose the second...you're
                         on your own.

               JEFF stops to think, then moves even closer to LEACH and
               points at him.

                                   JEFF
                         Fuck you, Leach!  This station is
                         in the shitter anyway!

               JEFF starts to leave.

                                   LEACH
                         Oh, and Shaffer...

               JEFF turns around.

                                   LEACH (CONT'D)
                         Keep this in mind the next time you
                         feel like laughing at your boss.

               JEFF stares for a second.  LEACH smirks.  

                                   JEFF
                             (barely audible)
                         Motherfucker...

               JEFF leaves, slamming the door as he goes.

                                   LEACH 
                         Problem solved.

                                   ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
                         Yeah, sure.  And how are people
                         going to know that?

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. THE CHANNEL 4 STUDIO - EVENING 

               ED faces the camera as a graphic reading "REPORTER FIRED"
               appears behind him.

                                   ED
                         ...In other news, a Channel 4
                         reporter was fired yesterday after
                         network managers learned that he
                         had broken into Councilman Grant
                         Larson's house for an interview.  
                         The reporter, who wishes to remain
                         anonymous, could face criminal
                         charges, but Larson, who is still
                         suspected of having a political
                         opponent killed, chose not to
                         pursue the matter.

                                   SHARON
                         Channel 4 news director Gregory S.
                         Leach had this to say:

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. LEACH'S OFFICE - AFTERNOON

               LEACH sits at his desk facing the camera.

                                   LEACH
                         Although we at Channel 4 stand by
                         the information we gathered on
                         Councilman Larson, we do not
                         approve of trespassing, and the
                         reporter responsible for last
                         night's interview has faced the
                         consequences of his actions.  This
                         invasion of privacy and security
                         goes against our network's
                         principles, and I assure you that
                         we will be more careful in the
                         future.  Thank you.

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. THE CHANNEL 4 NEWSROOM - EVENING 

               JUSTIN, SMITTY, and BILL watch the broadcast with several
               other network employees.

                                   JUSTIN
                         At least he's getting the truth
                         out.  I was afraid we'd all be in
                         trouble.

                                   BILL
                         Unbelievable.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Yeah, it is, isn't it?  Do you guys
                         know who the reporter was?

                                   SMITTY
                         I heard it was Jeff Shaffer.  But
                         we're not supposed to talk about
                         it.

                                   BILL
                         You're right.  It was Jeff.  He was
                         bragging about it yesterday...

                                   JUSTIN
                         Figures.  He deserves whatever
                         happens to him now.  

                                   BILL
                         I don't know.  Something seems
                         weird about this.  

                                   JUSTIN
                         Come on, it's Jeff.  Something is
                         weird about him.

                                   BILL
                         I can't argue with that...

                                                           DISSOLVE TO:

               INT. LEACH'S OFFICE - AFTERNOON

               LEACH and his assistants once again sit in their usual spots.

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR
                         I finally have some good news: The
                         Larson scandal-

                                   ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
                         I think they're calling it
                         "Poisongate" now.

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR
                         ...The Larson scandal is still
                         going strong.  Our ratings are
                         going up every day, and we even got
                         a new sponsor.

                                   LEACH
                         Channel 6 can't hold on much
                         longer.  Soon, we'll be on top
                         again.

                                   ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
                         It's hard to say this, but...I'm
                         glad you didn't listen to me
                         before.

                                   LEACH
                         Believe me, we all are.

                                   EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
                         Has anyone thought about how we're
                         supposed to keep this thing going?

                                   LEACH
                         As long as Larson denies the
                         charges, we'll keep producing
                         evidence.  He can't stop it unless
                         he confesses, and he won't confess
                         because he didn't do anything. 
                         Don't worry about it.

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. THE CHANNEL 6 STUDIO - EVENING 

               JOHN and LYNN sit at the desk as a graphic reading
               "POISONGATE FAKE?" appears.  

                                   LYNN
                         Tonight, on Channel 6 Action News:
                         Our investigative team has
                         discovered that the "Poisongate"
                         scandal that has shocked the city
                         over the last week may be the
                         result of a forgery.  

                                   JOHN
                         That's right, Lynn.  Channel 4
                         Eyewitness News claims to have
                         evidence that Councilman Grant
                         Larson arranged to have his
                         opponent poisoned before an
                         election several years ago, but the
                         facts just don't add up.  Larson
                         gave a press conference earlier
                         today.  Let's look at a clip.

                                                                CUT TO:

               EXT. CITY HALL - DAY

               LARSON stands at a podium surrounded by microphones.  Cameras
               flash and click in the foreground, and several reporters
               clamor around the podium.

                                   REPORTER #1
                         Mr. Larson, you've stated
                         repeatedly that the Poisongate
                         scandal is based on false charges. 
                         How can you prove this?

                                   LARSON
                         I was wondering that myself, but
                         with the help of Channel 6, I've
                         determined that the evidence
                         against me was fabricated.  

                                   REPORTER #2
                         Can you be more specific?

                                   LARSON
                         First of all, hospital records
                         clearly show that Arnold Bennett
                         died of heart failure, not
                         poisoning.

                                   REPORTER #3
                         Channel 4 claims that you had those
                         records changed, sir. 

                                   LARSON
                         That's simply not true.  In any
                         case, we have concrete proof that I
                         was framed.  I've agreed not to say
                         anything else until tonight.  Thank
                         you.

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. THE CHANNEL 6 STUDIO - EVENING 

               JOHN faces the camera, and the same graphic appears behind
               him as before.  He holds up a sheet of paper.

                                   JOHN
                         This is a copy of the e-mail that
                         an anonymous Channel 4 reporter
                         showed to Councilman Larson.  An
                         excerpt:

               The text of the message appears on the screen.

                                   JOHN (CONT'D)
                         "Time is running out.  If Bennett
                         is still breathing 24 hours from
                         now, you don't get paid.  Remember
                         to make it look natural."

               The original graphic replaces the text.

                                   LYNN
                         Channel 4 claims that Larson sent
                         this to an unnamed accomplice who
                         has since come forward.  But Mr.
                         Larson brought the document to our
                         Action News Team, and we found
                         proof that it must have been
                         produced recently.  John?

