Hollywood starts with an agent

Chapter 652 DirecTV Satellite Television
In the early morning, Aaron rolled off Britney Spears. "So, how long are you going to stay in Los Angeles this time?"

Britney Spears leaned against the man, panting. "Not long now, I'm going back to Louisiana's house. We bought a big house for them in New Orleans, and it's already been renovated."

“I see,” Aaron said, stroking the sexy woman in his arms. “You can take this opportunity to rest. The new album is releasing next month, and there will be plenty of promotional activities.”

"Then comes a world tour, which is expected to continue until next year!"

“Okay, I’ll come back to see you when I have time,” Britney Spears kissed the man, then snuggled into the covers…

Meanwhile, General Motors is reportedly interested in selling DirecTV (a live satellite television company) which it controls through Hughes Electronics.

DirecTV is a new type of American satellite television operator, formed by Hughes Electronics and owned by General Motors.

Soon after, Aaron spoke with CBS President Mel Kamaz, seeking to intervene in the negotiations!

"Aaron, you want to acquire DirecTV? General Motors recently elected Rick Wagoner as its new CEO and president, while former CEO Jack Smith remains as chairman."

Mel Kamaz looked at Aaron, was it because of the high-level changes within General Motors?

Aaron nodded. "I have that idea. Since cable TV operators can't get involved, let's move into satellite TV."

DirecTV was designed to provide live high-definition television service by having the DirecTV antenna carried by the Space Shuttle to the International Space Station.

1998年，DirecTV公司并购了美国卫星广播公司，拥有了1993年至1995年发射的“DBS-1”、“DBS-2”、“DBS-3”号3颗专用电视直播卫星，每颗卫星装有16台KU频段转发器；
Due to its successful business development, DirecTV adopted Hughes Space Communications' HS-601HP platform and successfully launched its new satellite, DIRECTV-1R, in October of last year. This satellite is equipped with 20 high-power Ku-band transponders, 16 of which are active transponders and 4 are backup transponders.

Mel Kamaz did not object; both Starz and AMC, both part of the CBS Group, have satellite channels.
DirecTV also has 1100 million subscribers. If acquired, Sugon's content will have increased distribution channels and revenue in the United States, increasing Sugon's bargaining power in the satellite television field and playing an important role in consolidating its media hegemony.

"Aaron, the competition is likely fierce. Aside from other satellite TV companies like Echostar Communications, there's also News Corporation."

"News Corporation owns Sky Satellite TV in Europe, Hong Kong Satellite TV in Asia, and satellite services in Oceania. Rupert Murdoch wants to build a global satellite television system!"

Judging from Mel Kamaz's words, News Corp. will definitely spare no effort to gain control of DirecTV.

Aaron tapped the table. Indeed, Dawn currently does not have cable/satellite satellite operation business. The cable/satellite satellite channels it owns all need to be distributed and broadcast through other cable or satellite satellite service providers!
"News Corporation?" Aaron murmured.

In recent years, News Corporation has made many moves, creating Fox Cable News Network, Fox Cable Sports Network, etc.
Furthermore, it integrated News Corporation's film and entertainment businesses in the United States, combining 20th Century Fox Film Corporation, FOX Television Network, and its subsidiaries Fox News and Fox Sports into Fox Entertainment Group.

Last year, they also bought back the other half of Fox Sports Network from Liberty Media!

"Following DirecTV's news, if GE is really preparing to sell, Dawn will do everything in its power to acquire it, no matter who it competes with."

Aaron knew, of course, that this was no simple matter. After all, Dawn already owned the CBS wireless broadcasting network, and if it were to control another major satellite TV operator, it would certainly be subject to investigation by the Federal Communications Commission.

The same applies to other large media groups. At times like these, it's not just about capital considerations; political support is also essential! Telecommunications and communications are vital public services, and Aaron certainly won't give them up. It's about controlling the channels, and with this opportunity, why would he let go?

No matter what, Hollywood media groups definitely have a greater advantage than satellite companies like EchoStar Communications.

Even if Echostar Communications manages to reach an acquisition agreement with DirecTV, Aaron believes they won't be able to get past the Federal Communications Commission, which would inevitably trigger US antitrust laws. Moreover, Hollywood won't let them succeed.

"Understood. I will keep a close eye on any news from DirecTV and will also send a team to contact General Motors as soon as possible!"

Mel Kamaz certainly understood that Dawn would benefit greatly from acquiring DirecTV, but it needed the right opportunity.

"By the way, wasn't Viacom in talks with GE about acquiring NBC's wireless television network? What's with the lack of news now?"

Aaron inquired further, since everyone could see Sumner Redstone's dedication to television.

Mel Kamaz smiled. "NBC's ratings have increased significantly in recent years. Our Friends series, produced by Dawn Television, is a phenomenal success."

"Furthermore, NBC subsequently signed a $10 billion contract with Dawn Television, and later NBC restructured CNBC Financial Channel, creating MSNBC Cable News Channel;"

"Currently, NBC seems to look down on Viacom, given that its subsidiary Paramount's performance hasn't been particularly good."

General Electric believes that merging NBC into Viacom at this time would do more harm than good!

“Ha,” Aaron couldn’t help but laugh, “Then Viacom needs to really develop the UPN wireless television network.”

UPN (Parisian United Television Network) is currently experiencing terrible ratings, even lagging behind FOX, the youngest of the three major terrestrial television networks. How can it possibly compete with them?
"You know, how come Sumner Redstone, who made his fortune in a chain of movie theaters, values ​​content so much?"

Aaron shook his head, unable to understand it. Paramount keeps chanting "content is king," but now it seems a bit petty.

Now that they understand the importance of distribution, they're going to aggressively expand their distribution channels.

"Sigh, I don't know why Viacom is unwilling to sell Nickelodeon. Right now, Universal Studios is lacking this kind of family IP!"

Aaron sighed. After all, the gap between Universal Studios and Disneyland is too big now. How can the IPs of Marvel and Pixar compare to the Disney Princess and Animal series?

Mel Kamaz shook his head. "Nickel Kids is Viacom's most profitable cable network besides MTV."

"Viacom is definitely not going to be sold!"

(End of this chapter)