A cynical vagrant named Rheinhardt obtains a position as a broadcaster for the right-leaning radio station WUSA in New Orleans. Rheinhardt is prepared to repeat WUSA's reactionary editorial stance on air, despite his disagreement with it. Rheinhardt's cynicism is challenged by Geraldine, a lady friend, and by Rainey, a neighbor and troubled idealist who discovers WUSA's deadly, secret goal. Even Rheinhardt is forced to take a stand when events begin to spiral out of hand.