After rebirth, I became a great master

Chapter 488 Getting started
Zhang Yongxiang said angrily, "Just because someone died doesn't mean it's related to our thermal underwear! This is just extortion!"

"This is a smear campaign!"

Zhou Haoran was all too familiar with this.

Even 20 or 30 years later, black PR will still be the most commonly used strategy for domestic business competitiveness, and its application will be completely unscrupulous.

However, by then, through exploration and experimentation, the strategies of black PR had become much more sophisticated. They often used the pretext of national righteousness to criticize competitors and launched a media offensive using social media. Despite engaging in insidious and shameless acts, they were hailed as national heroes and patriotic enterprises by countless ignorant people.

At this stage, we don't have that kind of experience yet.

Competition is always straightforward.

Simple and crude.

Blindly copying.

Zhang Yongxiang, suppressing his anger, said, "Sir, do you know what 'Consumer Frontier' magazine said? They said that Antarctic's thermal underwear uses the same material as CT scans, which is not only not breathable, but also emits radiation."

"what?"

Zhou Haoran couldn't help but want to laugh.

Zhang Yongxiang said, "My pajamas only cost 20 yuan wholesale. I use the same material as CT scan films, so I don't even cover my costs! Am I operating at a loss?"

Zhou Haoran said, "My family members also wear Antarctic thermal underwear, and the warmth retention is indeed very good."

"Of course! The best in the whole country!"

Zhang Yongxiang has full confidence in his own products.

Zhou Haoran asked, "What technology are you using?"

Zhang Yongxiang didn't need to hide anything from the gentleman, saying, "I'm using the latest American thermal insulation technology, made with DuPont Lycra cotton. It achieves excellent warmth at a low cost. Most thermal underwear from the United States, Canada, and Northern Europe uses this technology."

Zhou Haoran nodded. "Then it's not surprising."

"Nanji Ren was able to open up the market so quickly and become the industry leader because our products have the best warmth retention." Zhang Yongxiang said, then became indignant again, "I introduced DuPont Lycra cotton technology and succeeded. If our competitors want to learn it, let them learn it. Why spread rumors and slander? It's hateful!"

"who is it?"

"Yu Zhaolin!"

"Is there any evidence?"

Zhou Haoran narrowed his eyes.

Zhang Yongxiang said, "No evidence is needed, it's too obvious. This kind of news was released on the entertainment channel, which is a local channel in the harbor and can only affect locals. Yu Zhaolin's business has never really taken off in the outside market; it's mainly based on local operations. In the past, Yu Zhaolin was the local tyrant. Now, Nanji Ren has emerged, especially this winter, when Nanji Ren suddenly exploded and became number one in the local area. They are maliciously attacking him."

Zhou Haoran thought that made sense. "That's only one aspect. There's an even more important aspect: someone is desperate and resorting to extreme measures."

"Huh?" Zhang Yongxiang was taken aback. "Who is it?"

Zhou Haoran said mockingly, "Who else could it be? Yi Changping!"

"Director of the entertainment channel?"

Zhang Yongxiang immediately found himself in a difficult situation.

Zhou Haoran said calmly, "Normally, mainstream media wouldn't spread such obviously false rumors. The marketing and editorial departments of mainstream media operate independently to prevent anyone from interfering with the content by using marketing interests."

"how come?"

Zhang Yongxiang was not familiar with the internal structure of these media outlets, but many things were still obvious to him.

For example, if you sponsor a media outlet with a lot of advertising fees and become a major sponsor, then that media outlet will not report any negative information about you.

Television stations have emerged these days.

It has become a leading force in the domestic marketing field, wielding immense influence.

Yet many companies still spend a lot of money every year advertising in major newspapers, especially those that make health products and medicines. It's not because newspaper advertising is effective, but because they spend money to buy peace of mind.

It's like buying insurance.

Zhou Haoran said, "That's exactly how it's designed to ensure the independence of marketing and editing. However, there are loopholes that can be exploited. If someone can manage both the marketing and editing departments, concentrating both powers in one person, the system design is broken, and there is room for manipulation."

"I see!" Zhang Yongxiang suddenly realized. "So the entertainment channel's report has nothing to do with the people below; it's the leadership who are manipulating things."

"Yi Changping!"

Zhou Haoran was certain it was him.

“How dare he?” Zhang Yongxiang took a deep breath. “Nanjiren is a well-known local company. Last year, it generated tens of millions in profits and taxes. Isn’t he afraid of taking responsibility?”

"So they're desperate." Zhou Haoran had gathered some information. "Last year, the entertainment channel's expenses were huge, but the revenue was insufficient. At the end of the year, the deficit exceeded 400 million yuan. As a result, Director Yi Changping was criticized."

Zhang Yongxiang's eyes widened. "And then they started targeting me?"

Zhou Haoran said "hmm".

I thought to myself, "This is only directed at you."

It's targeting me too!
The news has spread and many local newspapers have reported that "All People's Art" will officially resume broadcasting on Red Star TV on February 14th.

The main sponsor of "Everyone's Artistic Achievements" is Nanji Ren!

