When a talk radio host gets chronic laryngitis caused by cancerous cells, he must learn the true value of communication in order to save his marriage and his legacy.

SYNOPSIS:

For the last twenty years, the voices of Herbie and Ben, popular radio show hosts, have permeated their quaint hometown. Police officers Jimmy and Ted argue over radio stations while patrolling the streets. Convenience shop owner Malek calls the show to win concert tickets while keeping watch for teenagers Timbo and Tanner stealing snacks. Sally, Herbie's wife, doesn't get excited for the show anymore, but her teacher colleague April, fiancé of producer Pete, never misses a minute. Patsy, Ben's wife, hears segments of the show during her hectic shift at a senior living center. Central to today's radio discussions is the impending closure of Penfield Park by the unscrupulous Mayor Rabideau. Herbie has always sought to address community issues, even if it means facing discipline from his boss, Floyd.

Herbie expects a stern lecture the following day, but instead, he wakes up to a case of laryngitis. Struggling to cope with the loss of his voice and spending extra time at home, Herbie realizes the disconnect that's grown between him and Sally, especially with their son, Max, going off to college. Those around him face their own struggles. Because of his impotency, Ben allows Patsy to schedule weekly trysts with a mystery man, Jimmy, who is stressed about caring for his alcoholic mother. Timbo tries to please his abusive father by passing summer school in order to graduate. Due to childhood trauma, Pete refuses to let April see him naked, and her spontaneous spirit grows weary of his structured lifestyle. In an effort to save the radio show, Floyd moves Mike from his overnight shift into Herbie's chair. The gambit boosts the show's ratings thanks to Mike and Ben's brand of ribald humor, which casts aside the community topics advocated for years by Herbie.

Their temporary partnership becomes permanent when Herbie receives his medical test results: chronic laryngitis caused by cancerous cells. In order to save his life, doctors must remove his larynx, and then Herbie will never speak again. Herbie requests a steroid shot, which allows his voice to return for one final broadcast. Floyd won't allow him on the air, so Pete helps Herbie sneak equipment out of the station and set up a remote show at Penfield Park, hoping to prove to the mayor that the green space is worth saving. Herbie discloses his diagnosis, proclaims his undying love for Sally, and inspires his listeners to repair the broken relationships in their own lives. Ben, Pete, Jimmy, and Timbo apply his advice. In spite of losing his voice, Herbie finally learns how to communicate with the people he loves.

RADIO SILENCE