I am a master in India

Chapter 297: Arrogant
"Mr. Suer, why are you so fixated on the name Sun TV?" Maran couldn't understand.

“Sun Entertainment was established as early as 93. We have film companies, talent agencies, and magazines, all of which are distributed under the name Sun.”

As you know, 'Sun' is already a well-known brand in the Hindi market. Now I've started a television station, but I've discovered that you have the exact same name."

“Sun TV was also founded in 93, which doesn’t prove anything. You can’t claim that name as your own,” Ma Lan retorted.

He was unwilling to give up. He had been operating the brand himself for more than two years and it had already gained considerable influence in Tamil.

“Mr. Ma Lan, I am not trying to take over your company, your TV station, or your hard work. Our disagreement is just about the name.”

If I didn't intervene, Sun Entertainment could easily launch the same 'Sun TV'. We focus on the Hindi and English markets, while you're developing the Tamil market; we might not even cross paths again in a few years.

Of course, it's more likely that the new 'Sun TV' will become popular outside of South India, and Sun Entertainment will invest heavily in promoting this channel, even more so than Zee TV. We have Bollywood backing and ample financial support.

"In that case, people will only know Mumbai's Sun TV, but not Tamil's 'Sun TV,' which won't do you any good."

This wasn't Ron exaggerating; this was his original plan. How many states are there in South India? Only four, and the majority of the Tamil-speaking population is concentrated in Tamil.

The market is too small. Even if Maran’s television station has a monopoly in this part of the region, so what? It poses no threat to Ron’s Sun Entertainment.

"The reason I am sitting here today, without ignoring Tamil's presence, is out of respect for each other. We can resolve our differences in advance so that we don't have to go to court later."

"So, Mr. Suer, what are your plans?" Maran remained noncommittal.

“I need the exclusive naming rights to ‘Sun TV,’ and of course I won’t just take it away like that.”

"Please say."

"You may have heard that I bought the entire ATN, 100% of it."

This is precisely what Malan is worried about; his 'Sun TV' still relies on satellite transponders provided by ATN to transmit television signals.

If Ron shuts down their service without a word, Sun TV will inevitably suffer a major setback.

Even if negotiations go smoothly, it would take two to three months to complete the channel transfer if Malan were to rent a new satellite in a short period of time.

This means that Sun TV will have to stop broadcasting during this period, resulting in incalculable losses.

“I have the full band of the Gorizont satellite, which can support multiple channels broadcasting simultaneously, 24 hours a day.”

“Sun TV has already paid this year’s rental fees,” Maran said immediately, fearing that Ron would break the contract.

“I know, but don’t you want to take it a step further?” Ron chuckled.

"What do you mean?"

Give me 'Sun TV,' and the Gorizont satellite is yours.

"Huh?" Ma Lan looked up in surprise.

"Don't you want to have your own channel? You can arrange it however you like, set up multiple channels, or broadcast 24 hours a day, it's up to you."

This was exactly what Ma Lan wanted to hear. They were already discussing changing the TV station to 24-hour broadcasting, as they already had a large enough audience.

Most importantly, Maran is preparing to expand into Karnataka, where he wants to establish a new local television station, which requires new channel bands.

The previous time-sharing rental model is no longer suitable for Sun TV; it needs full satellite support.

Now Ron has offered this condition.

“I was surprised, but Sun TV is already a household name in Tamil Nadu, and changing the name will have a negative impact on us.” Maran was conflicted.

"It's just a name change; your channel band remains the same. People turn on their TVs, tune to the old channels, and it's still your station playing."

Nothing will change, except for the name. People probably won't even notice these things, so it won't cost you anything.

“We need to discuss this internally,” Ma Lan said uncertainly.

The complete satellite is indeed a great temptation, and we also need to consider the Chief Minister.

Maran has mixed feelings about Jayalalita; she stole his family's political legacy, yet he also showed her some favors.

When Sun TV was established, it was only after she gave her approval that it was able to obtain a loan from the bank.

Maran needed to consider her attitude; he couldn't treat Ron as an ordinary businessman.

“Here’s what we’ll do: if you sign today, we’ll also pay the $100 million rental fee that ATN previously paid to Gorizont.”

"What?" Ma Lan looked up.

“You’ve heard about the money dispute between Stava and the Bear, haven’t you?” Ron asked.

“Yes.” Ma Lan nodded.

“For an additional $100 million, we can continue to lease the Gorizont satellite until next June.”

"Mr. Sue, you mean..."

“That’s right, we’re withdrawing. You can use the Gorizont satellite for free for six months.”

This is the real benefit, which can greatly alleviate Malan's financial pressure.

Owning a complete satellite would cost at least several million dollars, which is too much of a burden for Sun TV at present.

However, the 24-hour television broadcast and the expansion plans in other states were urgent and could not be delayed.

