Press (2018) s01e02 Episode Script
Pure
Duncan Allen! I'm Holly Evans from the Herald.
I don't forget a name.
I know who you are.
This isn't usual journalistic practice, doorstepping the editor of another paper.
Entertainment.
Without it, we won't sell papers.
Have you seen James? I am one of only three investigative reporters left at my paper.
You think you're a prize-winning, crusading, liberal paper exposing hypocrisy and corruption.
I want journalism.
You want money to get the best? You got it.
Sales are down.
Carry on like this, we won't survive.
We need to take some risks.
- Who are you? - Ed Washburn.
First death knock and you got in? You should feel bad about what you did today.
- You don't seem OK.
- Leave.
This programme contains some strong language I don't like ice cream.
Especially vanilla.
I ask you to tell me something about anything, about yourself, and that's what you come up with? Your turn.
I want something about your family, your parents, how you ended up sleeping with men for huge amounts of money.
I don't sleep with men I sleep with you.
OK.
Well, thanks for the ice cream information.
Next time we're at the seaside, I'll be sure to Your turn.
I was I was born in South Africa, but we moved back to Reading when I was seven.
When I was 13, my parents died in a rock-climbing accident.
No other family, so I went into a home.
Then moved to Edinburgh, joined a band, had a hit single.
- Really? - Yeah.
Er Love Is Up.
- You heard of it? - No.
And then I, um You haven't heard of it? It was it was good! I mean, it was big in Europe.
I-I don't like pop music.
Oh.
Fair enough.
So then I became a model for a few months, then a binman, postman, but eventually, I realised I had a talent for news, so I slept my way into the industry and within ten years, I was editor of a Sunday paper.
No parents.
So you had to fight.
I won't see you for a couple of days.
Going back to your wife and son? I never told you I had a wife and son.
You were drunk, and sometimes you are sad.
It's good you are going home.
MESSAGE ALER By the way, all that, my life story, the band, binman.
I made it up.
You tell me nothing, I'll tell you nothing.
But you're in newspapers.
You should be all about information.
Information? Information's nothing.
I'm all about the story.
After conference, the Sure Staff Foundation from Tower Hamlets are coming to say thank you - for your support at 12:00.
- Right.
And then you've got Justin from Marketing coming in to talk to you about the cover.
I know you're going to say you want to move it, but you've moved it four times already, so you can move it again, but you won't be popular.
Do you want me to move it again, or shall I find out what it's about? No, I know exactly what it's about.
Why do you think I keep moving it? GIRL SPEAKS IN OWN LANGUAGE MAN TRANSLATES: I'm not allowed to stop.
They make me work until I am too tired, sewing.
MALE VOICE: Are you paid? MAN TRANSLATES SHE SPEAKS IN OWN LANGUAGE They give us food, somewhere to sleep.
- Why do you not leave? - MAN TRANSLATES SHE SPEAKS IN OWN LANGUAGE Where would I go? Yeah, Mum, met some good people.
Having a great time.
No, I'm good.
Not partying, head down.
Work experience.
I'm working for a publishing house.
We do mainly novels, poetry, that sort of thing.
Yeah, exactly what I wanted to do.
Not paid much, but I'm doing OK.
I need to head off now.
Sorry.
Yeah, love you.
Bye.
If I worked at The Post, I'd lie too.
Morning.
What? The cake's decorated like a summer's afternoon.
It brightened up my day, thought it might do the same for you.
And this is a caffeinated flat white, just as you like it.
Already got one, thanks.
You can't have too much caffeine.
If you have too much caffeine, you die.
What's all this? I want the best lead from today's conference.
I was talking to Peter yesterday.
I want to be a credit to the entire organisation, like you were.
You really are blowing smoke up my arse.
Yeah, I know.
Peter said you were pushy, too, when you were my age.
When I was your age? I mean at this point in your career.
But I'm only a few years older than you Eight years older.
I'm 27.
- Oh.
- That's why I'm keen.
Expressing enthusiasm.
Yeah, well, you can stop now cos it's annoying.
POUNDING I'll see what I can do.
Seriously? - 'Course.
You brought me cake.
- APPLAUSE Bye, love.
Bye.
- It's sad.
- Yeah.
Amina told her yesterday.
- How long was she here? - 20 years.
It won't be the last.
Could be us next.
Conference! HUBBUB You're in his chair, mate.
You're fired.
Clear your stuff out.
Go.
Frank Powell, what have we got? Steel union boss demanding special intervention.
He wants bailout cash, renationalisation.
Compensation, as well.
So he wants my money to pay for a factory that isn't working? Look at him.
Who is he? - Frank Powell.
- Yeah, but who is he? Frank Powell? Are you? I mean, find out things about his life, come back and tell me.
Oh, right, sure.
And there have been a series of protests outside Parliament on the proposed reform of disability benefit.
Good for them.
Government seem to think they can get away with it because historically, disabled people have a low voting turnout due to mobility and access issues.
It should be prominent.
Should be.
But I put that on the front page, do you know how many we sell? Here.
I put the steel plant on the cover, we sell that much.
I put that polar bear on the cover, just show me that polar bear again.
I know, I know, I know.
Go for that bear and we sell that many.
But do you know what will outsell anything? Well, surely it's not all to do with sales? Right now, it is.
Um he would do.
Or her.
Young celebrities, we are all obsessed.
You get one of those to comment on disability benefits, you're in with a chance, but, er good luck with that.
I have to pick my battles.
Yep, you should pick this one.
What's next? Sergei Bagrov, son of Ivan Bagrov, the oligarch.
He stands to inherit a lot of money.
Why do I care? He's opening a restaurant and he's having a Halloween costume party at his townhouse afterwards in Chelsea.
He's mates with everyone.
The whole younger generation.
This is THE party.
- Angie's got an invite.
- Yeah.
Me and Caro could go? We might see something we're not supposed to.
Yeah, not this time.
What's your name? Oh, er E-E-Ed.
You're unfired.
Dress as an ant and go this party with Angie.
- An ant? - Next.
This is a sad polar bear.
Part of a shopping centre in China.
There's a growing movement to release it.
See, that is gold.
Have you seen that? It's a campaign.
We're going to save that bear.
We'll give it a name, we'll find a zoo that will take it.
Ben? - Ed.
- Forget the ant, go as a polar bear.
Right, the man of steel, what's his name? Clark Kent.
The steel man.
Oh, Frank Powell.
Frank Powell.
I want everything.
Family, what he likes, where he goes.
He wants a bailout? I'd bet his whole life is a bailout.
Look at him, he looks like a drinker.
Find out what pub he goes to.
Dirt, OK? All right, we're done.
MALE VOICE: Are you safe? Do you have anyone looking after you? MAN TRANSLATES SHE SPEAKS IN OWN LANGUAGE - I have friends.
- OK.
That's everything, thank you.
SHE SPEAKS IN OWN LANGUAGE - What did she say? - I'm sorry? Just then, she said something.
Sorry, I didn't hear.
Hi! Hello.
How was that? Actually, I have got something for you.
Really? Oh, thanks! Seriously? Eve Godwin.
Two children, three grandchildren, married 40 years, likes boating holidays.
In March, she went into St Margaret's Hospital in Leicester because she hurt her leg.
What did they do? - With her leg? They fixed it.
- Oh.
OK, good.
So, why? A day later, she died.
An infection that she picked up when she was in there.
How do you know? Because my hobby is staying up late looking at statistics and converting them into human stories.
The mortality rates at St Margaret's are higher in the last year than any other hospital, across all departments.
I want to know why.
Well, surely they've noticed.
They said that it's an anomaly.
Are we buying that? - No? - No.
So I've ordered a bulk load of paperwork under Freedom of Information.
Copies in these boxes.
Do you have anything more specific? I don't.
So go through this and then head to the hospital first, probably.
But it might be nothing.
And either way, I'm on my own.
Well, that's the challenge, isn't it, in these cash-strapped times? You said you wanted this.
Yeah.
OK.
Two daughters, one of which has depression and money problems.
- Good.
- The other is a school teacher.
He's worked at a factory his whole life.
Although no-one admits an alcohol problem, he's apparently seen down the pub quite often.
- Mm.
