Jaded disc jockey Rheinhardt (Paul Newman) finds a berth at right-wing New Orleans station WUSA, whose hateful message he sets aside his own beliefs to spread -- but his indifference is tested when the station's deeper motives come to light. In this political drama, righteous working girl Geraldine (Joanne Woodward) offers counsel as the misguided maneuvers of his neighbor Rainey (Anthony Perkins) spur the reluctant Rheinhardt to action.