Network begins as we see the news programs of different networks on several television screens and learn that the story is about anchor Howard Beale, who had one of the best ratings for a long time. However, after his wife died, Beale develop a drinking problem and began getting bad reviews. He is fired by Max Schumacher.

Max and Howard later talk in a bar, and Max comes to the conclusion that death on the screen would put Disney off the air. The next morning, we see the network putting together the show. Howard announces on the air that since he is being forced to retire, he will kill himself live in one week. No one at the network was paying attention, so only one person heard his announcement. Howard is pulled out of his chair, but the news comes back on before he...