The Lead Story

WAFF 48
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Veteran journalists Margo Gray and Mike Brown investigate the best films about the news business. What do they get right? What do they get wrong? What stories from their long careers come to mind while watching them? Special guests share their perspective and go behind-the-scenes in this WAFF 48 podcast.

Episodes

  1. Episode 10: Anchorman

    Apr 6

    Episode 10: Anchorman

    For our season one finale, Mike and Margo explore the impact Anchorman has had on a generation of television journalists. We dig into teleprompter mistakes, hot-mic nightmares and rumbles with our cross-town rivals.  Remember to follow us on Instagram for fun extras and clips from the show. Read our episode recaps and watch all episodes on waff.com/TheLeadStory for more insight and check out our Letterboxd for movie rankings, reviews and other fun tidbits!

    1h 3m
  2. Episode 9: Twister

    Mar 23

    Episode 9: Twister

    WAFF 48 Chief Meteorologist Brad Travis joins Margo and Mike to talk about the 1996 thriller "Twister". Brad breaks down how weather technology has progressed in the last 30 years, Margo and Mike share their stories from covering the April 27th, 2011 tornado outbreak and We share the unlikely story of how one bit player in this movie invented a billion dollar baseball product before graduating high school. Remember to follow us on Instagram for fun extras and clips from the show. Read our episode recaps and watch all episodes on waff.com/TheLeadStory for more insight and check out our Letterboxd for movie rankings, reviews and other fun tidbits!

    47 min
  3. Episode 8: September 5

    Mar 9

    Episode 8: September 5

    What happens when the biggest news story in the world breaks and only the sports crew is around to cover it? WAFF 48 Sports Director Carl Prather joins us to talk about the 2024 drama "September 5". Remember to follow us on Instagram for fun extras and clips from the show. Read our episode recaps and watch all episodes on waff.com/TheLeadStory for more insight and check out our Letterboxd for movie rankings, reviews and other fun tidbits!

    58 min
  4. Episode 7: Nightcrawler

    Feb 23

    Episode 7: Nightcrawler

    This week, we're talking about the 2014 thriller Nightcrawler with ABC 7 producer Malcolm Johnson about his climb from Huntsville to New York City. What would happen if a news photographer invaded a crime scene like Louis Bloom does? Does the old saying "if it bleeds it leads" still mean anything in 2026? Did you know you can watch episodes of The Lead Story? Download the WAFF 48 SmartTV app, or follow us on YouTube.  You can read more about these films on waff.com/TheLeadStory . Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Letterboxd for more film nerd content!

    59 min
  5. Episode 6: Broadcast News

    Feb 16

    Episode 6: Broadcast News

    Veteran anchor / reporter Jamey Tucker joins us to talk about the 1987 comedy classic: Broadcast News Jamey talks about his decision to leave traditional newsrooms behind and become an independent tech journalist and his role in creating one of the most memorable viral clips in news history. Mike and Margo also bring up the ethics of staging news, the love/hate relationship with cheesy jingles, flop sweat and adrenaline crashes after big stories.Remember to follow us on Instagram for fun extras and clips from the show. Read our episode recaps and watch old episodes on waff.com/TheLeadStory for more insight and check out our Letterboxd for movie rankings, reviews and other fun tidbits!

    1 hr
  6. Episode 5: His Girl Friday

    Jan 26

    Episode 5: His Girl Friday

    Former WAFF 48 anchor/reporter Elizabeth Gentle joins us to talk about every journalist's dream:  a job with banker's hours.  This week, we're talking about the classic 1940 screwball comedy: His Girl Friday.  Remember to follow us on Instagram for fun extras and clips from the show. Read our episode recaps and watch old episodes on waff.com/TheLeadStory for more insight and check out our Letterboxd for movie rankings, reviews and other fun tidbits!

    47 min
  7. Episode 4: Fletch

    Jan 12

    Episode 4: Fletch

    Mike, Margo and special guest Bernie Delinski (The Times Daily) talk about the 1985 Chevy Chase comedy "Fletch". We explore the state of newspaper journalism in 2026, talk about whether or not this classic comedy holds up today and hear about the time a wanted drug suspect turned himself in to a pair of stunned reporters in Muscle Shoals. Remember to follow us on Instagram for fun extras and clips from the show. Read our episode recaps and watch old episodes on waff.com/TheLeadStory for more insight and check out our Letterboxd for movie rankings, reviews and other fun tidbits!

    41 min
  8. Episode 3: Absence of Malice

    12/29/2025

    Episode 3: Absence of Malice

    Attorney Nick Lough joins Mike and Margo to talk about the 1981 Sydney Pollack film "Absence of Malice". Nick's experience as a journalist and attorney give him unique insight into this melodramatic thriller. Mike lays out his theory on how Meg Carter might be one of the worst journalists in film history while Margo talks about the time she was confronted by someone unhappy with her reporting. NEW! We have an Insta! Follow us on Letterboxd to see Mike's list of must-see Paul Newman films Check out previous episodes and recaps on waff.com

    39 min
  9. Episode 2: Ace in the Hole

    12/15/2025

    Episode 2: Ace in the Hole

    Mike and Margo discuss Billy Wilder's 1951 film: "Ace in the Hole". Chuck Tatum may be the most crooked journalist in movie history, inserting himself into the story of a man trapped in a cave. We discuss how modern newsrooms vet employees, how this story reminds us of a blind and deaf puppy in Huntsville, Alabama and why big egos like Chuck don't last long in today's local news environment.  Follow us on Letterboxd Read much more about Ace in the Hole now on waff.com/TheLeadStory

    31 min
  10. Episode 1: All the President's Men

    12/01/2025

    Episode 1: All the President's Men

    Veteran journalists Mike Brown and Margo Gray break down the 1976 classic: "All the President's Men". How does the story of Woodward & Bernstein translate to journalists in the 21st century? Follow our show at waff.com/theleadstory If you're on Letterboxd, so are we!

    24 min
  11. Episode 0: What is The Lead Story?

    Season 1 Trailer

    Episode 0: What is The Lead Story?

    Veteran journalists Mike Brown and Margo Gray introduce you to their new podcast: The Lead Story. It's an examination of modern journalism through film. Mike, Margo and their special guests will pick a new film every two weeks and investigate it as modern journalists.    Episode 1: All the President's Men is available on December 1 Our website, waff.com/TheLeadStory will be going live soon! Follow us on Letterboxd!

    3 min

Trailer

About

Veteran journalists Margo Gray and Mike Brown investigate the best films about the news business. What do they get right? What do they get wrong? What stories from their long careers come to mind while watching them? Special guests share their perspective and go behind-the-scenes in this WAFF 48 podcast.

Information

  • Creator
    WAFF 48
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    The Lead Story