- Two grandchildren.
Leave them out.
He's probably a racist or something.
Check his Twitter.
Is he on Twitter? - Yeah.
- Good.
I bet you 20 quid he's said something offensive.
Oh, yes! LAUGHTER Is it hot in there? It looks it.
It's a bit of a climate change for you, isn't it? Can you? He doesn't look sad.
- Does he look sad, Raz? - No.
Er can you look sad? Can you do that? - LAUGHTER - Yes! Yeah.
Do that at the party tonight with a celebrity, right? Get me something good, or you're fired, right? - Are you pleased you're a journalist? - LAUGHTER It's like a mime! Where are you tonight? - Home.
- Home? Yeah.
What? No, that's that's good.
Thanks.
It's a big thing, and big companies are crying out for the opportunity to associate their brand with ours.
Lydale? Just an example, but they are a company that's expressed an interest in this kind of marketing.
You can't see the paper.
It's proven to not impact sales, massively.
Have a think and we'll talk tomorrow? Sure.
Thanks.
- How old are you? - 33.
- You look 25.
- I don't drink.
Never have.
So my skin hasn't suffered, like other people.
The trust exists so we don't have to do this.
The trust is running out of money.
The board said to explore new income streams.
- They can work on the designs.
- No, no.
It doesn't look like you're buying a newspaper, it looks like you're buying an advertisement.
Do you remember VHS? - Was that a shop? - No! V-H-S? Video cassettes? No.
In the '80s, that's how you'd watch a film at home, but they went through this period of putting trailers for other films at the begining of the one you'd just paid money for.
So you had to fast-forward them, and they went out of date really quickly and you were stuck with adverts before you could get to the thing you bought.
You have no idea what I'm talking about.
No.
But I'm listening because I respect you.
The the point is, I paid money precisely so I didn't have adverts, but they were trying to do both.
It's the same with this.
Our paper isn't cheap, so, then, to have it encased in an advert, as well Our readers understand.
No.
I worry that if we do this, we lose respect.
Independence.
People buy the Herald for the truth.
How can they trust us if we're wrapped up in a profit-making company? Everybody's doing them.
It's how the world is these days.
It feels wrong! New things often do.
- For me?! - All the way from India.
Oh, wow! The price tag says "Heathrow".
Oh! Sorry.
I ran out of time before I got to the airport.
You know, you like gin.
It's the thought that counts.
- There you go.
- Very kind of you.
- Have you read my piece? - I have.
It's good.
Has Amina seen it? She wants to talk to you about it.
It's a really good piece, James.
James! What'd you get her? Shit! Sorry! - Hey! - Is that for me? - Mm.
All the way from India.
- Oh, thanks! She's a genius.
I said, if you want to cover the disability bill, get a celebrity.
You know who she got? Rosie Fisher.
Really? Well, I remembered that her auntie had cerebral palsy.
Didn't have to brief her.
She couldn't wait to say her bit.
Yeah.
So I get sales and we get the story on the front page, where we want it.
It's a good day.
Have you read my piece? Ah.
I did, yeah.
Come in, let's talk.
Whoa! Oh.
- We can't use it, mate.
- What? Why! It's important! Three major clothing companies outsourcing their manufacturing to local companies that use child labour.
Relly, Teeks, Lydale.
The sources are children.
- So? - How did you interview them? - With a translator.
- Just the three of you in the room? Yeah.
What? That places a lot of trust in the translator.
Amina, look, you've read it.
Were there responsible adults there? - I'm a relatively responsible adult.
- A parent? A guardian? These children, they don't have people like that! What if the companies turn around and say they're making it up? They want an apology unless we have proof? I'd understand, but there are six different children here who work in different factories.
- Now, that's a pattern - No! Well, can't we at least print that there's questions raised about their practices, or? Is that the piece you want to write? You know, you would have run this.
A year ago, I think you were braver.
What, that's what you think?! Everyone does.
We're losing money and you've got nervous.
We'll find something else.
You'll get there.
Come on, let's get out of here, mate.
DOOR CLOSES That's it now, you can go.
I might just stay and get ahead for tomorrow.
- You don't have to.
- It's all right.
Everything OK at home? What? Yeah, yeah, yeah, everything's great.
OK.
- Night, then.
- Night.
KNOCK AT DOOR You should always have a bottle of gin on your desk.
It could become your thing, you know? Your eccentricity.
Every leader needs their quirks.
I read it in a book.
He didn't mean it.
No, sure.
James knows we're right.
He's been hard at work ever since.
Yeah.
Yeah.
OK.
Well, goodnight, then.
Yeah.
Thanks.
See you tomorrow.
- Hey.
- Hi.
Dinner? Er yeah.
Thanks.
MUSIC: You Spin Me Round (Like A Record) by Dead Or Alive ANIMATED CHATTER WHOOPING WHISTLING Huh! Here, let me take a picture.
#Bearbear's at the party! Wh What? I was at Oxford with them.
That lot.
They'll know who I am, that I wouldn't be somewhere like this.
You went to Oxford? Yeah.
SHE LAUGHS Wow! Look at you now! SHE LAUGHS Here you go.
- Ah! - SHE LAUGHS Better keep your head on, then.
What? No, don't go! So, what are you leading on? Oh, really? You want to know? I'm your wife.
I'm interested.
Well, unprecedented, but, um sure, why not? It's the leader of the steelworkers' union, Frank Powell.
He's making demands on the government, threatening strike action and getting other unions involved.
Right.
But we feel that he hasn't got the right to demand tax money to prop up his failing industry.
So, what's the front page? We tear him apart.
Who he is the contradictions in his life.
Why? You don't have to be that clever to work out that the plant closing has very little to do with this government.
There's another reason.
- What? - Why you're attacking him.
I know there is, but you're not going to tell me, so fine.
Does he have family? Children? And grandchildren.
What will they think? I assume they don't need a paper to tell them what he's like.
I want to save this marriage.
Sorry? Are you sleeping with other women in London when you stay over? Don't lie.
I'm assuming you are.
I'm assuming you've been sleeping with other people for at least a year now.
If you've made that assumption then why would you put up with it? Because, as I said, I want to save this marriage.
One woman.
I pay her.
You don't need to pay for sex.
No.
You do it because you don't want to feel any responsibility to her.
You don't want to have to think about her as a person.
Means you can focus on your work.
Yeah.
I want us to keep trying, for the sake of Fred.
That's why you've got dinner, why I'm still up, why I'm wearing some ridiculous underwear.
You're wearing? Well, it doesn't feel very practical, put it like that.
It's about what's important to you.
I can't make you a different person, but I need to be able to look my son in the eye and tell him I did everything I could to keep his mum and dad together.
MUSIC POUNDS I'm a witch's cat.
Yeah, I can see that.
People think I'm a badger.
I don't usually come to these things, but my mate got an invite, so I thought, I work six days a week, relentless, rare day off tomorrow, - so, why not? - Right.
Are you here with some people? Er my friend, but I think she's gone somewhere.
Mine, too.
Oh.
Um I'm Ed, by the way.
- Belle.
- Nice to meet you.
- You, too, Ed.
- I really like the, er Excuse me.
Tell me you know who she is.
Her name's Belle.
Don't any of your friends have kids? I'm 25.
She's Belle Hicks, THE most popular presenter on children's television.
Belle's Place.
Miss-Take.
Happy Belle Time?! Ah! OK.
Talk to her.
Get her talking.
You getting on? Er yeah, until you pulled me away.
Well, make sure you record it, yeah? Make sure it's switched on.
- Yeah.
- Go.
- I got those dr-i-i-inks.
- Ah, thank you.
- Cheers.
- Cheers.
So what do you do? I present Children's TV.
Wow, must be hard work.
Yeah, it's long hours, it's a huge amount of TV you're presenting.
I mean, I'm paid really well but compared to the presenters on the main channels, you know.
I'm not complaining, I love what I do, there's this whole generation of children that I'm making a difference to.
- What do you do? - Um, um, I'm in publishing.
- Ah! - Yeah, novels, books.
That sort of thing.
- Your parents must be proud.
- Er, yeah.
Are yours? Yeah! My mum's a head teacher, of a primary school, so all the kids watch me.