                                   JOHN
                         That's correct, Lynn.  This e-mail
                         is supposedly from
                         "Gdlarson@jmail.com," which is
                         Councilman Larson's personal
                         address.  But Jmail, an
                         experimental e-mail service, wasn't
                         established until early last year. 
                         This means that the message
                         couldn't have been written five
                         years ago, as Eyewitness News
                         claims.  Lynn?

                                   LYNN
                         Also in politics tonight, Mayor
                         McAllister still faces accusations
                         that he used city funds
                         illegally...

               The report continues with no sound.

                                   LEACH (V.O.)
                         ...Mr. Larson has not proven his
                         innocence, and Channel 4 will
                         continue to investigate this
                         scandal...

                                                           DISSOLVE TO:

               INT. LEACH'S OFFICE - DAY

               LEACH sits at his desk reading from a sheet of paper as his
               staff watches.

                                   LEACH (CONT'D)
                         ...but we will find out who was
                         responsible for giving our station
                         a forged document and take
                         appropriate action.  Thank you.

               LEACH looks up.

                                   LEACH (CONT'D)
                         What do you think?

                                   EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
                         It's the best we can do on short
                         notice.

                                   NEWS PRODUCER
                         I'll make sure there's time for it
                         during the 6:00 show.

                                   ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
                         What "appropriate action" are you
                         going to take, anyway?

                                   LEACH
                         This: You're fired.

                                   ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
                         What?

                                   LEACH
                         You're the idiot who couldn't do
                         five minutes of research to see if
                         that address existed.  Get out of
                         my sight.

                                   ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
                         But you told me what to write!

                                   LEACH
                         And you wrote it, which makes you
                         the one responsible.  Bye.

                                   ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
                         This is...unfair...how can you
                         just...

               He slowly gets up and walks toward the door.

                                   ASSIGNMENT EDITOR (CONT'D)
                         You're not invincible, Leach!   

               He leaves.

                                   LEACH
                         I should've done that a long time
                         ago.

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR
                         I know what you mean.  

                                   EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
                         So what do we do now?

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR
                         I was thinking we should-

                                   LEACH
                         No.  I've got it figured out. 
                         We've been looking at this the
                         wrong way.  Don't you see the
                         problem?

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR
                         I see a lot of problems, but I
                         don't-

                                   LEACH
                         The problem is that we're not being
                         aggressive enough.  We're just
                         trying to make our show
                         entertaining and informative, and
                         they're trying to bring us down.

                                   NEWS PRODUCER
                         Are you sure?

                                   LEACH
                         Do you have a better idea?  Are you
                         going to enlighten us with your
                         wisdom?

                                   NEWS PRODUCER
                         I was just asking a question, Greg.

                                   LEACH
                         No.  Whatever it was, no.  We need
                         action!  If they can destroy our
                         top story, then we can do the same
                         to them.  

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR
                         I couldn't have said it better
                         myself.  What's the plan?

                                   LEACH
                         Fight fire with fire.  Find a way
                         to prove that Channel 6 fabricated
                         the embezzlement story.  That
                         should give us time to gather more
                         information on Larson.

                                   NEWS PRODUCER
                         What if we can't prove anything?

               LEACH glances at his computer, then turns back to the table.

                                   NEWS PRODUCER (CONT'D)
                         Come on!  They're not going to buy
                         that now!

                                   LEACH
                         They'll buy whatever we tell them
                         to.  Remember, we know they faked
                         that story.  It's just a matter of
                         showing the rest of the city the
                         truth.

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. THE CHANNEL 6 STUDIO - NIGHT

               JOHN and LYNN sit at the desk as the opening credits end.

                                   JOHN
                         Welcome to Channel 6 Action News. 
                         Our top story tonight: Mayor George
                         McAllister resigns.  

                                   LYNN
                         After several days of tough
                         questions from Channel 6 and other
                         organizations, the mayor admitted
                         today that he embezzled thousands
                         of dollars from the city treasury.

                                   JOHN
                         The announcement came at 4:00 this
                         afternoon.

                                                                CUT TO:

               EXT. CITY HALL - DAY

               MCALLISTER stands behind a podium facing dozens of
               journalists.

                                   MCALLISTER
                         I sincerely apologize for this.  It
                         was an abuse of my position, and I
                         owe it to the people of Homestead
                         to step down. 
                         I take full responsibility, and I
                         assure you that the money will be
                         returned as soon as possible.

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. THE CHANNEL 6 STUDIO

                                   JOHN
                         Deputy Mayor Tom Rogers will take
                         over McAllister's position, but the
                         election is only a month away,
                         which means he can't put his name
                         on the ballot.   

                                   LYNN
                         This makes Councilman Grant Larson
                         the only official candidate. 
                         However, Rogers announced today
                         that he does plan to start a write
                         in campaign.

                                   JOHN
                         Also tonight...

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. LEACH'S OFFICE - NIGHT

               LEACH stands behind his desk and pounds it with both hands
               while Channel 6 plays in the background.

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. THE CHANNEL 4 NEWSROOM

               Several reporters, including JUSTIN and BILL, stand around
               the TV watching Channel 6.  LEACH emerges from his office and
               walks to the front of the room.

                                   LEACH
                         Everyone, could I have your
                         attention?

                                   BILL
                         Oh, good, another speech.  We
                         haven't heard enough of these...

                                   JUSTIN
                         Bill, this could be important. 
                         It's probably about the election.

                                   LEACH
                         Turn the TV off.

               A reporter turns off the TV.

                                   LEACH (CONT'D)
                         This is a serious situation,
                         people.  Channel 6 is probably
                         going to get more popular than ever
                         thanks to that story.  So I think
                         this would be a good time to tell
                         you that it was all a lie.

               Several reporters talk quietly to each other.

                                   LEACH (CONT'D)
                         That's right.  Channel 6 just
                         brought down the mayor with a story
                         they created.  

                                   REPORTER #1
                         How do you know that?

                                   LEACH
                         We figured it out a long time ago,
                         but we thought that they would
                         admit it on their own.  If you want
                         to see the evidence, we can get it
                         to you.

                                   REPORTER #2
                         Why did McAllister resign if he
                         didn't do anything?

                                   LEACH
                         Maybe he was working with them.  We
                         were planning a story about this,
                         and now he's given them
                         credibility.  Don't you see what's
                         going on?
                             (beat)
                         Channel 6 realized that they can't
                         beat us on a level playing field,
                         so they're determined to destroy
                         us!

