Mark Hunter, played by Christian Slater, is a young man experiencing the typical teenage angst of feeling invisible and unheard in a new environment. He finds solace in his shortwave radio and starts to broadcast under the moniker of Hard Harry. With his show, he encourages his peers to speak their minds without fear of censorship.
As the popularity of the show grows, more students tune in and become emboldened to speak up against the injustices they see in their school and community. Mark becomes a hero to his classmates, but also a thorn in the side of the school administration and the FCC who recognize him as a threat to the status quo.
As his show gains more attention and scrutiny, Mark faces legal consequences and his personal life begins to unravel. However, with the help of his friends and newfound allies, Mark stands up for his right to free speech and inspires a generation of young people to speak their minds and resist oppression.
Pump Up the Volume is a powerful coming-of-age story that explores the themes of censorship, institutional control, and the power of youth to effect change. It has become a cult classic and is considered one of the defining films of the 1990s.