- She likes that.
- So, what about stuff you don't like? - What? - Is there anyone at work you're not really into? Oh, don't get me started! I'm never allowed to talk about this stuff.
- Got to be so well behaved.
- Really? - Mm.
- Well, just chill out, - you can be relaxed, babe.
- Yeah, that makes a change.
You'd think since it's for kids, everyone would be positive and happy, but it's the opposite of that.
There's no money, it's stressy.
Especially Davey.
You know Davey? Woo! PHONE RINGS OU Hello? How's it going? Oh, um, dead end.
I've checked through a lot of the records, called everyone - I could find but it's - You're at the hospital? - What? - You at Leicester, at the hospital? Er, yeah, I've been in but no-one's talking.
They're all too busy.
- Where are you now? - I told you, the hospital.
- Where exactly? - Parked outside? - In your car? - Er, yeah.
Look, without going through all the documents, which would take - Honk your horn.
- What? Honk the horn of your car, if you're in a car.
Honk the horn so I can hear it.
Leona? Actually, I've just stepped out to, um OK, I'm willing to bet that there isn't a single person at St Margaret's who remembered a journalist asking questions today.
Have you spoken to anyone? I've left messages with Have you been through all the records? Well, no, of course not, you saw how many there were but Look, I know your way of doing things is actually to go there, and talk to the people, whatever, but honestly it's quicker these days to get information by e-mail, social media, even Twitter, because otherwise you're just stuck - on the motorway and then there's - HOLLY HANGS UP PHONE VIBRATES - Sarah.
- Yes? Can you put something on? Fucking news! More important than your son? No.
More important than you.
- Get out.
- Yeah, yeah, I know.
DOOR OPENS HE CLOSES SQUEAKY GATE - Hey.
- Hi.
THUNDER RUMBLES, RAIN STARTS TO FALL Agh! You've got to be kidding.
It'll be a couple of seconds, - I'll get it going.
- Thanks.
Early start? Been away, just got back.
Why are you so wet? - I don't have an umbrella.
- Why not? I left in a hurry, forgot.
I went over that piece I wrote about you, by the way.
It was all from sources.
Every word I used, misogynist, bully.
I wasn't just making it up, it was all from people you've worked with.
I never said it wasn't true.
I am a bully.
I do hate a lot of women.
Right.
I hate a lot of men as well, though.
You missed that out.
I also found some articles you wrote when you were a reporter.
They were good.
Proper journalism.
And that surprised you? Long way from what you do now.
Maybe you should take a closer look at what we do.
Oh, thanks.
Get the chief executive of St Margaret's to come in - to see us this morning.
- But we don't have anything on them What's her name? Linda Parks? Yep, tell her to come in.
You want her to just drop everything? Tell her that we know about Fluostore.
- Fluostore? - Yep, Fluostore.
Spelt like it sounds.
Google it if you get stuck.
Say that we don't want to talk to her about it over the phone, and we suspect that she doesn't either.
Right.
Oh, Leona.
Yeah, how, how many friends do you have? Sorry? How many people in your life would you count as friends? - Good friends? - Yeah, like what? Three, four? Um 15, probably? 15.
OK.
Yeah, probably about 15, if we're just counting the close ones.
Conference! - I like it but - But not enough.
Well, we can pick it up tomorrow.
You said you had something new today? Yeah, it's an exclusive about St Margaret's hospital in Leicester, increased mortality rates.
We've got some material to go through this morning but it's it's - looking solid.
- OK.
And there's this big party last night, we've got some photos from the door, people coming in and out, I don't I don't think - there's an angle there, particularly.
- OK.
Um, I need to make everyone aware that next Monday we are going to do a different kind of cover.
- What kind of cover? - Not a wrap-around? - We need to find new income streams.
- Hang on, wait a minute - Even if it is unconventional for us - We can't do a wrap-around.
So we're going to do a wrap-around.
DISAPPOINTED GROAN Look, it's either that or I get ten of you in here and let you go, and I don't want to do that.
- Who's the client? - Um, that's - Who is it? - Um, I believe it's Lydale.
Wow.
James, James, come on.
James? James, let's talk.
APPLAUSE PHONE NOTIFICATION - Bristol Zoo says they'll take him.
- Frank Powell? The polar bear.
We want exclusive access.
- Have we got a name for it? - Bi.
What? - Bi-polar.
- That's good.
Actually, no, not funny, offensive.
Do better.
- I left all my clothes here so - Edward? - Yeah.
- Good work.
PHONE RINGS HE SIGHS Are you the organ grinder or the monkey? I'm the reporter.
I'm the monkey.
And when does your owner arrive? Mrs Parks, has Leona offered you a coffee? I've been offered five coffees but no explanation.
Can we get to the point? The point is you're here.
I'm sorry? I asked Leona to mention Fluostore to you, and you came all the way here.
It's my job to pay attention to concerns that are raised about the hospital.
I had to look Fluostore up, - to understand what it was.
- Sure.
What's your concern? That mortality rates at your hospital have increased - in the last year.
- Yes, we've had an independent investigation and found that practice and staffing levels are consistent.
There's no evidence A year ago, you started a new contract with a cleaning company, - Southern Light.
- We, er That's right.
Exactly when the mortality rates began to increase.
Hospitals start new contracts all the time.
Catering, heating, maintenance.
As long as the work is done to a standard, I don't think you can imply it's having some effect.
If the cleaning was happening less often, or less thoroughly, it would get noticed.
Yeah, I went to your hospital this morning and spoke to some of the cleaners there and they would - agree with you about that.
- Right.
But one of them said that when the new contractors started, they were told to use half the amount of Fluostore in the disinfectant from a year ago.
They were told there was new evidence that it would - make no difference.
I - Half the amount? Half the concentration.
Yeah, that could be an oversight, a rogue manager, but then I checked what Southern Light had bid for the cleaning contract and it was significantly below the previous cleaning company.
20% less.
You're aware of that? Presumably, it was a big factor in awarding them the contract.
We always look for value for money.
Did you ask how them how they could achieve the same service at a fifth less the cost? I assumed efficiencies, methods of practice.
You didn't ask? - I was impressed but - You didn't ask.
The woman that I spoke to said the concentration was changed back three weeks ago, up to its previous level.
Two days after the mortality rate statistics came out.
Someone made the connection.
Not many people would have had all that information.
It's been corrected, but a year too late.
- Thank you for raising the concerns.
- Too late for Eve Godwin.
She died of an infection last year.
We'll look into all of it.
We're running the story tomorrow.
We'll approach you for comment this afternoon, unless you want to leave a statement with Leona.
All right.
Thank you.
Linda? Why do you do your job? I assume that it's because you want to help people.
I've been in public service my whole life.
Off the record "Off the record", do you really do that? - Is that a thing? - Sure.
I keep that hospital running.
The way things are, if I go, they won't get someone as good, who understands how it works.
That's not arrogance, that's just true, and the hospital will decline and more people will die.
So, yes I made a mistake, and it's had consequences, but I've corrected it, and I'm carrying on, because that is the right thing to do.
You could just leave this.
Write something else.
I'm good at my job, too.
Right.
You'll have something in an hour.
A statement? My resignation.
You went there last night? Yeah, after we spoke.
Got the last train.
Do you think she's right? That the hospital will get worse if she leaves? That's not up to us to decide.
Our job is the truth.
That's important for the relatives of those people that died.
Important for the other hospital trusts that might be tempted to do the same thing and important for managers to know that we will hold them accountable for the decisions that they make.
Right.
Yeah.
Write it.
You've got two hours.
DOOR OPENS Justin? I'm not doing it.
The wrap-around.
We need to find something else.
OK.
Well, firstly, there isn't anything else.
Well, there will be another solution.
You just need to find it.
Secondly, this isn't actually your choice, the advertising department are ultimately answerable to the board, not you.
Furthermore, even if you manage to persuade them to stop it in the future, we've already signed the contract.
It's too late.
Mr Goyle? Sorry? James Edwards.
I'm a reporter from the Herald.
Look, you need to get through official Yeah, I've been looking through your production chain, getting various figures from each stage.
Manufacture, transportation, distribution.