                                   BILL
                         Wait a minute, Mr. Leach.  There
                         has to be another explanation.

                                   LEACH
                         Like what?

                                   JUSTIN
                         Yeah, Bill, like what?  

                                   BILL
                         Well...McAllister confessed.  

                                   LEACH
                         He's a notorious liar.  That proves
                         nothing.

                                   BILL
                         What?  Why would-

                                   LEACH
                         Are you suggesting that Channel 6
                         is better than us?

                                   BILL
                         Yes, I am.

                                   LEACH
                         Why would you say that?

                                   BILL
                         I don't see them using forged e
                         mails.

                                   LEACH
                         We thought that was authentic!

                                   BILL
                         That's my point!  If you-

                                   LEACH
                         I've heard enough.  Get out.

                                   BILL
                         You're not serious.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Bill, just go.  You're obviously
                         not a team player.

                                   BILL
                         Lowery, don't tell me you're on his
                         side.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Why not?  

                                   BILL
                         Because I thought you were-

                                   LEACH
                         I told you to get out.  You're no
                         longer welcome here.

               BILL looks around, and everyone stares at him silently.  He
               begins to walk out.

                                   LEACH (CONT'D)
                         Anyone else have something to say?

                                   REPORTER #1
                         I quit.

                                   REPORTER #3
                         Me too.

               They both walk toward the door, and three other reporters
               follow them.

                                   LEACH
                         I guess we know who's really
                         dedicated to this station now,
                         don't we?  Fine.  Let them go.  We
                         need to get back to business.

               LEACH'S assistants join him.

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR
                         That's right.  Do you want to know
                         the truth about that e-mail?  Here
                         it is: We were set up.

                                   LEACH
                         Exactly.  The person who supplied
                         it claimed to be Larson's
                         accomplice, but it's obvious that
                         he was working with Channel 6. 
                         They had this planned the whole
                         time.

                                   ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR
                         We took the bait and gave them a
                         story.  But it won't happen again,
                         will it?

               He glares at the reporters.

                                   LEACH
                         It's time to fight back.  Everyone
                         needs to dig up some dirt on
                         Channel 6 and its staff.  We'll
                         take care of the publicity.  

                                   EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
                         Remember, they started this, so
                         show them no mercy.

                                   LEACH
                         Go!

               The reporters rush back to their desks.  LEACH follows JUSTIN
               and stops him.

                                   LEACH 
                         Lowery, I need to talk to you. 
                         Meet me in my office in five
                         minutes.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Sure.

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. LEACH'S OFFICE

               LEACH sits behind his desk while JUSTIN stands in front of
               it.

                                   LEACH
                         You've been doing some really great
                         work lately.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Thanks, Mr. Leach.  Just trying to
                         get the truth out there.

                                   LEACH
                         That's what I like to hear.  And
                         now that a few of your less
                         enthusiastic colleagues have quit,
                         I need you to pick up some of the
                         slack.

                                   JUSTIN
                         I'll do what I can.

                                   LEACH
                         That's the spirit.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Should I work on proving that
                         Channel 6 gave you that e-mail?

                                   LEACH
                         That's not important anymore.  We
                         need to show this town that Channel
                         6 isn't a credible source. 

                                   JUSTIN
                         So what do you want me to do?

                                   LEACH
                         Simple: I'm going to let you report
                         the facts we gather about the
                         station.  The audience will get
                         important news, and you'll get more
                         air time than ever.  Everybody
                         wins. 

                                   JUSTIN
                         Thanks.  I really appreciate that.

                                   LEACH
                         No problem.  Just don't let us
                         down.  If we don't go through with
                         this, Channel 6 will put us out of
                         business.

                                   JUSTIN
                         I won't let that happen.  

                                   LEACH
                         Good.  Here's the plan...

                                                           DISSOLVE TO:

               EXT. THE CHANNEL 6 PARKING LOT - DAY

               JUSTIN stands next to a row of cars and parking meters. 

                                   JUSTIN
                         ...As you can see, two of these
                         meters are expired.  Obviously,
                         this station's employees just don't
                         care.

                                                           DISSOLVE TO:

               INT. THE CHANNEL 4 STUDIO - NIGHT

               ED sits behind the desk as a graphic reading "IQ SURVEY"
               appears behind his head.

                                   ED
                         ...This survey shows that the
                         average Channel 4 viewer is 30
                         percent more intelligent than the
                         average Channel 6 viewer...

                                                           DISSOLVE TO:

               INT. THE CHANNEL 6 STUDIO - NIGHT

               The Channel 6 WEATHER MAN stands in front of a map of the
               area.  Large, colorful icons represent various weather
               conditions.

                                   WEATHER MAN
                         ...With temperatures dropping into
                         the upper 20s after midnight.  Just
                         a reminder that flu season is on
                         the way...

                                                           DISSOLVE TO:

               INT. THE CHANNEL 4 STUDIO - NIGHT

               The Channel 4 WEATHER WOMAN stands in front of a map.

                                   WEATHER WOMAN
                         ...Despite the claims of Channel 6,
                         temperatures only reached the low
                         30s last night...

                                                           DISSOLVE TO:

               INT. THE CHANNEL 6 STUDIO - NIGHT

               JOHN sits behind the desk as a graphic reading "POLL RESULTS"
               appears behind him.

                                   JOHN
                         ...With the election only two weeks
                         away, a majority of respondents
                         said that Councilman Grant Larson
                         is the best man for the job.  A
                         majority also thought Deputy Mayor
                         Tom Rogers would be, quote,
                         "terrible..."

                                                           DISSOLVE TO:

               INT. THE CHANNEL 4 NEWSROOM - NIGHT

               LEACH quickly walks through the room collecting sheets of
               paper from reporters and staff.

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. THE CHANNEL 4 STUDIO

               SHARON sits behind the desk as a graphic reading "MORE
               CHANNEL 6 LIES" appears behind her.

                                   SHARON
                         ...But most respondents in our poll
                         said they would vote for Mayor Tom
                         Rogers as a write-in candidate.

                                   ED
                         Also tonight, did Channel 6
                         anchorman John Blair bribe station
                         managers for his position? 
                         Eyewitness reporter Justin Lowery
                         has more.  Justin?

