The program takes a behind-the-scenes look at independent news station KCAL 9 in Los Angeles during the May sweeps ratings race. For twenty days, the cameras follow the news director, the producers, the reporters and the anchors as they try to keep up with the network competition and beat their local rivals. In a city where the lead story is typically about the latest celebrity break-up, the staff of KCAL 9 tries to create a balance between sweeps stunts and journalistic integrity, as they struggle to play the ratings game and hold on to their jobs.