What figures? You shouldn't have Various employees at various stages were prepared to talk to me.
Keen, actually.
You don't have much loyalty in your company.
That's not true.
Now, please See, the thing is, your whole business model doesn't add up.
If you manufacture the clothes in India to the legal standards, you can't sell them at the price you do and still make money.
Well, that's simply not true.
Well, here are the figures that I'm basing that on.
I don't recognise these.
Well, more importantly, the figures are backed up by these accounts of the children working in the factories for criminally low, or no pay.
I've got all that in here.
If you've uncovered any illegal activities, of course we'll I'm sure, but that's not the article that I'm going to put forward.
I'm going to suggest that your whole business model is only sustainable through unethical practice, and I wondered if you had a comment? You realise we're one of the Herald's main clients? For advertising.
A major campaign launches tomorrow.
Yeah, I know that.
Does your editor know you're here? She's the one who suggested I speak to you.
There's two stories that I can write.
About the children that you are systematically exploiting, that would do you quite a lot of reputational damage, I expect.
Or I could write about the dubious production model that you can say you've become aware of and are in the process of changing.
But, in order to write that second one, I'm going to need a quote.
You need to get that cleaned.
Take it back.
Isn't there someone else who can do that? Yeah, you.
Just put it in your washing machine.
Cos, mate, you might have a front page story, but if you lose a deposit, it's coming out of your pay.
That's the deal.
- This story don't feel good.
- Did you force her to drink? - No.
- Did you make her say those things? Fabricate anything? Was what you recorded taking place in her private home? Did you violate the law in order to obtain the story? And do you think parents of children have the right to know the sort of person teaching them? - Even on the television.
- Yes.
Then it's truthful.
It's in the public interest.
What's the problem? Well done.
Holly, I've got something for you.
- Who's it from? - No idea, it was just dropped off.
Hm, thanks, Nick.
Hey, what's that? Nothing.
More importantly, "We've come to realise there are "fundamental flaws in our chain of production and are going to "work harder in the next few months to resolve those issues.
" And no wrap-around.
Well done, you two.
You didn't use the children's accounts.
Yeah, not in the article.
It's good, but it doesn't solve the problem that we are losing a million a week so they're right.
We can't carry on as we are.
Something's got to give.
Sorry, see you tomorrow.
Drink? No, I sorry, I can't.
I've got I'm late - to meet Simon for dinner.
- I probably shouldn't anyway, - I've still got loads to do.
- No, no, no, but another night.
Yeah, yeah, whatever.
Um, maybe.
Bye.
OK? Bye.
Oh, Chris! Chris! Did you check about Resonance? Did you ask anyone? I asked three people and they all said they hadn't heard of it.
Right, thank you.
Oh, one of them did ask why I was checking.
Might indicate something.
Hard to say.
- Can't push any further, I'm afraid.
- Right, no.
Hi! What are you doing here? Have they called you in? They asked if I wanted to comment.
So I called my press agent, and, yeah, we're going in to give my side of the story.
They still want a splash tomorrow but they'll run a feature on the website and in the paper the following day.
- Are you allowed to smoke in public? - I am now.
You don't seem angry.
Let me tell you three secrets.
Firstly, it's hard to break out of children's presenting work into adult presenting.
You get pigeonholed.
Secondly, adult presenting is much better paid.
Thirdly, you don't hide the fact you're a journalist very well.
Tomorrow morning, I get fired.
By lunchtime, I'm trending, more famous than ever.
By the evening, I'm picking new work.
But the whole story we're printing is about you being caught out.
You think your editor doesn't know? This is how it works.
- Everyone's a winner.
- Everyone except the children.
Children grow up.
Maybe you should, too.
PHONE RINGS Hi, Mum.
Yeah, I'm good.
What? Nah.
No, Mum, I wanted to talk to you.
No, no, actually Sorry, I got to go.
You all right? My mum.
Tough day? No, I just Yeah.
I've got to get this washed but I don't have a washing machine.
So I've got to find a launderette, and I don't know where.
And I don't even have a coat.
- What is it? - Oh Do you have something you're into? No, it's fancy dress for a party.
Right.
Well, I've got a washing machine at home.
You can use that.
Really? That would be great.
Sorry about before.
I was drunk.
Oh, it's OK.
You got an umbrella? PHONE RINGS - Hi, how are you? - I'm good, I'm good, thank you.
Er, it's just a quick question.
It's what the girl said, at the end of the interview.
I'm pretty sure you heard it and I'm just worried that you're protecting me from something.
But I want to know if you heard what she said? Look, I could have it picked out, I can get it translated by someone else but I just thought She asked if you believed her.
Why would she say that? I wanted you to write the story.
When she said that, I didn't know.
Maybe she was just worried you wouldn't believe her.
Or that she wasn't telling the truth.
People knew you were asking questions.
Some of the children wanted to meet you.
So, maybe, they But it doesn't affect the story.
You saw the conditions.
The other children were all consistent and believable.
One mistake like that can sink a story.
Not to mention get me fired.
Yes, but it was too important.
You had to believe it.
OK, thanks.
- Um, speak soon.
- Bye.
HE EXHALES It's a good story you've got for tomorrow.
Rosie Fisher on disability rights.
- How did you see that? - Spies.
Who put it together? Holly Evans.
It's not her name on it.
Yeah, she's an editor.
She finds them and gives them to other people, but it's all her.
And the other one.
The NHS story, is that her, too? I am not discussing it.
She's wasted where she is.
- Don't even think about it.
- I know, but I am.
- She'd never work for you! - The number of times I've heard that, it's all about making the right offer.
- What are you running tomorrow? - Oh Wait and see.
Big splash.
Mm, important.
Politics, economy, defence? I don't like the judgment in your voice.
Guilty conscience? Not at all.
I broke up with Sarah last night.
You Oh, God, Duncan.
That's I'm sorry.
It's fine.
She'll find someone new.
I guarantee she's already thinking about it.
But Fred? Fred will be glad to see the back of me, probably.
I doubt it.
PHONE VIBRATES Foreign Secretary in five minutes, Prime Minister.
Thank you.
As she said to you, no-one loses out, really.
They're all as bad as each other.
If all they want is money and fame, let them have it.
- So, what's your problem? - My name's on it, and my photo.
- People will see.
- Your parents.
My parents are left wing, Herald readers.
Both university lecturers.
They hate the Post.
Mum says it's sexist, racist trash.
This is the worst thing I could be doing.
That's not true.
Actually, my dad's probably got a Google alert on my name so Then you'd better call them and tell them.
They'll hate me.
I doubt it! They love you.
I'll tell them and they'd say the right things but I'd sense their disappointment.
I'd know.
Well, if you're proud of what you're doing, it doesn't matter what they think.
Are you proud? Yeah.
OK, then.
Are you really sleeping in your car? I need it for reporting.
It's more useful than a flat.
So, actually, I'm looking for a new flatmate.
I've been unlucky recently.
My last flatmate died so the bar's pretty low.
Stay alive, don't be a dick.
You strike me as someone who wants to be on their own.
Yeah, but I need the money.
I can't afford it.
I'm on try-out at the moment, so - Yeah, but you're doing well? - Yeah.
Then it might improve.
Three weeks.
You try to make the rent.
If you don't, I kick you out.
Dee? Was that her name? - Yeah.
- You were close? We'd chat at the end of the day.
She'd tell me that I worked too hard, worried too much.
So, who do you talk to now? Is that why you want a flatmate? Cos, actually, you must earn enough to be on your own.
I might go to bed.
Holly.
Yeah? You work too hard and worry too much.
Three weeks would be good.
Call your parents.
DOOR CLOSES Hi, Mum, it's me.
I've got something to tell you.
So, now we're both single.
What does this industry do to people? Keeps us sharp.
It keeps us alone.
There are worse things.
It means we see the world exactly as it is.
No distractions, no loyalty.
We're pure.
E-MAIL NOTIFICATION Can I show you this? Joshua West? You realise he gives away half his earnings to charity.
Maybe now we know why.
I knew I wasn't the only one.
Sometimes he'd hold so tight - there'd be bruises.
- Prime Minister.
A reporter from the Herald called about Resonance last week.
- Let it go away.
