In Hong Kong, we build a global business empire

Chapter 263 Next Target

Shao Yifu was curious about such a person and also wanted to know how capable Lin Haoran was.

"Mr. Shao, I am really embarrassed by what you said. I am a complete layman in the film and television industry. But having said that, I believe that you, Mr. Shao, must be able to manage TVB in an orderly manner. I have full confidence in your ability.

However, although I am a layman, I would like to put forward a few humble opinions: first, find a market positioning suitable for TVB; second, pay more attention to the self-produced drama department; third, keep pace with the times and use the most advanced television technology; fourth, produce higher quality TV dramas and variety shows; fifth, explore overseas markets..."

Although discussing his views on television in front of Run Run Shaw was a bit like showing off one's skills in front of Guan Gong, Lin Haoran also knew that if he wanted the other party not to look down on him, he had to come up with something useful.

Being ignorant will only make people look down on you.

"Mr. Lin, do you mean that the current TVB has not found its correct positioning?" Run Run Shaw suddenly interrupted Lin Haoran.

Shao Yifu understood all the other things, and he was very clear about these, but when it came to market positioning, Shao Yifu wanted to see if Lin Haoran had any special opinions.

“I personally think that there is nothing wrong with TVB’s current pursuit of comprehensiveness in program production. After all, there are only two major TV stations in Hong Kong, and it is naturally more ideal to have diversified programs. However, our focus should not be too much on those grand narrative programs, but should focus more on content that reflects the lives of ordinary citizens in Hong Kong.

Why is this so? Because I think that, although the middle and upper class audiences are important, they only account for a small part of the total. If the programs broadcast by TVB cannot attract the love of the lower class citizens, wouldn’t it be equivalent to giving up a huge audience group?

In Hong Kong, TV stations have limited choices. When advertisers choose to place advertisements, they do not pay special attention to the specific types of our audience, because it is often difficult for them to understand accurately. What advertisers value most is our ratings data.

High ratings mean better advertising results for advertisers, and advertising fees will also increase accordingly. Therefore, for our TV station, improving ratings is crucial, which is why I emphasize that TVB needs to clarify and find its own positioning. "Lin Haoran expressed his opinion.

He has also paid attention to TVB's current programs. He was an ordinary person in his previous life and knows what ordinary people like to watch and what they don't like to watch.

In the past two years, the reason why ATV has surpassed TVB in ratings is the accuracy of its program positioning.

Their recently launched dramas such as "A Chinese Odyssey", "The Heroes of the Palace" and "The Battle of Lake and Sea" are deeply loved by Hong Kong citizens because these dramas are close to life and down to earth.

Not only that, it is rumored that ATV will also launch a heavyweight work - the "Good Earth" series of TV dramas.

The series includes three parts: "Home on the Pearl River", "Thunder in the Ancient Capital" and "Jinshan Dream", with a total of 75 episodes.

As far as Lin Haoran knows, this drama once created a peak in ratings for ATV and later Asia Television.

The ratings of "Goodbye, My Love" far exceeded those of TVB, forcing TVB to make a decision for the first time and canceled the competing drama "Round and Round" starring Adam Cheng and Carol Cheng.

"Turn by Turn" was originally planned to be filmed for 80 episodes, but was urgently stopped by TVB when the 15th episode was broadcast.

This shows that program positioning is indeed crucial.

Of course, Lin Haoran is only relying on his understanding from his previous life and is only talking on paper. If he were to manage TVB, even if he knew the source of TVB's ratings, he might not be able to increase them.

At most, Lin Haoran just gave Shao Yifu a reminder. As for whether Shao Yifu himself had any thoughts in this regard, Lin Haoran had no idea.

After Lin Haoran finished speaking, Shao Yifu did not say anything.

He frowned from time to time, and took a deep breath from time to time, as if he was savoring the thoughts that Lin Haoran had just said.

"Mr. Lin, thank you for your advice!" Shao Yifu suddenly stood up and said solemnly to Lin Haoran.

He himself is also very clear about things like increasing the emphasis on original crews and exploring overseas markets.

Although Run Run Shaw was not the chairman in the past, he often gave Li Ka-shing his opinions. For example, the "Miss Hong Kong" competition and the TVB Artist Training Class were implemented under Li Ka-shing's leadership, but in fact they were proposed by Run Run Shaw himself.

These two ideas not only brought considerable ratings to TVB, but also brought many talented actors to Shaw Brothers Film Company. It was a win-win idea.

At this moment, Lin Haoran's words made him suddenly realize a lot, and he couldn't help but begin to admire the young man in front of him.

"Mr. Lin, is this what you call a layman? In my opinion, he has more ideas than insiders!" Shao Yifu exclaimed.

