Hollywood starts with an agent

Chapter 364 Aaron's Dissatisfaction

"Fox is asking for half of the Houston Post, plus $2 million in cash, in exchange for a maximum 30% stake in FNC (Fox News)?"

"At the same time, we are not allowed to participate in the operation of FNC."

Upon returning to New York, Aaron was at the Universal headquarters in Rockefeller Center when he soon received a call from Karen McKee, president of The Houston Post.

"Yes, and I've heard that Mr. Rupert Murdoch also thinks so!"

Aaron narrowed his eyes. "When I talked to Rupert Murdoch before, he wasn't this assertive."

Karen McKee paused for a moment on the phone before replying, "It must be because News Corporation hired Roger Ailes to head Fox News."

Roger Ailes, formerly president of CNBC, the financial channel owned by NBC, led CNBC out of its slump and brought its profits soaring;
However, NBC and Microsoft have partnered to create the 24-hour cable news channel MSNBC, and will also transfer the "American Talk" program to MSNBC.

MSNBC not only wants to take away some of CNBC's rights, but "American Talk" is also Roger Ailes' flagship program;
This caused a conflict between Roger Ailes and NBC, leading to his departure from CNBC!

"Is GE stupid? Why would someone of their caliber leave and immediately join another channel of the same type?"

"There must be a non-compete agreement!"

Karen McKee explained, "Roger Ayers was involved in creating FNC, not joining it, so it was like taking advantage of a loophole."

Aaron understood that Roger Ayers had deep connections in the political arena, and this was just a stepping stone for him to join the FNC!
After hanging up the phone, Aaron leaned back in his chair.

Rupert Murdoch's intention is clearly to prevent Dawn from participating in FNC News. It seems that even George W. Bush's influence is waning.
It's understandable that Rupert Murdoch didn't want Dawn to get involved, given that Dawn was too close to Clinton and Fox News followed the Republican path.

"This old thing!"

I understand, but this was a great opportunity for Aaron to get involved with the news channel, and it just slipped away like that.

With CNN setting a high bar, MSNBC and FNC should not be underestimated in the future.

That evening, at a high-end cocktail party at the Pierre Hotel in Manhattan, Aaron ran into John Malone, the chairman of the TCI Group!
Last year, John Malone’s Liberty Media launched a pay-TV channel, Starz!, specifically to compete with Time Warner’s HBO, Viacom’s Showtime, and NBC’s Bravo.

"I heard that the Federal Communications Commission just approved Time Warner's merger with TBS (Turner Broadcasting)?"

Aaron asked.

John Malone nodded. His Liberty Media owned almost a quarter of Turner Broadcasting, making him the second-largest shareholder after Ted Turner.

Turner Broadcasting's third-largest shareholder is Time Warner itself.

"The merger of Time Warner and Turner Broadcasting will be very helpful for their communications and cable television businesses!"

Previously, when Gerald Levine, CEO and Chairman of Time Warner, changed his mind and wanted to acquire Turner Broadcasting, John Malone was against it;

But with the successive changes of ownership of CBS and ABC, John Malone switched his support to Gerald Levine.

With Gerald Levine, John Malone, and Ted Turner all in favor of Time Warner's acquisition of Turner Broadcasting Group;
Now, even the Federal Communications Commission has approved the merger request, and the last obstacle to Time Warner's acquisition of Turner Broadcasting has been removed!
"As for you, Dawning should be preparing for its IPO soon, right?"

Aaron took a sip of his drink. "With Dawn at this stage, going public is a must."

John Malone nodded thoughtfully.

Aaron had no idea what this guy was thinking. As someone who made his fortune in cable television and communications, John Malone had been very active on Wall Street over the years! A little while later, Rupert Murdoch also arrived at the Pierre Hotel.

"Good evening, Aaron!"

Rupert Murdoch and Aaron sat down together on the sofa in the lounge area.

"good evening."

Aaron looked at the other person and asked, "Will Fox News launch by the end of this year?"

Rupert Murdoch nodded. "Fox News Channel is expected to officially launch in the second half of next year."

"The news content is divided into political, media, American, and business aspects, and comes from organizations such as News Corporation and the Associated Press!"

Aaron smiled. "That's pretty good. Now CNN has a competitor."

Rupert Murdoch was somewhat embarrassed because he had spoken with Aaron before, but now the light was gone.

"Roger Ayers was previously a media advisor for the Republican Party, and the FNC's future direction will likely be conservative."

"The current label for Dawn is not suitable for FNC!"

Dawn Group and the White House have maintained relatively close ties, and Aaron Anderson and Clinton also had a good personal relationship;
News Corp. and Roger Ailes did not want any liberal factions involved in the newly formed FNC.

Disney acquired ABC and also gained ESPN.

Westinghouse Electric acquired CBS, merging their broadcasting and television businesses and significantly increasing their strength.

"NBC is owned by General Electric, the company with the highest market capitalization, while Time Warner is currently acquiring Turner Broadcasting Group, aiming to take over CNN in one fell swoop."

"FOX's current efforts to adapt are also aimed at securing a place in the future of news, which is indeed understandable."

In the current broadcasting industry, FOX is definitely the weakest, and Aaron can understand News Corporation's actions.

“It would be best if you could understand,” Rupert Murdoch said. He dared not underestimate Dawn TV now, as the shows Dawn TV had produced in recent years had very high ratings.
FOX also wants to cooperate with Dawn TV!

Aaron waved his hand. "Don't say that. Dawn and News Corporation are in fierce competition, as are 20th Century Fox and Universal in film, and AMC and FX in cable television."

"However, News Corporation is now focusing on the global television industry, while Dawn is mainly focused on movies, music and theme parks."

In short, News Corporation is currently focusing on distribution channels, while Dawn Group is focusing on content!

"By the way, Aaron, Lachlan is about your age and just graduated from university last year. Perhaps you two could get to know each other better."

Lachlan Murdoch, Rupert Murdoch's eldest son, is 24 years old and graduated from Princeton University last year.

He is the Vice President of News Corporation and a member of the News Corporation Board of Directors, currently managing News Corporation's newspaper and print operations in Australia.

Aaron simply nodded casually. In any case, Rupert Murdoch's actions this time must have made Aaron unhappy.

Given its current size, 20th Century Fox certainly cannot compare with Universal. News Corporation's advantage lies mainly in its newspapers.

(End of this chapter)