- Oh You want to make an impact, to take risks? This is the moment.
I don't forget a name.
I know who you are.
This isn't usual journalistic practice, doorstepping the editor of another paper.
Entertainment.
Without it, we won't sell papers.
Have you seen James? I am one of only three investigative reporters left at my paper.
You think you're a prize-winning, crusading, liberal paper exposing hypocrisy and corruption.
I want journalism.
You want money to get the best? You got it.
Sales are down.
Carry on like this, we won't survive.
We need to take some risks.
- Who are you? - Ed Washburn.
First death knock and you got in? You should feel bad about what you did today.
- You don't seem OK.
- Leave.
This programme contains some strong language I don't like ice cream.
Especially vanilla.
I ask you to tell me something about anything, about yourself, and that's what you come up with? Your turn.
I want something about your family, your parents, how you ended up sleeping with men for huge amounts of money.
I don't sleep with men I sleep with you.
OK.
Well, thanks for the ice cream information.
Next time we're at the seaside, I'll be sure to Your turn.
I was I was born in South Africa, but we moved back to Reading when I was seven.
When I was 13, my parents died in a rock-climbing accident.
No other family, so I went into a home.
Then moved to Edinburgh, joined a band, had a hit single.
- Really? - Yeah.
Er Love Is Up.
- You heard of it? - No.
And then I, um You haven't heard of it? It was it was good! I mean, it was big in Europe.
I-I don't like pop music.
Oh.
Fair enough.
So then I became a model for a few months, then a binman, postman, but eventually, I realised I had a talent for news, so I slept my way into the industry and within ten years, I was editor of a Sunday paper.
No parents.
So you had to fight.
I won't see you for a couple of days.
Going back to your wife and son? I never told you I had a wife and son.
You were drunk, and sometimes you are sad.
It's good you are going home.
MESSAGE ALER By the way, all that, my life story, the band, binman.
I made it up.
You tell me nothing, I'll tell you nothing.
But you're in newspapers.
You should be all about information.
Information? Information's nothing.
I'm all about the story.
After conference, the Sure Staff Foundation from Tower Hamlets are coming to say thank you - for your support at 12:00.
- Right.
And then you've got Justin from Marketing coming in to talk to you about the cover.
I know you're going to say you want to move it, but you've moved it four times already, so you can move it again, but you won't be popular.
Do you want me to move it again, or shall I find out what it's about? No, I know exactly what it's about.
Why do you think I keep moving it? GIRL SPEAKS IN OWN LANGUAGE MAN TRANSLATES: I'm not allowed to stop.
They make me work until I am too tired, sewing.
MALE VOICE: Are you paid? MAN TRANSLATES SHE SPEAKS IN OWN LANGUAGE They give us food, somewhere to sleep.
- Why do you not leave? - MAN TRANSLATES SHE SPEAKS IN OWN LANGUAGE Where would I go? Yeah, Mum, met some good people.
Having a great time.
No, I'm good.
Not partying, head down.
Work experience.
I'm working for a publishing house.
We do mainly novels, poetry, that sort of thing.
Yeah, exactly what I wanted to do.
Not paid much, but I'm doing OK.
I need to head off now.
Sorry.
Yeah, love you.
Bye.
If I worked at The Post, I'd lie too.
Morning.
What? The cake's decorated like a summer's afternoon.
It brightened up my day, thought it might do the same for you.
And this is a caffeinated flat white, just as you like it.
Already got one, thanks.
You can't have too much caffeine.
If you have too much caffeine, you die.
What's all this? I want the best lead from today's conference.
I was talking to Peter yesterday.
I want to be a credit to the entire organisation, like you were.
You really are blowing smoke up my arse.
Yeah, I know.
Peter said you were pushy, too, when you were my age.
When I was your age? I mean at this point in your career.
But I'm only a few years older than you Eight years older.
I'm 27.
- Oh.
- That's why I'm keen.
Expressing enthusiasm.
Yeah, well, you can stop now cos it's annoying.
POUNDING I'll see what I can do.
Seriously? - 'Course.
You brought me cake.
- APPLAUSE Bye, love.
Bye.
- It's sad.
- Yeah.
Amina told her yesterday.
- How long was she here? - 20 years.
It won't be the last.
Could be us next.
Conference! HUBBUB You're in his chair, mate.
You're fired.
Clear your stuff out.
Go.
Frank Powell, what have we got? Steel union boss demanding special intervention.
He wants bailout cash, renationalisation.
Compensation, as well.
So he wants my money to pay for a factory that isn't working? Look at him.
Who is he? - Frank Powell.
- Yeah, but who is he? Frank Powell? Are you? I mean, find out things about his life, come back and tell me.
Oh, right, sure.
And there have been a series of protests outside Parliament on the proposed reform of disability benefit.
Good for them.
Government seem to think they can get away with it because historically, disabled people have a low voting turnout due to mobility and access issues.
It should be prominent.
Should be.
But I put that on the front page, do you know how many we sell? Here.
I put the steel plant on the cover, we sell that much.
I put that polar bear on the cover, just show me that polar bear again.
I know, I know, I know.
Go for that bear and we sell that many.
But do you know what will outsell anything? Well, surely it's not all to do with sales? Right now, it is.
Um he would do.
Or her.
Young celebrities, we are all obsessed.
You get one of those to comment on disability benefits, you're in with a chance, but, er good luck with that.
I have to pick my battles.
Yep, you should pick this one.
What's next? Sergei Bagrov, son of Ivan Bagrov, the oligarch.
He stands to inherit a lot of money.
Why do I care? He's opening a restaurant and he's having a Halloween costume party at his townhouse afterwards in Chelsea.
He's mates with everyone.
The whole younger generation.
This is THE party.
- Angie's got an invite.
- Yeah.
Me and Caro could go? We might see something we're not supposed to.
Yeah, not this time.
What's your name? Oh, er E-E-Ed.
You're unfired.
Dress as an ant and go this party with Angie.
- An ant? - Next.
This is a sad polar bear.
Part of a shopping centre in China.
There's a growing movement to release it.
See, that is gold.
Have you seen that? It's a campaign.
We're going to save that bear.
We'll give it a name, we'll find a zoo that will take it.
Ben? - Ed.
- Forget the ant, go as a polar bear.
Right, the man of steel, what's his name? Clark Kent.
The steel man.
Oh, Frank Powell.
Frank Powell.
I want everything.
Family, what he likes, where he goes.
He wants a bailout? I'd bet his whole life is a bailout.
Look at him, he looks like a drinker.
Find out what pub he goes to.
Dirt, OK? All right, we're done.
MALE VOICE: Are you safe? Do you have anyone looking after you? MAN TRANSLATES SHE SPEAKS IN OWN LANGUAGE - I have friends.
- OK.
That's everything, thank you.
SHE SPEAKS IN OWN LANGUAGE - What did she say? - I'm sorry? Just then, she said something.
Sorry, I didn't hear.
Hi! Hello.
How was that? Actually, I have got something for you.
Really? Oh, thanks! Seriously? Eve Godwin.
Two children, three grandchildren, married 40 years, likes boating holidays.
In March, she went into St Margaret's Hospital in Leicester because she hurt her leg.
What did they do? - With her leg? They fixed it.
- Oh.
OK, good.
So, why? A day later, she died.
An infection that she picked up when she was in there.
How do you know? Because my hobby is staying up late looking at statistics and converting them into human stories.
The mortality rates at St Margaret's are higher in the last year than any other hospital, across all departments.
I want to know why.
Well, surely they've noticed.
They said that it's an anomaly.
Are we buying that? - No? - No.
So I've ordered a bulk load of paperwork under Freedom of Information.
Copies in these boxes.
Do you have anything more specific? I don't.
So go through this and then head to the hospital first, probably.
But it might be nothing.
And either way, I'm on my own.
Well, that's the challenge, isn't it, in these cash-strapped times? You said you wanted this.
Yeah.
OK.
Two daughters, one of which has depression and money problems.
- Good.
- The other is a school teacher.
He's worked at a factory his whole life.
Although no-one admits an alcohol problem, he's apparently seen down the pub quite often.
- Mm.
- Two grandchildren.
Leave them out.