                                                           DISSOLVE TO:

               INT. THE CHANNEL 4 NEWSROOM - NIGHT

               JUSTIN shuts down his computer and stands up.   He is clearly
               exhausted and stressed.  He starts to walk out, and REPORTER
               #2 stops him.

                                   REPORTER #2  
                         Taking off early?

                                   JUSTIN
                         Yeah.  I'm finished for tonight.  I
                         need to go get a beer.

                                   REPORTER #2
                         I thought you didn't drink.

                                   JUSTIN
                         I decided to start.

                                   REPORTER #2
                         ...Oh.  See you later, I guess.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Later.

               JUSTIN leaves the room.

                                                           DISSOLVE TO:

               INT. A BAR 

               The lights are low, and smoke drifts through the air. 
               Several patrons carry on quiet conversations, while others
               drink silently or play pool.  JUSTIN walks through the door
               cautiously and heads for the counter.  Halfway there, he
               stops and sees AARON sitting at a table in the back of the
               room.  He hesitates, then turns in that direction.  AARON is
               drinking a beer, and an empty bottle sits on the table in
               front of him.  He stops and looks up at JUSTIN.

                                   JUSTIN
                         You're from Channel 6, aren't you?

                                   AARON
                         Yeah.  Why?

                                   JUSTIN
                         I'm Justin Lowery.  I work for
                         Channel 4.

                                   AARON
                         Oh.  I'm Aaron Sauer.  Nice to-

                                   JUSTIN
                         And I want to know why you people
                         think you can lie to the city and
                         get away with it.

                                   AARON
                         I think you've got the wrong guy.

                                   JUSTIN
                         No.  I remember now...you started
                         that McAllister scandal, didn't
                         you?

                                   AARON
                         Yeah.

                                   JUSTIN
                         How much did you pay him for that
                         one?  It must have cost a lot to
                         make him give up his job.

                                   AARON
                         What the hell are you talking
                         about?  

                                   JUSTIN
                         Don't pretend you don't know.  We
                         figured out your tricks.

                                   AARON
                         Listen, you're from Channel 4.  I
                         think you have some problems of
                         your own to deal with.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Really?  Like that e-mail your
                         station used to set us up?

                                   AARON
                         You think we-

                                   JUSTIN
                         People are getting the truth now. 
                         They don't need you anymore. 

               AARON stands up.

                                   AARON
                         Do you want to take this outside? 
                         I'm ready. 

                                   JUSTIN
                         ...No.

                                   AARON
                         Then explain yourself, or back the
                         hell off.

                                   JUSTIN
                         What do you want explained?  You're
                         the one who's deceiving the public.

                                   AARON
                         I think I would know if I was doing
                         that.  

                                   JUSTIN
                         Then admit it!

                                   AARON
                         Look, just...sit down, okay?  I
                         don't need this right now.

               They both sit down, and JUSTIN glares at AARON.

                                   JUSTIN
                         So are you going to tell me why
                         you've been lying to people?

                                   AARON
                         This is about those ridiculous
                         stories Channel 4 has been running,
                         isn't it?

                                   JUSTIN
                         They're not ridiculous.  Just
                         because they make you look bad-

                                   AARON
                         They're ridiculous and completely
                         false.  I know you want to believe
                         them-

                                   JUSTIN
                         I've seen the evidence!

                                   AARON
                         Really?  Did you find it yourself?

                                   JUSTIN
                         I didn't have time, but Mr. Leach,
                         the news director-

                                   AARON
                         And you didn't bother to check the
                         facts he gave you?

               JUSTIN starts to look defeated.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Well...he said that he would-

                                   AARON
                         What is this about, anyway?  Why
                         are you guys accusing us of lying
                         to our viewers?  

                                   JUSTIN
                         Because...we need the ratings...and
                         you're winning...because you create
                         the best stories.

                                   AARON
                         I see the problem.  It's no wonder
                         you guys are still in second place
                         if you think that's how it works.

                                   JUSTIN
                         What do you mean?

                                   AARON
                         Do you want to know why we get the
                         best stories?  We have connections. 
                         That's it.  

                                   JUSTIN
                         You mean professional writers are
                         inventing the-

                                   AARON
                         Nobody is inventing anything!  We
                         just get the information first.  We
                         caught McAllister because we know
                         someone who works at City Hall, not
                         because we wanted to frame him. 

                                   JUSTIN
                         Okay...but what about Poisongate?

                                   AARON
                         What about it?  We proved you guys
                         wrong.

                                   JUSTIN
                         With a forged e-mail!

                                   AARON
                         Let me guess: That's what Leach
                         told you, right?

                                   JUSTIN
                         Yeah, but-

                                   AARON
                         You're a reporter.  It's your job
                         to make sure anything he says is
                         true.

                                   JUSTIN
                         ...He seemed so sure of it.

                                   AARON
                         That's not good enough.  I really
                         understand why you're losing now.

                                   JUSTIN
                         So what should we do?

                                   AARON
                         That's not my problem.  I don't
                         even care about Channel 6 anymore. 
                         Why should I help you?

                                   JUSTIN
                         You don't care?

                                   AARON
                         No, I don't.  The news business is
                         bullshit.  Why do you think I come
                         here every night?  

                                   JUSTIN
                         So you are making things up!

                                   AARON
                         No.  But I'm tired of ambushing
                         politicians and acting like every
                         weather change is a sign of the
                         apocalypse.  I'm tired of seeing my
                         face hidden behind a million
                         computer-generated graphics, and
                         I'm tired of hyperactive announcers
                         screaming my name.  It's bullshit.

                                   JUSTIN
                         ...But maybe it doesn't have to be
                         that way.

                                   AARON
                         Yeah, and maybe if I drink another
                         beer, I'll sprout wings and fly to
                         the moon.  What's your point?

                                   JUSTIN
                         Just a thought.  

                                   AARON
                         Look, I have to get out of here. 
                         If you ever want a job shoveling
                         truthful bullshit, give me a call,
                         and I'll see what I can do.

               AARON hands him a card.

                                   JUSTIN
                         ...Thanks.

                                   AARON
                         Don't mention it.

               AARON walks out.

                                                           DISSOLVE TO:

               INT. LEACH'S OFFICE - MORNING

               LEACH sits at his desk reading through a stack of papers. 
               JUSTIN walks in the door and quickly approaches the desk.

                                   LEACH
                         What's so important that you
                         couldn't knock, Lowery?

