The Running Man
written by Steven E. De Souza, from the novella by Richard Bachman
Killian: You look pissed, Ben. Believe me you've got every right to be. But hey, will ya...will you just let me explain? This is television, that's all it is. It's nothing to do with people, it's about ratings. For fifty years we've told them what do eat, what to drink, what to wear. For Christs sake Ben don't you understand? Americans love television. They ween their kids on it. Listen, they love game shows, they love wrestling, they love sports, and violence. So what do we do? We give 'em what they want. We're number one Ben, that's all that counts. Believe me, I've been in the business thirty years. Ben: Well I haven't been in show business as long as you have Killian, but I'm a quick learner, and I'm going to give the audience what I think they want.
(Ben straps Killian into one of the rocket sleds)
Killian: You bastard! Drop dead!
Ben: I don't do requests.
(Killian subsequently dies in a fiery blaze)