He's probably a racist or something.
Check his Twitter.
Is he on Twitter? - Yeah.
- Good.
I bet you 20 quid he's said something offensive.
Oh, yes! LAUGHTER Is it hot in there? It looks it.
It's a bit of a climate change for you, isn't it? Can you? He doesn't look sad.
- Does he look sad, Raz? - No.
Er can you look sad? Can you do that? - LAUGHTER - Yes! Yeah.
Do that at the party tonight with a celebrity, right? Get me something good, or you're fired, right? - Are you pleased you're a journalist? - LAUGHTER It's like a mime! Where are you tonight? - Home.
- Home? Yeah.
What? No, that's that's good.
Thanks.
It's a big thing, and big companies are crying out for the opportunity to associate their brand with ours.
Lydale? Just an example, but they are a company that's expressed an interest in this kind of marketing.
You can't see the paper.
It's proven to not impact sales, massively.
Have a think and we'll talk tomorrow? Sure.
Thanks.
- How old are you? - 33.
- You look 25.
- I don't drink.
Never have.
So my skin hasn't suffered, like other people.
The trust exists so we don't have to do this.
The trust is running out of money.
The board said to explore new income streams.
- They can work on the designs.
- No, no.
It doesn't look like you're buying a newspaper, it looks like you're buying an advertisement.
Do you remember VHS? - Was that a shop? - No! V-H-S? Video cassettes? No.
In the '80s, that's how you'd watch a film at home, but they went through this period of putting trailers for other films at the begining of the one you'd just paid money for.
So you had to fast-forward them, and they went out of date really quickly and you were stuck with adverts before you could get to the thing you bought.
You have no idea what I'm talking about.
No.
But I'm listening because I respect you.
The the point is, I paid money precisely so I didn't have adverts, but they were trying to do both.
It's the same with this.
Our paper isn't cheap, so, then, to have it encased in an advert, as well Our readers understand.
No.
I worry that if we do this, we lose respect.
Independence.
People buy the Herald for the truth.
How can they trust us if we're wrapped up in a profit-making company? Everybody's doing them.
It's how the world is these days.
It feels wrong! New things often do.
- For me?! - All the way from India.
Oh, wow! The price tag says "Heathrow".
Oh! Sorry.
I ran out of time before I got to the airport.
You know, you like gin.
It's the thought that counts.
- There you go.
- Very kind of you.
- Have you read my piece? - I have.
It's good.
Has Amina seen it? She wants to talk to you about it.
It's a really good piece, James.
James! What'd you get her? Shit! Sorry! - Hey! - Is that for me? - Mm.
All the way from India.
- Oh, thanks! She's a genius.
I said, if you want to cover the disability bill, get a celebrity.
You know who she got? Rosie Fisher.
Really? Well, I remembered that her auntie had cerebral palsy.
Didn't have to brief her.
She couldn't wait to say her bit.
Yeah.
So I get sales and we get the story on the front page, where we want it.
It's a good day.
Have you read my piece? Ah.
I did, yeah.
Come in, let's talk.
Whoa! Oh.
- We can't use it, mate.
- What? Why! It's important! Three major clothing companies outsourcing their manufacturing to local companies that use child labour.
Relly, Teeks, Lydale.
The sources are children.
- So? - How did you interview them? - With a translator.
- Just the three of you in the room? Yeah.
What? That places a lot of trust in the translator.
Amina, look, you've read it.
Were there responsible adults there? - I'm a relatively responsible adult.
- A parent? A guardian? These children, they don't have people like that! What if the companies turn around and say they're making it up? They want an apology unless we have proof? I'd understand, but there are six different children here who work in different factories.
- Now, that's a pattern - No! Well, can't we at least print that there's questions raised about their practices, or? Is that the piece you want to write? You know, you would have run this.
A year ago, I think you were braver.
What, that's what you think?! Everyone does.
We're losing money and you've got nervous.
We'll find something else.
You'll get there.
Come on, let's get out of here, mate.
DOOR CLOSES That's it now, you can go.
I might just stay and get ahead for tomorrow.
- You don't have to.
- It's all right.
Everything OK at home? What? Yeah, yeah, yeah, everything's great.
OK.
- Night, then.
- Night.
KNOCK AT DOOR You should always have a bottle of gin on your desk.
It could become your thing, you know? Your eccentricity.
Every leader needs their quirks.
I read it in a book.
He didn't mean it.
No, sure.
James knows we're right.
He's been hard at work ever since.
Yeah.
Yeah.
OK.
Well, goodnight, then.
Yeah.
Thanks.
See you tomorrow.
- Hey.
- Hi.
Dinner? Er yeah.
Thanks.
MUSIC: You Spin Me Round (Like A Record) by Dead Or Alive ANIMATED CHATTER WHOOPING WHISTLING Huh! Here, let me take a picture.
#Bearbear's at the party! Wh What? I was at Oxford with them.
That lot.
They'll know who I am, that I wouldn't be somewhere like this.
You went to Oxford? Yeah.
SHE LAUGHS Wow! Look at you now! SHE LAUGHS Here you go.
- Ah! - SHE LAUGHS Better keep your head on, then.
What? No, don't go! So, what are you leading on? Oh, really? You want to know? I'm your wife.
I'm interested.
Well, unprecedented, but, um sure, why not? It's the leader of the steelworkers' union, Frank Powell.
He's making demands on the government, threatening strike action and getting other unions involved.
Right.
But we feel that he hasn't got the right to demand tax money to prop up his failing industry.
So, what's the front page? We tear him apart.
Who he is the contradictions in his life.
Why? You don't have to be that clever to work out that the plant closing has very little to do with this government.
There's another reason.
- What? - Why you're attacking him.
I know there is, but you're not going to tell me, so fine.
Does he have family? Children? And grandchildren.
What will they think? I assume they don't need a paper to tell them what he's like.
I want to save this marriage.
Sorry? Are you sleeping with other women in London when you stay over? Don't lie.
I'm assuming you are.
I'm assuming you've been sleeping with other people for at least a year now.
If you've made that assumption then why would you put up with it? Because, as I said, I want to save this marriage.
One woman.
I pay her.
You don't need to pay for sex.
No.
You do it because you don't want to feel any responsibility to her.
You don't want to have to think about her as a person.
Means you can focus on your work.
Yeah.
I want us to keep trying, for the sake of Fred.
That's why you've got dinner, why I'm still up, why I'm wearing some ridiculous underwear.
You're wearing? Well, it doesn't feel very practical, put it like that.
It's about what's important to you.
I can't make you a different person, but I need to be able to look my son in the eye and tell him I did everything I could to keep his mum and dad together.
MUSIC POUNDS I'm a witch's cat.
Yeah, I can see that.
People think I'm a badger.
I don't usually come to these things, but my mate got an invite, so I thought, I work six days a week, relentless, rare day off tomorrow, - so, why not? - Right.
Are you here with some people? Er my friend, but I think she's gone somewhere.
Mine, too.
Oh.
Um I'm Ed, by the way.
- Belle.
- Nice to meet you.
- You, too, Ed.
- I really like the, er Excuse me.
Tell me you know who she is.
Her name's Belle.
Don't any of your friends have kids? I'm 25.
She's Belle Hicks, THE most popular presenter on children's television.
Belle's Place.
Miss-Take.
Happy Belle Time?! Ah! OK.
Talk to her.
Get her talking.
You getting on? Er yeah, until you pulled me away.
Well, make sure you record it, yeah? Make sure it's switched on.
- Yeah.
- Go.
- I got those dr-i-i-inks.
- Ah, thank you.
- Cheers.
- Cheers.
So what do you do? I present Children's TV.
Wow, must be hard work.
Yeah, it's long hours, it's a huge amount of TV you're presenting.
I mean, I'm paid really well but compared to the presenters on the main channels, you know.
I'm not complaining, I love what I do, there's this whole generation of children that I'm making a difference to.
- What do you do? - Um, um, I'm in publishing.
- Ah! - Yeah, novels, books.
That sort of thing.
- Your parents must be proud.
- Er, yeah.
Are yours? Yeah! My mum's a head teacher, of a primary school, so all the kids watch me.
- She likes that.