                                   JUSTIN
                         Mr. Leach, I think we have a
                         problem.

                                   LEACH
                         The problem is that you barged into
                         my office.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Sorry.  But I talked to someone
                         from Channel 6 last night, and-

               LEACH stands up.

                                   LEACH
                         You met with the enemy?  Are you
                         insane?

                                   JUSTIN
                         The enemy?  

                                   LEACH
                         Did you tell them anything?  You're
                         putting us all in danger!

                                   JUSTIN
                         Mr. Leach, please, just listen to
                         me.  Aaron Sauer, the reporter who
                         broke the embezzlement story, said
                         that McAllister really was guilty.

                                   LEACH
                         Of course he did.  And he was
                         lying.   

                                   JUSTIN
                         That's the problem, Mr. Leach.  He
                         wasn't lying.  Channel 6 just has
                         more connections than us.  That's
                         how they get better ratings.

                                   LEACH
                         You're still worried about the
                         stupid ratings?

                                   JUSTIN
                         Aren't ours lower than ever now?

                                   LEACH
                         I don't know, and I don't care. 
                         This isn't a popularity contest;
                         It's a battle between good and
                         evil.  Did you forget which side
                         you're on?

                                   JUSTIN
                         Good and evil?  I don't think you
                         heard me.  Channel 6 wasn't lying
                         about-

                                   LEACH
                         All they do is lie!  That's just
                         the way it is!  Don't you remember
                         Poisongate?

                                   JUSTIN
                         I asked him about that, and he said
                         Channel 6 had nothing to do with
                         it.  I think we just need to check
                         our facts, and then-  

                                   LEACH
                         The only important fact is that
                         Channel 6 needs to be brought to
                         justice.  It's our job to get the
                         truth out.

                                   JUSTIN
                         But they didn't do anything wrong!

                                   LEACH
                         You're actually defending them?

                                   JUSTIN
                         Yes.

                                   LEACH
                         Then you've failed me.  If you
                         don't hate Channel 6 by now, you
                         haven't been paying attention.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Why should I hate them?  They're a
                         good example.

                                   LEACH
                         Is that what you think?  Then you
                         can join them.  You're fired.

               JUSTIN stares at LEACH in disbelief, then slowly backs out of
               the room.

                                                           DISSOLVE TO:

               INT. JUSTIN'S APARTMENT - DAY

               JUSTIN walks in the door and collapses on the couch.  A few
               seconds pass, then he suddenly lifts his head and looks
               toward the computer room.  He gets up and walks in that
               direction.

                                                           DISSOLVE TO:

               INT. JUSTIN'S COMPUTER ROOM 

               The printer produces several sheets of paper.  JUSTIN
               collects them and folds them in half as they come out.  

                                                           DISSOLVE TO:

               EXT. MAIN STREET - AFTERNOON

               JUSTIN stands on the side of the road with a handful of the
               pamphlets he made.  Dozens of people walk by, but few pay any
               attention.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Read the truth about Channel 4
                         Eyewitness News!  It's all right
                         here!

               A man in a suit walks by, and JUSTIN approaches him.

                                   JUSTIN (CONT'D)
                         Sir, do you know the truth about
                         Channel 4?

                                   MAN #1
                         I don't watch the news.

               The man walks away.  A younger couple approaches.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Do either of you want to know the
                         truth about Channel 4?

                                   MAN #2
                         We watch Channel 6.

                                   WOMAN #1
                         It's a lot more exciting.

                                   JUSTIN
                         But they're not telling you about-

               The couple walks away.  A middle-aged man approaches.

                                   MAN #3
                         What's this about Channel 4?

                                   JUSTIN
                         A lot of their stories aren't
                         accurate, especially the ones about
                         Channel 6.  You can read about it
                         in this-

                                   MAN #3
                         You're that Justin Lowery guy,
                         aren't you?

                                   JUSTIN
                         Yes.  And I'm-

                                   MAN #3
                         What are you doing shilling for the
                         liars at Channel 6?  I thought you
                         knew better. 

                                   JUSTIN
                         No, see, we were misinformed, and-

                                   MAN #3
                         Yeah, sure.  I guess they got to
                         you too.

               The man walks away. 

                                                           DISSOLVE TO:

               INT. JUSTIN'S APARTMENT - EVENING 

               JUSTIN picks up the phone and dials.  We hear a few rings on
               the opposite end, then someone picks it up.

                                   AARON (V.O.)
                         Hello?

                                   JUSTIN
                         Aaron?  This is Justin Lowery.  I
                         talked to you a couple days ago.

                                   AARON (O.S.)
                         Oh, yeah, the Channel 4 guy.  I'm
                         kind of busy right now, so-

                                   JUSTIN
                         Listen, Leach fired me yesterday
                         when I tried to tell him what you
                         told me.

                                   AARON (O.S.)
                         That's great.  What do you want
                         from me?

                                   JUSTIN
                         I need your help getting the truth
                         out.  There's time available on the
                         public access channel, and I
                         thought that if we could start our
                         own news show- 

                                   AARON (O.S.)
                         You want me to quit my job for you?

                                   JUSTIN
                         I just need you to help.  This is
                         serious.  Leach thinks you're "the
                         enemy," and I found out today that
                         a lot of Channel 4's audience
                         agrees with him.  

                                   AARON (O.S.)
                         Why do you need my help?

                                   JUSTIN
                         Think about it.  If people get the
                         same story from both sides, they're
                         more likely to take us seriously.

                                   AARON (O.S.)
                         All right...I really shouldn't do
                         this, but I'm going to help you. 
                         Remember what I told you about
                         connections and fact checking?

                                   JUSTIN
                         Yeah.

                                   AARON (O.S.)
                         If you can get a couple other
                         people from Channel 4 to help make
                         your case, I'll see if I can get
                         you air time on our show next week.   

                                   JUSTIN
                         Why do we need more?

                                   AARON (O.S.)
                         Because you should always have
                         multiple sources.  Didn't you go to
                         a journalism school?

                                   JUSTIN
                         Yeah...I guess I forgot the
                         basics...

                                   AARON (O.S.)
                         Don't worry about it.  Just let me
                         know when you're ready, and I'll
                         see what I can do.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Great.  Thanks a lot.

                                   AARON (O.S.)
                         Sure thing.

