The News, Uncensored

"Do we really want to change the news industry forever?" Dawn challenged "It may not be perfect, but I've been working in it almost my entire adult life, and it seems to function pretty well as far as I can see"

"Yes, but the news is boring. Or depressing. Or both. Nobody wants to watch it!" Charlie began her pitch "The public would rather get their information from memes and conspiracy theory videos"

"That's definitely an issue" the journalist agreed "But what are we supposed to do if the genuine news isn't as watchable as people's online fantasies? Start making even more outlandish stuff up ourselves?"

"No, we just change the way we present the true facts. We make the news sexy! You're one of the few elite level journalists who's also hot. You couldn't be more perfectly placed to make that happen"

"I'm sure I'm flattered, but that couldn't be further away from why I got into journalism" Dawn shook her head, totally uninterested "And it's not like nobody has ever tried to sexy up the news before. That kind of thing has always made me cringe and, besides, it's never actually worked"

"That's why we have to take things a step further. And, if you cast your mind back, I'm sure you'll remember the whole reason you became interested in journalism was as a route into becoming a sexy TV presenter on the world's number one must-see news broadcast"

There was a slight pause as Charlie's words sank into Dawn's psyche.

"That's true I suppose. I'm just not sure it was ever a realistic or sensible goal"

"Perhaps it wasn't, before you became the top priority client of someone who has just been voted America's greatest talent agent for a seventh consecutive year" Charlie responded confidently "Not that I like to blow my own trumpet, or anything"

"So how do we sexy up the news, exactly?" Dawn was definitely considering this now "It will probably feel a little uncomfortable for me at first, but I suppose I don't mind dressing a bit more suggestively, if you really think it will help bring in the viewers - shorter skirts, lower cut tops, that kind of thing?"

"Like you said, that's been done before without making much of an impact. We have to think radically here"

"For example?"

"Well, my vision is you present nude"

"WHAT!?" Dawn exclaimed in disbelief.

"We'll call it The Naked Truth"

"Are you seriously suggesting I just show up on set naked?"

"Not from the outset. It will work much better if we have you gradually undress after each item. Y'know, to make sure the viewers keep watching to the end, and don't get what they came for in the first five minutes, so to speak, then tune out"

"Have you gone crazy, Charlie!? I'm a respected political journalist, not a fucking stripper!"

"I know, but you are also someone who is perfectly fine with being naked on screen if it gets people interested in world events, remember?"

Again there was a short pause as Dawn considered this.

"You're absolutely right. Sorry for flying off the handle there" she apologised, having quickly calmed down "Almost all of the best actors are willing to do nude scenes if they are critical to making their show work, so why should news reporters be any different?"

"Exactly! Besides, you won't be out there alone. I actually have the perfect co-host in mind for you"

"Really, anyone I know?"

"Maybe a little. Kayleigh Preston?"

"Oh, Joey's friend. Yes, we've met briefly" Dawn recalled "She joined the Post around the same time he did, and I hear she's made a promising start"

"Yeah, that's her. Like you, she has that golden combination of feminine allure and journalistic clout we need to make this work. Though she is more of an up and comer than the heavy hitter you are, so you will very much be the lead host, with her more of a sexy sidekick"

"Is Kayleigh on board with this? Asking someone to go nude on TV is quite a lot, unless they have the same passion as I do for encouraging people to engage with news content?"

"I had what you might call preliminary discussions with her over a beer last night" Charlie remarked somewhat cryptically "But it was really just a 'getting to know you' session, to earn her trust. I didn't actually mention the show - you'll need to pitch it to her yourself"

"Me? I hardly know Kayleigh"

"I realise that, but I have a feeling she will be completely agreeable to everything you suggest to her"

"You think?" Dawn looked puzzled "What makes you so convinced?"

"She's a big fan of yours" Charlie shrugged "Also, she trusts me completely, and I vouched for you"

"Fine, I'll pull her aside at work when I get the chance"

"Great, just don't mention me when you discuss any of this. It's important she thinks the idea for the naked news show was yours" Charlie explained, before adding as an afterthought "Which it was"

"Sure, I'll keep your name out of this when I sell it to her" Kayleigh nodded "Though I still have some concerns with my 'Naked Truth' concept. Doesn't it skew too heavily towards males as a demographic for our audience?"

"Eighty per cent of the decision makers in this country are men, and their dicks are the only thing that influence their thinking without making them money. Our strategy is perfect for the audience your show should be targeting if it wants to make an impact. Besides, you understand as well as I do that your role on the show is to lure the viewers in with your sexy naked body, not to worry your pretty little head about how it all works. You prefer to leave that kind of thing to me"

"Of course, sorry. I was getting way in above my pay grade there" Dawn apologised again.

"Hey, don't sweat it, I love your passion for this project! I just need you to always remember I'm on your side and here to help you, whenever you need me" Charlie assured her "I also have one more favour to ask of you"

"Sure thing, shoot!"

"Once she's agreed to it, I need you to convince Kayleigh to tell Joey about her plan to join your show. I see him as our voice over artist - but nobody should mention that to him yet"

"Joey? Really? I'm already fond of the guy, but his voice sounds pretty unremarkable to me"

"You'd be surprised. People find something about the way he delivers his words extremely trustworthy. He'll read our headlines out, then you and Kayleigh will debate them while stripping. It will be sexy, informative and fun" Dawn's self appointed agent enthused "Oh, and one more thing. Make sure when Kayleigh tells Joey about all of this, I'm also there. That's super important. You can make up any crazy lie to ensure she is on board with that. She'll believe it, trust me."

"Okay, get Kayleigh signed up to my show, then persuade her to talk about it to Joey while you're there, but neither of them can know you are at all involved in any of this, right?"

"Got it in one! And that's all above board and totally standard practice in my line of work, just to be clear"

"Of course. Thanks so much for helping to make this happen"

"No, thank you, Dawn" Charlie leaned back in her chair with a satisfied smile that came from a job well done "I just know you and I are going to have a great working relationship"