- So, what about stuff you don't like? - What? - Is there anyone at work you're not really into? Oh, don't get me started! I'm never allowed to talk about this stuff.
- Got to be so well behaved.
- Really? - Mm.
- Well, just chill out, - you can be relaxed, babe.
- Yeah, that makes a change.
You'd think since it's for kids, everyone would be positive and happy, but it's the opposite of that.
There's no money, it's stressy.
Especially Davey.
You know Davey? Woo! PHONE RINGS OU Hello? How's it going? Oh, um, dead end.
I've checked through a lot of the records, called everyone - I could find but it's - You're at the hospital? - What? - You at Leicester, at the hospital? Er, yeah, I've been in but no-one's talking.
They're all too busy.
- Where are you now? - I told you, the hospital.
- Where exactly? - Parked outside? - In your car? - Er, yeah.
Look, without going through all the documents, which would take - Honk your horn.
- What? Honk the horn of your car, if you're in a car.
Honk the horn so I can hear it.
Leona? Actually, I've just stepped out to, um OK, I'm willing to bet that there isn't a single person at St Margaret's who remembered a journalist asking questions today.
Have you spoken to anyone? I've left messages with Have you been through all the records? Well, no, of course not, you saw how many there were but Look, I know your way of doing things is actually to go there, and talk to the people, whatever, but honestly it's quicker these days to get information by e-mail, social media, even Twitter, because otherwise you're just stuck - on the motorway and then there's - HOLLY HANGS UP PHONE VIBRATES - Sarah.
- Yes? Can you put something on? Fucking news! More important than your son? No.
More important than you.
- Get out.
- Yeah, yeah, I know.
DOOR OPENS HE CLOSES SQUEAKY GATE - Hey.
- Hi.
THUNDER RUMBLES, RAIN STARTS TO FALL Agh! You've got to be kidding.
It'll be a couple of seconds, - I'll get it going.
- Thanks.
Early start? Been away, just got back.
Why are you so wet? - I don't have an umbrella.
- Why not? I left in a hurry, forgot.
I went over that piece I wrote about you, by the way.
It was all from sources.
Every word I used, misogynist, bully.
I wasn't just making it up, it was all from people you've worked with.
I never said it wasn't true.
I am a bully.
I do hate a lot of women.
Right.
I hate a lot of men as well, though.
You missed that out.
I also found some articles you wrote when you were a reporter.
They were good.
Proper journalism.
And that surprised you? Long way from what you do now.
Maybe you should take a closer look at what we do.
Oh, thanks.
Get the chief executive of St Margaret's to come in - to see us this morning.
- But we don't have anything on them What's her name? Linda Parks? Yep, tell her to come in.
You want her to just drop everything? Tell her that we know about Fluostore.
- Fluostore? - Yep, Fluostore.
Spelt like it sounds.
Google it if you get stuck.
Say that we don't want to talk to her about it over the phone, and we suspect that she doesn't either.
Right.
Oh, Leona.
Yeah, how, how many friends do you have? Sorry? How many people in your life would you count as friends? - Good friends? - Yeah, like what? Three, four? Um 15, probably? 15.
OK.
Yeah, probably about 15, if we're just counting the close ones.
Conference! - I like it but - But not enough.
Well, we can pick it up tomorrow.
You said you had something new today? Yeah, it's an exclusive about St Margaret's hospital in Leicester, increased mortality rates.
We've got some material to go through this morning but it's it's - looking solid.
- OK.
And there's this big party last night, we've got some photos from the door, people coming in and out, I don't I don't think - there's an angle there, particularly.
- OK.
Um, I need to make everyone aware that next Monday we are going to do a different kind of cover.
- What kind of cover? - Not a wrap-around? - We need to find new income streams.
- Hang on, wait a minute - Even if it is unconventional for us - We can't do a wrap-around.
So we're going to do a wrap-around.
DISAPPOINTED GROAN Look, it's either that or I get ten of you in here and let you go, and I don't want to do that.
- Who's the client? - Um, that's - Who is it? - Um, I believe it's Lydale.
Wow.
James, James, come on.
James? James, let's talk.
APPLAUSE PHONE NOTIFICATION - Bristol Zoo says they'll take him.
- Frank Powell? The polar bear.
We want exclusive access.
- Have we got a name for it? - Bi.
What? - Bi-polar.
- That's good.
Actually, no, not funny, offensive.
Do better.
- I left all my clothes here so - Edward? - Yeah.
- Good work.
PHONE RINGS HE SIGHS Are you the organ grinder or the monkey? I'm the reporter.
I'm the monkey.
And when does your owner arrive? Mrs Parks, has Leona offered you a coffee? I've been offered five coffees but no explanation.
Can we get to the point? The point is you're here.
I'm sorry? I asked Leona to mention Fluostore to you, and you came all the way here.
It's my job to pay attention to concerns that are raised about the hospital.
I had to look Fluostore up, - to understand what it was.
- Sure.
What's your concern? That mortality rates at your hospital have increased - in the last year.
- Yes, we've had an independent investigation and found that practice and staffing levels are consistent.
There's no evidence A year ago, you started a new contract with a cleaning company, - Southern Light.
- We, er That's right.
Exactly when the mortality rates began to increase.
Hospitals start new contracts all the time.
Catering, heating, maintenance.
As long as the work is done to a standard, I don't think you can imply it's having some effect.
If the cleaning was happening less often, or less thoroughly, it would get noticed.
Yeah, I went to your hospital this morning and spoke to some of the cleaners there and they would - agree with you about that.
- Right.
But one of them said that when the new contractors started, they were told to use half the amount of Fluostore in the disinfectant from a year ago.
They were told there was new evidence that it would - make no difference.
I - Half the amount? Half the concentration.
Yeah, that could be an oversight, a rogue manager, but then I checked what Southern Light had bid for the cleaning contract and it was significantly below the previous cleaning company.
20% less.
You're aware of that? Presumably, it was a big factor in awarding them the contract.
We always look for value for money.
Did you ask how them how they could achieve the same service at a fifth less the cost? I assumed efficiencies, methods of practice.
You didn't ask? - I was impressed but - You didn't ask.
The woman that I spoke to said the concentration was changed back three weeks ago, up to its previous level.
Two days after the mortality rate statistics came out.
Someone made the connection.
Not many people would have had all that information.
It's been corrected, but a year too late.
- Thank you for raising the concerns.
- Too late for Eve Godwin.
She died of an infection last year.
We'll look into all of it.
We're running the story tomorrow.
We'll approach you for comment this afternoon, unless you want to leave a statement with Leona.
All right.
Thank you.
Linda? Why do you do your job? I assume that it's because you want to help people.
I've been in public service my whole life.
Off the record "Off the record", do you really do that? - Is that a thing? - Sure.
I keep that hospital running.
The way things are, if I go, they won't get someone as good, who understands how it works.
That's not arrogance, that's just true, and the hospital will decline and more people will die.
So, yes I made a mistake, and it's had consequences, but I've corrected it, and I'm carrying on, because that is the right thing to do.
You could just leave this.
Write something else.
I'm good at my job, too.
Right.
You'll have something in an hour.
A statement? My resignation.
You went there last night? Yeah, after we spoke.
Got the last train.
Do you think she's right? That the hospital will get worse if she leaves? That's not up to us to decide.
Our job is the truth.
That's important for the relatives of those people that died.
Important for the other hospital trusts that might be tempted to do the same thing and important for managers to know that we will hold them accountable for the decisions that they make.
Right.
Yeah.
Write it.
You've got two hours.
DOOR OPENS Justin? I'm not doing it.
The wrap-around.
We need to find something else.
OK.
Well, firstly, there isn't anything else.
Well, there will be another solution.
You just need to find it.
Secondly, this isn't actually your choice, the advertising department are ultimately answerable to the board, not you.
Furthermore, even if you manage to persuade them to stop it in the future, we've already signed the contract.
It's too late.
Mr Goyle? Sorry? James Edwards.
I'm a reporter from the Herald.
Look, you need to get through official Yeah, I've been looking through your production chain, getting various figures from each stage.
Manufacture, transportation, distribution.
What figures? You shouldn't have Various employees at various stages were prepared to talk to me.