               JUSTIN ends the call, then dials another number.  The person
               on the other end picks up after two rings.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Hello, Smitty?  This is Justin.

                                   SMITTY (O.S.)
                         Lowery?  I thought you got fired.

                                   JUSTIN
                         I did.  But I need your help.  Do
                         you realize that a lot of our
                         stories have been completely wrong
                         lately?

                                   SMITTY (O.S.)
                         I'm more worried about Leach,
                         actually.  He keeps screaming about
                         putting the Channel 6 anchors in
                         prison or something.

                                   JUSTIN
                         That's what this is about!  I'm
                         working with Channel 6 to set the
                         facts straight.  Do you know anyone
                         else at the station who can help us
                         out?

                                   SMITTY (O.S.)
                         I don't think I trust anyone
                         here...but I can get you the
                         contact info for some other people
                         Leach fired.  Give me a couple
                         minutes.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Great.  

                                                           DISSOLVE TO:

               INT. BILL'S HOUSE - DAY

               BILL stands in the kitchen holding the phone.

                                   BILL
                         I can help you out.  Maybe Leach
                         will listen to me now. 

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. JEFF'S HOUSE

               JEFF sits on his bed holding the phone.

                                   JEFF
                         You want the truth?  Leach double
                         crossed me.  Here's what really
                         happened...

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. THE ASSIGNMENT EDITOR'S CAR 

               The (former) ASSIGNMENT EDITOR drives while talking on a cell
               phone.

                                   ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
                         The e-mail?  I wrote it.  No,
                         really. 
                         Leach fooled everyone...just tell
                         me when to be there...

                                                           DISSOLVE TO:

               INT. JUSTIN'S APARTMENT 

               JUSTIN sits on the couch holding the phone.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Aaron, it's worse than I thought. 
                         Leach was lying this whole time.

                                   AARON  (O.S.)
                         I kind of figured that...

                                   JUSTIN
                         No, I mean he knew he was wrong,
                         and he fired a lot of people so he
                         wouldn't get caught!  A couple of
                         the producers are in on it, too.

                                   AARON (O.S.)
                         All right, we'll handle it.  I
                         talked to John, one of the anchors,
                         and he wants to help.  You guys
                         accused him of bribery, right?  

                                   JUSTIN
                         Yeah...well, I did, thanks to
                         Leach...

                                   AARON (O.S.)
                         If you can get everyone to come to
                         the station tomorrow, we'll start
                         putting a story together.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Great.

                                                           DISSOLVE TO:

               INT. THE CHANNEL 6 NEWSROOM - AFTERNOON

               JUSTIN walks in, followed by SMITTY, BILL, JEFF, and the
               ASSIGNMENT EDITOR.  AARON and JOHN meet them near the door.

                                   JOHN
                         Hey, how's everyone doing?  I'm
                         John Blair. 

               JOHN shakes hands with the Channel 4 group.

                                   SMITTY
                         So what are we doing here?  I had
                         to use a sick day for this.

                                   AARON
                         The producers are going to let us
                         use the studio for the afternoon,
                         but we have to be out by 5.

                                   JOHN
                         Oh, that might be a problem...I'm
                         really busy right now...can I talk
                         to you after the news tonight?

                                   JUSTIN
                         You mean at 11:30?

                                   JOHN
                         10:30.  The 11:00 show is a repeat.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Wow.  I wouldn't mind working
                         here...

                                   AARON
                         Then let's get started.  Come on.

               They head for the studio.

                                                           DISSOLVE TO:

               INT. THE CHANNEL 6 STUDIO - NIGHT

               JOHN and LYNN sit behind the desk.

                                   JOHN
                         That's all for now.  For Channel 6
                         Action News, I'm John Blair.

                                   LYNN
                         And I'm Lynn Reynolds.

                                   JOHN
                         And we'll see you at 11. 
                         Goodnight.

               The ending credits and music roll, and as a studio camera
               pans away from the desk, JOHN and LYNN stand up.

                                   JOHN
                         Another great show, guys.  See you
                         tomorrow.

               JOHN walks out of the studio.

               INT. THE CHANNEL 6 NEWSROOM

               JOHN meets JUSTIN, AARON, and SMITTY at the studio door.

                                   JOHN
                         How'd it go today?

                                   JUSTIN
                         We're still working on putting the
                         tape together...

                                   SMITTY
                         Hey, I'm the one doing all the
                         work. 

                                   JUSTIN
                         ...But we managed to get all the
                         interviews finished.

                                   AARON
                         This story could be ready by
                         tomorrow night if nothing goes
                         wrong with your segment.

                                   JOHN
                         I'll do what I can.  Just so I'm
                         clear, you are showing this on our
                         station, right?

                                   JUSTIN
                         Right.  Why?

                                   JOHN
                         I just hope enough people see it
                         that nobody will take Channel 4's
                         accusations seriously anymore.

                                   JUSTIN
                         I think they'll get the message. 
                         Are you ready for your interview?

                                   JOHN
                         Patience.  We need to wait until
                         it's less crowded in here, and then
                         I need to go get a cigarette.  Can
                         you stick around for 20 minutes?

                                   AARON
                         Works for me.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Me too. 

                                   JOHN
                         All right, then.  I'll tell them to
                         leave a camera running.

               JOHN walks back into the studio.

                                   AARON
                         You know, he made a good point. 
                         What's the use of showing this
                         thing to people who already watch
                         Channel 6?

                                   JUSTIN
                         You'll see.

                                   AARON
                         Okay...I just hope someone else
                         will.

                                   SMITTY
                         Trust us.

                                                           DISSOLVE TO:

               EXT. THE CHANNEL 6 PARKING LOT 

               The lot is dimly lit and mostly empty.  JOHN closes his car
               door and stands next to the car as he lights a cigarette.  We
               hear footsteps approaching.

                                   LEACH (O.C.)
                         Nice night, isn't it, liar?

               JOHN turns around.

                                   JOHN
                         What?  Who are you?

               LEACH steps out of the shadows.

                                   LEACH
                         I think you know.   You've been
                         trying to destroy my career for the
                         past few months.

                                   JOHN
                         Wait...are you from Channel 4?

                                   LEACH
                         Oh, you do recognize me.

                                   JOHN
                         No, I was-

                                   LEACH
                         The name's Greg Leach, liar.

