NEWS UNIT: RESEARCH NETWORK (1976)

1976 film about a fictional news network in 1970's America, Union Broadcasting System (UBS). It focusses on the trials and tribulations of a struggling news network in a period of recession in the USA. I found this film quite relevant considering the unit we are currently doing. The film is inspired partially by the on air suicide of Christine Chubbuck in Florida 2 years before. Its general theme is that "Television will do anything for a rating......anything!" a quote from an interview with Paddy Chayefsky the Oscar winning Screenwriter of the film.

This really is the trend throughout as Diana Christensen (Faye Dunaway) a young an determined young producer tries to turn the fortunes of the news network around. The story starts when ageing anchor Howard Beale (Peter Finch) is told he is fired by the people in charge, this in turn causes his to say on live television that he will kill himself. Most people at the network see this as further proof to get rid of him as soon as possible, but Christensen sees it as an opportunity as she notices a ratings spike after he says what he does. Beale is subsequently kept on as a ranting anchor who talks of the days problems with a very open heart. As the film progresses he descends further into madness, but this only increases the ratings so the network keeps him on, as he is the reason the network is turning its fortunes around.

I believe this is a great film to watch not just because it is hugely entertaining, but also especially because it is so relevant to the topic of study at the moment. What I like is that you get an insight not only into how things happen in front of the camera, but also the gallery, production meetings, whole Network meetings and stock holders inputs. Showing a great range of inputs and ways things are done within a news network, not to mention how it can drive people mad.

Great line in the film from William Holden