"Mr. Shao, you are flattering me too much. I know my own capabilities, but what I said was just a casual remark. Don't take it seriously. I hope Mr. Shao will take over as the chairman of TVB as soon as possible and increase TVB's ratings as soon as possible, so that I, as a shareholder, can also get a return!" Lin Haoran smiled modestly.

Although TVB is currently at a disadvantage compared to ATV, it still has certain advantages.

For example, TVB was a pioneer in the free-to-air sector, while ATV initially focused on pay TV and did not enter the free-to-air market until several years after TVB had secured its position in the market.

This enabled TVB to establish a solid audience base from the very beginning, and even though it is currently at a slight disadvantage, it still has many loyal viewers.

Furthermore, ATV will experience several changes of owners in the next two years. For example, it was first acquired by an Australian consortium and then resold to Chairman Qiu of Far East Group. The frequent changes in shareholders and senior management will undoubtedly have a significant impact on its future development, including management style and other aspects, which may directly affect the ratings.

In contrast, TVB has maintained a stable top management for a long time. If Li Xiaohe had not passed away suddenly due to a heart attack, its top management structure might have remained unchanged. This stability of the top management has brought TVB a consistency of style, which is also one of its important competitive advantages.

Next, Lin Haoran discussed the matter with Run Run Shaw several times.

Even if he were asked to manage TVB, he certainly would not have the confidence to manage the company well.

But with some forward-looking information accumulated in his previous life and his understanding of the current situation, he is fully capable of providing some unique and useful insights.

At this moment, Run Run Shaw's attitude towards Lin Haoran has undergone many changes.

From the initial lack of understanding and vigilance, to the relief after learning that Lin Haoran had no intention of competing for the position of chairman, to the surprise at the suggestions made by Lin Haoran, to the sincere admiration now.

In Run Run Shaw's opinion, it was fortunate that TVB was not a large listed company. Perhaps that was the reason why Lam Ho-ran looked down upon the management of TVB. Otherwise, if Lam Ho-ran were the chairman, he might really be no worse than him.

At this moment, his heart was filled with a sense of relief.

"By the way, Mr. Lin, TVB is planning to hold a board meeting at nine o'clock tomorrow morning. As an important shareholder of the company, it is best for you not to be absent. A new senior leadership team will be re-elected at that time." When they had almost finished chatting, Run Run Shaw said to Lin Haoran.

For this kind of thing, the company must notify important shareholders, but Lin Haoran suddenly acquired the shares of the Li family. Obviously, TVB did not have time to notify Lin Haoran. At this time, Run Run Shaw came here with the mission of notifying.

"I will attend the meeting on time, Mr. Shao, don't worry. I only recognize you as the chairman. I will never approve of anyone else wanting to be the chairman!" Lin Haoran said with a smile.

Run Run Shaw is destined to manage TVB well, but the same may not be true for others.

For Lin Haoran, the role of TVB is to be able to use it whenever he needs it. He does not want the management rights of this TV station.

The higher TVB's ratings, the more important its position in Hong Kong, and the greater its impact on him.

Of course, as TVB's market value continues to increase after its listing in the future, he will naturally make money by the way.

Television will eventually decline, but that will probably be thirty years from now.

With the advent of smartphones, fewer and fewer people will watch TV, and the role of TV will naturally be less important at that time.

However, before that time comes, he will of course sell his shares in advance.

Twenty or thirty years is too far away, and he doesn't intend to think about it too much.

Shao Yifu left Lin Haoran's reception room with a complicated yet happy mood.

Watching Shao Yifu leaving, Lin Haoran stretched and prepared to go to Su Zhixue's office again.

The TVB issue has been basically resolved perfectly, and it is no surprise that his next target is the Hong Kong Land Group.

He couldn't wait to take control of Hong Kong's largest real estate company.

Once he has mastered it, he will interfere with the development strategy of the Hutchison Group.

Because he knew that due to its blind development between 1981 and 1982, the Hong Kong Land Group was heavily in debt when the real estate crisis came, making it the famous "debt king" in Hong Kong.

It is normal for the real estate industry to be in debt. Many real estate companies have rapidly expanded their scale by continuously investing through bank loans.

But the debt ratio can be large or small.

In its investment decisions in 1982 and before, Swire Properties was either too aggressive or lacked sufficient market judgment.

For example, over-investing in certain higher-risk projects, or making large investments without fully evaluating market prospects.

These incorrect investment strategies led to huge investment losses, which in turn increased the company's liabilities.

Since he would take over the largest real estate company in Hong Kong and become its boss, Lin Haoran naturally would not let its debt ratio be too high.

If you can avoid indiscriminate investment, you must avoid it.

After all, once he takes over the Jardine Matheson Group, his interests will be affected.

(End of this chapter)