                                   JOHN
                         What a coincidence.  I was just
                         about to give an interview to one
                         of the reporters you fired.

               LEACH moves closer.

                                   LEACH
                         I don't think so.  You're going to
                         go on the air and apologize for
                         lying about Channel 4, liar.

                                   JOHN
                         Stop calling me that.

                                   LEACH
                         Then stop lying.  Get in there
                         right now and tell everyone the
                         truth.

                                   JOHN
                         The show's over, Mr. Leach.  We end
                         at 10:30.

                                   LEACH
                         I don't care!

               LEACH moves even closer, and JOHN backs up.

                                   LEACH (CONT'D)
                         I've had enough of the lies coming
                         from your lying station...liar.  

                                   JOHN
                         I think you need to leave.

               JOHN starts to walk away.

                                   LEACH
                         Get back here!

               LEACH runs after him and tackles him from behind.

                                   JOHN
                         Ow!  What's your problem?

                                   LEACH
                         Confess!

               LEACH slams JOHN'S face against the ground.

                                   JOHN
                         AAAAH!

                                   LEACH
                         Confess, you lying son of a bitch!

               LEACH slams JOHN'S face into the ground again.  JOHN throws
               him off and starts to get up.  LEACH trips him as he takes a
               step, then kicks him in the ribs.

                                   JOHN
                         What are you-

               LEACH tries to strangle JOHN.

                                   LEACH
                         Confess...you...fucking...liar!

               JOHN frees himself, but LEACH punches him in the face, then
               repeatedly slams his head into the ground.

                                   LEACH
                         Tell...them...the truth!

               JOHN stops struggling after a few seconds.  A pool of blood
               surrounds his head.  He isn't breathing.  LEACH slowly stands
               up, looks around, and runs away as a flashlight beam shines
               in his direction.

                                   SECURITY GUARD (O.C.)
                         What's going on here?

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. THE CHANNEL 6 STUDIO 

               JUSTIN, AARON, and SMITTY stand by a camera.  JUSTIN checks
               his watch.

                                   JUSTIN
                         He should be here.  

                                   AARON
                         Give him a couple more minutes. 
                         His smoke breaks take a long time.

               The SECURITY GUARD rushes in.

                                   SECURITY GUARD
                         Guys...John is dead.

                                   AARON
                         What?  

                                   JUSTIN
                         What happened?

                                   SECURITY GUARD
                         Someone jumped him in the parking
                         lot.  It was over by the time I got
                         there.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Did you call the police?

                                   SECURITY GUARD
                         They're on their way...but I need
                         you to look at something.

               He leads them out of the room.

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. THE SURVEILLANCE ROOM

               The SECURITY GUARD plays a surveillance video of LEACH
               killing JOHN.

                                   SECURITY GUARD
                         Do you recognize the other guy,
                         Aaron?

                                   AARON
                         No...

                                   JUSTIN
                         Wait...that's Mr. Leach!

                                   AARON
                         I guess you were right about him...

                                   SECURITY GUARD
                         You know the guy?

                                   JUSTIN
                         He's my old boss.

                                   SMITTY
                         He's kind of an asshole.

                                   SECURITY GUARD
                         Any idea where he would've gone?

                                   JUSTIN
                         No...but we can still help.

                                   AARON
                         We?

                                   JUSTIN
                         There are still some people here to
                         replay the show at 11, right?

                                   AARON
                         Yeah, but I don't-

                                   JUSTIN
                         Tell them we need to go live.  I've
                         had enough.

                                   AARON
                         The tape isn't ready yet!

                                   SMITTY
                         Leave that to me.  I've been
                         shadowing the guys in the control
                         room every night for a while.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Speaking of which, is the rest of
                         the plan ready to go?

                                   SMITTY
                         It's ready.

                                   AARON
                         Did I miss a meeting or something?

                                   JUSTIN
                         You'll see.  We're going to let
                         everyone know the real story.

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. THE CHANNEL 6 STUDIO

               JUSTIN and AARON sit at the desk.  The SECURITY GUARD stands
               behind the camera.  

                                   JUSTIN
                         Smitty, it's time.  Everything
                         ready?  

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. THE CHANNEL 6 CONTROL ROOM

               SMITTY sits in front of several tape decks with a cell phone
               in his hand.   Two technicians sit beside him operating other
               devices.  

                                   SMITTY
                         Just a second.  

               SMITTY dials and waits for an answer.

                                   SMITTY (CONT'D)
                         Phil?  It's Smitty.  Remember that
                         favor we talked about?  Make it
                         happen...yes, now!  Don't ask
                         questions, just do it!

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. THE CHANNEL 4 CONTROL ROOM

               PHIL, the Channel 4 technical director, holds a cell phone
               between his chin and shoulder while pushing a sequence of
               buttons.  Several other people sit around him.

                                   PHIL
                         All right, give me a minute.  

               He turns to the others.

                                   PHIL (CONT'D)
                         Guys, there's been a change of
                         plans.  Lock the door!

               PHIL pushes one more button.

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. THE CHANNEL 4 NEWSROOM

               As usual, several reporters stand around the TV screen as it
               plays the beginning of Eyewitness News.  The picture switches
               to a graphic reading "CHANNEL 6 ACTION NEWS ALERT."  The
               reporters look around in confusion.  One of them switches to
               Channel 5, then back to Channel 4, which still displays the
               same graphic.

                                   CHANNEL 6 ANNOUNCER
                         This is an Action News Alert from
                         Channel 6.

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. THE CHANNEL 6 STUDIO

               AARON faces the camera.

                                   AARON
                         Ladies and gentlemen, we're coming
                         to you live to bring you this
                         tragic news: Channel 6 anchor John
                         Blair was murdered 15 minutes ago
                         right outside this television
                         station.  Security cameras captured
                         this video of the culprit,
                         identified as news director Gregory
                         Leach from Channel 4.

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. THE CHANNEL 4 NEWSROOM

               The reporters watch as the screen plays the security footage
               of the murder.  

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. THE CHANNEL 6 STUDIO

                                   AARON
                         Police have been notified and are
                         searching for the killer at this
                         moment.  And now, with more
                         information on Leach and Channel 4,
                         here's former Eyewitness reporter
                         Justin Lowery.

