At the Herald, a left-leaning broadsheet struggling to adapt to the age of digital news, deputy news editor Holly Evans pursues a lead over the death of a young woman following a hit-and-run by a police car. At the Post, Oxford graduate Ed Washburn is given his first 'death knock', interviewing the parents of Shawn Kingsley, a footballer who has committed suicide.

When The Herald uncovers a sex scandal, Holly makes a powerful enemy. Ed travels to Warwick to interview Geoff Newman, a man the media suspect of being involved in a local boy’s murder. Duncan proposes a deal that could make waves in the political world.

Amina feels defeated in the immediate wake of the Joshua West scandal. Holly ignores Amina's request to write a front-page apology. Duncan is shocked to learn that The Post has been banned from the daily press conference at Downing Street. Leona is approached by a surprising source who has a particular interest in James. Peter's support proves valuable to Amina as she suffers a personal crisis.

Holly is accused of losing her professional integrity when she mishandles a source. Leona finds an opportunity to impress her colleagues. Peter and Amina clear the way to make a big announcement about the future of The Herald. Ed's pride in his soaring professional achievements is marred by the arrival of a surprise new colleague.

Duncan attempts to spend quality time with his son, Fred, but finds it difficult in the face of Sarah’s open hostility. Holly struggles to separate her personal grievances from her professional ambitions. James reopens communication with Jon Brooks. Emmerson presents Duncan with a seemingly impossible task.