“The answer is simple. Urgency. We need urgency in everything we do. The data team says viewers respond whenever we declare an event unfolding now, breaking as we speak! If viewers feel our reporting is dated or old, why should they watch? Rigo missing? He’s still missing, something terrible could happen any minute! NOW-ness! Stay tuned to get the latest! For the same reason we need to use the Breaking News banner as much as possible. It’s shown to increase viewership by up to ten percent every five minutes it’s on air. That’s why I’ve asked that all producers should assume everything out of Washington is breaking news unless you’re told by management that it’s not.”

Ryan’s smile made it clear he found the answer steeped in wisdom. “And if something really did happen yesterday? What do we say?”

The Chief nodded patiently. “Another great question, and easy. Some options—‘this just in’ or ‘we’ve just learned.’ Might have happened yesterday, but we have just gotten a line on it. Make it feel NOW! And of course, you might consider the idea that if the news happened yesterday, you shouldn’t be reporting it now.”

MATT: Because if you learn about the Watergate break-in a month after it’s happened, it’s lost its NOW-ness.

“Great. So is journalism good or bad for ratings?” Natalie said under her breath, unable to keep the thought in. People ahead of her turned around to stare. Apparently she’d said this louder than she’d realized.

“Ask that,” Matt elbowed her.

“Shhhh!” Natalie glared.

“Ask it!” Matt pressed again. “I mean you practically already have.”

“Stop,” she hissed at him.

“Excuse me?” a woman’s voice called out from the front of the room.

The world went into slow motion as, heart pounding, Natalie looked from Matt to the space up front where Bibb was standing and staring directly at her.

“Would you like to share something, Natalie?” Bibb asked.

Please, please let this not be happening, Natalie prayed.

“Surely whatever warranted an interruption is worth sharing with the whole room. Mr. Walsh, would you like to share?”

Matt winked at Natalie and bounced out of his chair. “Hey, everyone. Matt Walsh. First day at ATN, this is exciting.” He adopted an overly formal tone as he looked to the Chief. “Sir, Natalie was saying she wonders whether you think that journalism is good or bad for ratings. Isn’t that right, Natalie?”

In general Natalie wasn’t a person who believed in hexes or wishing harm to befall others, but in that moment she would have traded at least one of her lives to see a bolt of lightning smite Matt right in his seat. She knew she should have gone with her first instinct and ignored him.