               The SECURITY GUARD pans the camera toward JUSTIN.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Thanks, Aaron.  For the last few
                         weeks, Leach and Channel 4 have
                         engaged in a campaign of dishonesty
                         against Action News.  You've heard
                         that Channel 6 lies to its audience
                         and manipulates political events
                         for ratings.  However, the truth is
                         just the opposite.  But don't take
                         it from me.  Listen to these former
                         employees of Channel 4...

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. THE CHANNEL 6 CONTROL ROOM

               SMITTY pushes "PLAY" on one tape deck and starts to cue up
               another.

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. THE CHANNEL 4 NEWSROOM

               The reporters stare at the screen as it continues to play the
               Channel 6 broadcast.  One of them turns up the volume.  We
               see clips from the afternoon's interviews on the screen.

                                   BILL
                         ...I tried to speak up, and Leach
                         fired me.  He's not interested in
                         the news.  Just himself.  

                                   JEFF
                         I'm the one who broke into
                         Councilman Larson's house...because
                         Leach told me to.  I had no idea
                         the charges against Larson were
                         manufactured.

                                   ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
                         Poisongate was my fault.  I wrote
                         that e-mail after Leach threatened
                         to fire me if I didn't
                         cooperate...but then he fired me
                         anyway.  I want to apologize for
                         all the problems I've caused... 

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. THE CHANNEL 6 STUDIO

                                   JUSTIN
                         Channel 6 will have the full story
                         later this week.  Right now,
                         there's something I need to say:
                         When I worked for Channel 4, I
                         watched Leach and his staff
                         manipulate the news...and I
                         sometimes helped them.  I didn't
                         protest because we needed the
                         ratings.  I thought we were giving
                         you what you wanted, but we never
                         even asked you.  If you don't want
                         to believe a journalist now, I
                         understand.  But at least listen to
                         this: Don't assume that we know
                         what you want, and stop allowing us
                         to tell you what to think.  Either
                         speak up, or get out there and find
                         the truth for yourself.  And now- 

                                   AARON
                         Wait...

               The SECURITY GUARD pans the camera to AARON.

                                   AARON (CONT'D)
                         I agree with Mr. Lowery here.  But
                         there's more.  Those of you who
                         watch Channel 6...do you really
                         want the news to be shoved in your
                         face every night, or did you only
                         watch because there was no other
                         option?  I'm tired of working in a
                         business where every politician is
                         either the best or worst leader
                         ever born, every new disease is
                         going to wipe out the human race,
                         and every season is going to
                         destroy the planet.  And I'm tired
                         of being the one responsible for
                         forcing these stories on you.  John
                         Blair's death should make us
                         realize what happens when the news
                         becomes a competition, and I refuse
                         to be a part of it any longer. 
                         Thank you.

                                   JUSTIN
                         And now, back to your regularly
                         scheduled programming, if you still
                         choose to watch.

               The SECURITY GUARD turns off the camera.

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. THE CHANNEL 4 NEWSROOM

               The broadcast goes back to Eyewitness News, which shows a
               live shot of an empty studio.  The reporters head for the
               producers' offices and find the doors locked.  One of them
               tries to kick in the door.

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. THE CHANNEL 6 NEWSROOM

               JUSTIN and AARON stand outside the studio.

                                   JUSTIN
                         You know, I once told someone not
                         to kill the messenger.  I wonder if
                         I should've taken my own advice.

                                   AARON
                         What do you mean?  That bastard
                         Leach is the one who just murdered
                         a news anchor.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Well, yeah...but I think we just
                         cost a lot of people their jobs.

               The Channel 6 NEWS DIRECTOR approaches.

                                   NEWS DIRECTOR
                         Guys, we're getting a lot of phone
                         calls. 

                                   AARON
                         Angry phone calls?  Look, I know my
                         speech wasn't planned, so I'm sorry
                         if-

                                   NEWS DIRECTOR
                         No, they're not angry.  

                                   AARON
                         Then why are you telling us?

                                   NEWS DIRECTOR
                         Follow me...

               He leads them toward his office.

                                                           DISSOLVE TO:

               EXT. THE CHANNEL 6 STUDIO - EVENING 

               A graphic reading "CHANNEL 6 EVENING NEWS" appears in front
               of the building.

                                   CHANNEL 6 ANNOUNCER (V.O.)
                             (calmer than before)
                         Welcome to the Channel 6 Evening
                         News.  With today's top stories,
                         here are anchors Justin Lowery and
                         Aaron Sauer. 

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. THE CHANNEL 6 STUDIO 

               JUSTIN and AARON sit behind the desk.  The wall behind them
               has the words "CHANNEL 6" printed on it.

                                   JUSTIN
                         Thank you.  The trial of Gregory
                         Leach ended today as the jury
                         sentenced Leach to life in prison
                         for the murder of Channel 6 anchor
                         John Blair.  Mayor Grant Larson had
                         this to say:

                                                                CUT TO:

               EXT. CITY HALL - DAY

               LARSON stands behind a podium surrounded by microphones.

                                   LARSON
                         I applaud the jury's decision, and
                         I hope that this is the last time
                         our town has to deal with a crime
                         of this magnitude.

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. THE CHANNEL 6 CONTROL ROOM

               SMITTY sits at the tape deck and pushes a few buttons.

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. THE CHANNEL 6 STUDIO

                                   AARON
                         Also today, Channel 4 re
                         established its news program under
                         new management.  Channel 6 reporter
                         Jeff Shaffer has more.

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. THE CHANNEL 4 NEWSROOM

               JEFF interviews the ASSIGNMENT EDITOR, identified by a simple
               graphic at the bottom of the screen as "BRIAN TEMPLETON, NEWS
               DIRECTOR FOR CHANNEL 4."

                                   JEFF
                         Are you ready to put old rivalries
                         in the past?

                                   ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
                         Absolutely.  We're just going to
                         try and give people what they want.

                                   JEFF
                         Any comments on the Leach trial?

                                   ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
                         I'm glad he was brought to justice
                         before he could ruin any more
                         lives, and I want people to know
                         that I won't be carrying on his
                         particular legacy.

                                                                CUT TO:

               INT. THE CHANNEL 6 STUDIO

                                   JUSTIN
                         Thanks, Jeff.  Up next, we'll have
                         the latest weather forecast and a
                         look at your suggestions for
                         improving the show.

                                   AARON
                         So stay tuned to Channel 6: News
                         you can trust.

                                                         FADE TO BLACK.