Keen, actually.
You don't have much loyalty in your company.
That's not true.
Now, please See, the thing is, your whole business model doesn't add up.
If you manufacture the clothes in India to the legal standards, you can't sell them at the price you do and still make money.
Well, that's simply not true.
Well, here are the figures that I'm basing that on.
I don't recognise these.
Well, more importantly, the figures are backed up by these accounts of the children working in the factories for criminally low, or no pay.
I've got all that in here.
If you've uncovered any illegal activities, of course we'll I'm sure, but that's not the article that I'm going to put forward.
I'm going to suggest that your whole business model is only sustainable through unethical practice, and I wondered if you had a comment? You realise we're one of the Herald's main clients? For advertising.
A major campaign launches tomorrow.
Yeah, I know that.
Does your editor know you're here? She's the one who suggested I speak to you.
There's two stories that I can write.
About the children that you are systematically exploiting, that would do you quite a lot of reputational damage, I expect.
Or I could write about the dubious production model that you can say you've become aware of and are in the process of changing.
But, in order to write that second one, I'm going to need a quote.
You need to get that cleaned.
Take it back.
Isn't there someone else who can do that? Yeah, you.
Just put it in your washing machine.
Cos, mate, you might have a front page story, but if you lose a deposit, it's coming out of your pay.
That's the deal.
- This story don't feel good.
- Did you force her to drink? - No.
- Did you make her say those things? Fabricate anything? Was what you recorded taking place in her private home? Did you violate the law in order to obtain the story? And do you think parents of children have the right to know the sort of person teaching them? - Even on the television.
- Yes.
Then it's truthful.
It's in the public interest.
What's the problem? Well done.
Holly, I've got something for you.
- Who's it from? - No idea, it was just dropped off.
Hm, thanks, Nick.
Hey, what's that? Nothing.
More importantly, "We've come to realise there are "fundamental flaws in our chain of production and are going to "work harder in the next few months to resolve those issues.
" And no wrap-around.
Well done, you two.
You didn't use the children's accounts.
Yeah, not in the article.
It's good, but it doesn't solve the problem that we are losing a million a week so they're right.
We can't carry on as we are.
Something's got to give.
Sorry, see you tomorrow.
Drink? No, I sorry, I can't.
I've got I'm late - to meet Simon for dinner.
- I probably shouldn't anyway, - I've still got loads to do.
- No, no, no, but another night.
Yeah, yeah, whatever.
Um, maybe.
Bye.
OK? Bye.
Oh, Chris! Chris! Did you check about Resonance? Did you ask anyone? I asked three people and they all said they hadn't heard of it.
Right, thank you.
Oh, one of them did ask why I was checking.
Might indicate something.
Hard to say.
- Can't push any further, I'm afraid.
- Right, no.
Hi! What are you doing here? Have they called you in? They asked if I wanted to comment.
So I called my press agent, and, yeah, we're going in to give my side of the story.
They still want a splash tomorrow but they'll run a feature on the website and in the paper the following day.
- Are you allowed to smoke in public? - I am now.
You don't seem angry.
Let me tell you three secrets.
Firstly, it's hard to break out of children's presenting work into adult presenting.
You get pigeonholed.
Secondly, adult presenting is much better paid.
Thirdly, you don't hide the fact you're a journalist very well.
Tomorrow morning, I get fired.
By lunchtime, I'm trending, more famous than ever.
By the evening, I'm picking new work.
But the whole story we're printing is about you being caught out.
You think your editor doesn't know? This is how it works.
- Everyone's a winner.
- Everyone except the children.
Children grow up.
Maybe you should, too.
PHONE RINGS Hi, Mum.
Yeah, I'm good.
What? Nah.
No, Mum, I wanted to talk to you.
No, no, actually Sorry, I got to go.
You all right? My mum.
Tough day? No, I just Yeah.
I've got to get this washed but I don't have a washing machine.
So I've got to find a launderette, and I don't know where.
And I don't even have a coat.
- What is it? - Oh Do you have something you're into? No, it's fancy dress for a party.
Right.
Well, I've got a washing machine at home.
You can use that.
Really? That would be great.
Sorry about before.
I was drunk.
Oh, it's OK.
You got an umbrella? PHONE RINGS - Hi, how are you? - I'm good, I'm good, thank you.
Er, it's just a quick question.
It's what the girl said, at the end of the interview.
I'm pretty sure you heard it and I'm just worried that you're protecting me from something.
But I want to know if you heard what she said? Look, I could have it picked out, I can get it translated by someone else but I just thought She asked if you believed her.
Why would she say that? I wanted you to write the story.
When she said that, I didn't know.
Maybe she was just worried you wouldn't believe her.
Or that she wasn't telling the truth.
People knew you were asking questions.
Some of the children wanted to meet you.
So, maybe, they But it doesn't affect the story.
You saw the conditions.
The other children were all consistent and believable.
One mistake like that can sink a story.
Not to mention get me fired.
Yes, but it was too important.
You had to believe it.
OK, thanks.
- Um, speak soon.
- Bye.
HE EXHALES It's a good story you've got for tomorrow.
Rosie Fisher on disability rights.
- How did you see that? - Spies.
Who put it together? Holly Evans.
It's not her name on it.
Yeah, she's an editor.
She finds them and gives them to other people, but it's all her.
And the other one.
The NHS story, is that her, too? I am not discussing it.
She's wasted where she is.
- Don't even think about it.
- I know, but I am.
- She'd never work for you! - The number of times I've heard that, it's all about making the right offer.
- What are you running tomorrow? - Oh Wait and see.
Big splash.
Mm, important.
Politics, economy, defence? I don't like the judgment in your voice.
Guilty conscience? Not at all.
I broke up with Sarah last night.
You Oh, God, Duncan.
That's I'm sorry.
It's fine.
She'll find someone new.
I guarantee she's already thinking about it.
But Fred? Fred will be glad to see the back of me, probably.
I doubt it.
PHONE VIBRATES Foreign Secretary in five minutes, Prime Minister.
Thank you.
As she said to you, no-one loses out, really.
They're all as bad as each other.
If all they want is money and fame, let them have it.
- So, what's your problem? - My name's on it, and my photo.
- People will see.
- Your parents.
My parents are left wing, Herald readers.
Both university lecturers.
They hate the Post.
Mum says it's sexist, racist trash.
This is the worst thing I could be doing.
That's not true.
Actually, my dad's probably got a Google alert on my name so Then you'd better call them and tell them.
They'll hate me.
I doubt it! They love you.
I'll tell them and they'd say the right things but I'd sense their disappointment.
I'd know.
Well, if you're proud of what you're doing, it doesn't matter what they think.
Are you proud? Yeah.
OK, then.
Are you really sleeping in your car? I need it for reporting.
It's more useful than a flat.
So, actually, I'm looking for a new flatmate.
I've been unlucky recently.
My last flatmate died so the bar's pretty low.
Stay alive, don't be a dick.
You strike me as someone who wants to be on their own.
Yeah, but I need the money.
I can't afford it.
I'm on try-out at the moment, so - Yeah, but you're doing well? - Yeah.
Then it might improve.
Three weeks.
You try to make the rent.
If you don't, I kick you out.
Dee? Was that her name? - Yeah.
- You were close? We'd chat at the end of the day.
She'd tell me that I worked too hard, worried too much.
So, who do you talk to now? Is that why you want a flatmate? Cos, actually, you must earn enough to be on your own.
I might go to bed.
Holly.
Yeah? You work too hard and worry too much.
Three weeks would be good.
Call your parents.
DOOR CLOSES Hi, Mum, it's me.
I've got something to tell you.
So, now we're both single.
What does this industry do to people? Keeps us sharp.
It keeps us alone.
There are worse things.
It means we see the world exactly as it is.
No distractions, no loyalty.
We're pure.
E-MAIL NOTIFICATION Can I show you this? Joshua West? You realise he gives away half his earnings to charity.
Maybe now we know why.
I knew I wasn't the only one.
Sometimes he'd hold so tight - there'd be bruises.
- Prime Minister.
A reporter from the Herald called about Resonance last week.
- Let it go away.
- Oh You want to make an impact, to take risks? This is the moment.