Ma Lan was originally worried about funding, but now he has more than half a year of buffer.

“Like I said, I’m sitting here out of respect,” Ron said, looking at him.

The meaning was clear: if Tamil Nadu still refused to budge, he wouldn't hesitate to use special measures.

"Deal!" In the end, Ma Lan compromised.

Pressure from all sides forced him to back down.

Ron's reputation, Jayalalita's pressure, and internal financial difficulties.
Maran was ultimately too young, and his roots in Tamil were still shallow. His family only owned a small publishing house, which couldn't offer him much support. Suer Electric was already a behemoth for Maran, a giant corporation—just look at the Madras factory.

Dr. Sue was indeed a good man; he didn't seize it by force, but instead offered $1 million and nine months of independent satellite usage rights in exchange.

If he continues to be ungrateful, and others turn against him, I doubt the outside world will show him much sympathy.

“It’s a pleasure doing business with you!” Ron stood up and shook hands with him.

"Will you attend the Chief Minister's adopted son's wedding next week?" Maran asked.

"of course."

"Perhaps we should talk to a few more industry peers. Suer TVs are very popular here. There are actually many possibilities for cooperation between TV stations, cable TV operators, and TV manufacturers."

“No problem,” Ron smiled.

Malan is very quick-witted; he has already seen the enormous appeal of Suer television.

However, the matter was eventually resolved, and "Sun TV" was subsequently owned by Sun Television.

The only thing Ron paid was a $1 million satellite renewal fee, equivalent to 40 million rupees, for the sole naming rights.

Maran’s television station will be renamed “Poom,” which is the name of his publishing company, including its namesake magazine.

It has some recognition in Tamil, so the switch to "Sun TV" wouldn't be abrupt. Besides, the television station is still in its early stages of development, and there's plenty of time.

Having secured Maran, Ron immediately called Mumbai. ATN officially changed its name to Sun TV starting today, with trademark registration and logo change being carried out simultaneously.

By the time we get back from Madras, the TV station should be ready to start broadcasting.

After finishing this matter, Ron rushed off to see his "mother".

There was no other way; the other party was not only the Chief Minister but also a major customer of Sur TV.

"Ron, is the TV I ordered okay?" Jayalalita patted his head.

“Fifty thousand units, not a single one less.” Ron finished the foot-touching salute and stood up.

"There will be many guests at that time, so we must make sure that everyone can see the screen."

“Yes, I’ve spoken with Maran, and everything is arranged,” Ron replied respectfully.

The 50,000 18-inch color TVs were all supplied by Suer Electric, a mega order worth 750 million rupees.

Jayalalita went to great lengths to prepare for her godson's wedding.

Indians value pomp and circumstance, especially at weddings, where they absolutely cannot afford to lose face in public.

Ron didn't know exactly how many people attended the wedding; he only received orders from his "mother" to set up 50,000 television sets at the venue to broadcast the grand wedding ceremony live.

It was outrageous; he simply couldn't imagine how grand the wedding would be.

But when business comes knocking on your door, there's no reason for Ron to refuse.

Jayalalita bought all 50,000 color TVs at the original price without any haggling.

One reason is their deep pockets, but another is kickbacks, which is an open secret.

However, even after deducting this expense, there is still a profit of 6000 rupees per color TV.

Ron made a net profit of 3 million this time, he's rich.

When the Madras factory's production capacity was insufficient, he directly sourced goods from Mumbai to prioritize the needs of Tamil State.

This is a cash transaction, so there is no payment cycle.

The television sets that have been delivered have already begun to be set up at the venue, and the television signal will be broadcast by "Poom" television station in Maran.

Look, as the Chief Minister, all the state's public resources revolve around her.

"This money will be transferred to your account tomorrow."

"Hmm?" Ron looked up.

"After all, it was his wedding, and all the expenses came from his money."

“Yes.” Ron didn’t say anything.

It seems that Jayalalita has unconditional trust in her godson, Sudakaram.

It's truly baffling that such a large sum of money would be transferred to his account without his consent.

“These televisions will still be very useful after the wedding. Next year is the Tamil general election, and we need to improve the lives of the voters.”

“Mother, you are truly a benefactor of Tamil!” Ron immediately presented a horse.

He knew that this bigwig was preparing to use his financial power again to give gifts to voters.

It's quite obvious that the gift to be given next year will be a Suer television.

Last year it was a bicycle, this year it's a television set; the level of sophistication has improved by more than just a little.

“Fifty thousand units is still too few. I heard you have something new?” Jayalalita asked.

“A rice cooker and a juicer!” Ron blurted out.

"Add a little of these two items, and a black and white television set, to make a total of 200,000 sets."

"Okay! Whatever you say, Mom!"

Oh dear, Ron wanted to stand up and give his dearest "mother" a final foot-touching salute.

(End of this chapter)