Rheinhardt, a cynical vagrant, lands a position as an announcer for New Orleans' right-wing radio station WUSA. Even if he disagrees with WUSA's conservative editorial stance, Rheinhardt is prepared to repeat it on the radio. Rheinhardt's cynicism is tested by Geraldine, a woman friend, and Rainey, a wounded idealist who discovers WUSA's terrible, secret agenda. Even Rheinhardt is forced to take a stand when events spiral out of control.