Aspiring on-air reporter Tally Atwater (Michelle Pfieffer) may be lovely and ambitious, but she lacks talent. That changes, however, after Warren Justice (Robert Redford), a former White House correspondent turned Miami news director, discovers her. As he carefully guides her career to new heights, Warren and Tally become increasingly attracted to each other, and begin a romance. Soon, a star is born in Tally, who rises through the ranks of network news - while Warren`s once-stellar career sinks into the depths of mediocrity. Furthermore, Tally`s ascension takes her away from her lover/mentor, when she is forced to relocate to Philadelphia. Tally struggles to stay afloat at her new assignment while dodging jabs from Marcia McGrath (Stockard Channing), a veteran warhorse reporter who jealously protects her position as number one. Finally Warren turns up to inspire Tally and the two partners begin a new career together. However, on a routine assignment in a Philadelphia prison Tally and her cameraman are taken hostage in a prison riot and forced to endure hours of intense violence.Tally bravely covers the groundbreaking story from within the walls of the collapsing prison as Warren looks on from outside, guiding her through her first national broadcast. This incredible act of bravery leads to Tally`s eagerily anticipated advancement to a national network newscaster position and the continuation of the dynamic duo`s rise to fame.