At this time, the entertainment channel smeared Nanji Ren, which will also cause considerable trouble for "Everyone's Art".

"Sir, what should we do now?" Zhang Yongxiang asked anxiously. "Should we sue?"

"Sue? Who are you going to sue? You won't have any evidence for this kind of thing."

Zhou Haoran did not agree with this strategy.

Zhang Yongxiang gritted his teeth and said, "I'm going to sue the 'Consumer Frontier' program!" Zhou Haoran said with a strange expression, "You're going to sue the TV station?"

"Uh……"

Zhang Yongxiang was somewhat stiff.

Zhou Haoran said, "Even if it's determined that you're right in this kind of situation, the program will make corrections and promise to ensure the accuracy of information sources in the future, and that's it. Do you really think they'll give you compensation?"

Zhang Yongxiang said, "How about this, sir? Don't you know people at the TV station? Can you introduce me to some influential ones? The general channel, the lifestyle channel, the city channel are all fine!"

Zhou Haoran glanced at him. "What do you want to do?"

Zhang Yongxiang said coldly, "An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth!"

"what?"

Zhou Haoran was both amused and confused.

Zhang Yongxiang said, "If they dare to treat me like this, then I'll treat them the same way! They say my thermal underwear can suffocate people, I'll say their thermal underwear can cause cancer!"

"Isn't this just dogs fighting each other..." Zhou Haoran waved his hand, completely disapproving of such behavior. "This won't work. The leaders in the TV station are all very upright. Except for that Yi Changping, who is under too much financial pressure and is desperate, the other channels will not cooperate with you. Openly spreading rumors and slandering private enterprises could lead to political consequences."

Zhang Yongxiang sighed, his face contorted in distress. "Sir, what should I do? Please teach me!"

"Don't rush, I don't think the social impact has been felt yet. Let me go and find out what's going on."

Zhou Haoran has seen his share of ups and downs.

These current PR stunts are like a tickle; they're not worth mentioning.

The PR tactics he'd encountered in his past life were truly devastating. Even Fortune 500 companies would be skinned alive and their image utterly ruined if they encountered them; even the richest man in the country would have to endure it, even if it meant his death.

……

As the festive atmosphere of the Spring Festival fades away.

All units have returned to their work posts.

Zhou Haoran went to see Deputy Director Gu Hao.

"Gu Tai, I heard that Yi Changping has been jumping around quite a bit lately?"

Zhou Haoran now wields considerable influence within the television station. With his wings firmly planted, he is no longer as cautious as before, and even acts casually in front of the executive vice president.

"That has nothing to do with you?"

Gu Hao gave a half-smile.

"I?"

Zhou Haoran was puzzled.

Gu Hao said, "Don't forget who's behind Yi Changping!"

Zhou Haoran's eyes widened. "Former station director Xu Guoyi?"

Gu Hao said calmly, "The old station director has retired and was invited by Zhongbo Software to be an advisor. He has become a director in the ratings joint venture, representing Red Star TV... This means he has returned to the mainstream spotlight."

"That's it?"

Zhou Haoran was at a loss whether to laugh or cry.

Gu Hao glanced towards the door, still uneasy, so he got up and sat down next to him on the sofa, whispering, "The confirmed news has come out. Zhan Yushan is in big trouble now, things might get complicated..."

"Ok?"

"It could lead to the death penalty."

"Holy crap!" Zhou Haoran was startled, his body stiffening. "No way? The exhibition director hasn't done anything heinous!"

Gu Hao said in a deep voice, "His accounts are very dirty. He probably has more than 100 million yuan in dirty money. His wife and children have all run away to the United States, and he has no money left."

"Is 100 million a lot?"

Zhou Haoran felt a bit confused.

"Isn't that enough?" Gu Hao sat up straight, looking indignant and righteous. "This is a major case. If it's reported, it will cause a national sensation!"

Zhou Haoran then understood.

Times have changed.

In this day and age, 40 yuan of unexplained funds is considered a major provincial case. If it exceeds 100 million yuan, it will cause a national sensation and could indeed lead to the death penalty.

Zhou Haoran took a deep breath. "His crime doesn't warrant death!"

Gu Hao nodded. "They're also working on it. They might be able to make an exception. After all, such a big thing happened at Hongxing TV. It's a disgrace to everyone in our unit."

"Yeah."

Zhou Haoran felt this matter was getting out of hand; he had never intended to kill the exhibition director.

Gu Hao said in a low voice, "So now, those people led by Director Shan have made clear compromises and given up a lot of benefits in order to reach a reconciliation. In addition, this time, former Director Xu Guoyi has come out of retirement, becoming an advisor to a private technology company and a shareholder in a ratings joint venture... It's not surprising that Yi Changping has been active for a while."

"I see."

Zhou Haoran then understood the intricacies involved.

No wonder Yi Changping dared to defy public opinion and use the TV program "Consumer Frontier" to stir up trouble and target Nanji Ren.

So this is the beginning of the momentum!

It really does have something to do with me!
(End of this chapter)