News at Eleven (1986)
Directed by Mike Robe
Genres - Drama |
Sub-Genres - Media Satire |
Release Date - Apr 2, 1986 (USA - Unknown) |
Run Time - 100 min. |
Countries - United States |
MPAA Rating - NR
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Synopsis by Hal Erickson
News at Eleven is a stacked-card study of journalistic ethics -- or rather, the lack of same. Martin Sheen stars as the well-respected senior anchorperson at a fictional San Diego TV station. Honcho news-director Peter Riegert insists that the news is becoming a tune-out, and demands more sensationalism in the coverage. When a junior high school teacher is accused of statutory rape, Riegert orders Sheen to exploit the story to the hilt. This results in a near-tragedy involving the high school girl who's accused the teacher. The conscience-stricken Sheen exacts a clever "hoist on his own petard" revenge for the unrepentant Riegert. Made for television, News at Eleven was actually telecast at 9 PM (EST) on April 2, 1986.
Characteristics
Themes
Keywords
boss [employer], ethics, journalism, statutory-rape, teacher, telejournalist
