Reborn Capital Madman

ps: Happy New Year!!!

…

Barry Diller ignored Michael Eisner's "complaints" because he believed that although Gao Xian seemed to "interfere" in professional work a bit too much, he still respected himself and his starting point should be good, and he would

With the development of Paramount Television Network, it has also been confirmed.

When discussing the arrangement of Paramount Network's syndicated programs in "prime time", entertainment program director Garth Ancill said excitedly: "After repeated calculations several times, I found that Paramount Network's

The 'prime time' design is one hour shorter than the three major TV networks. It does not have the disadvantages that everyone initially thought. It is actually very cost-effective and can even be described as clever."

Barry Diller looked at the document and pondered: "You mean, in this kind of 'prime time', Paramount Television does not have to worry about the relevant regulations of the Federal Communications Commission and can only program homemade entertainment programs.

, and then the total calculated benefits will be more?”

In 1970, the Federal Communications Commission of the United States introduced a regulatory requirement for the three major television networks. To use an imprecise vernacular, it can be summarized as saying that the three major television networks cannot use programs that are closely related to their own economic interests.

They are all arranged into "prime time" syndicated programs in order to monopolize this advantageous resource with high ratings.

This situation is somewhat similar to the situation in the Hollywood studio system before Paramount was dismantled by anti-monopoly decades ago. The film company controls the production, distribution and screening of the film at the same time, and can directly arrange the movie schedule in the theater to find the best solution.

Solve mathematical problems optimally to achieve the purpose of maximizing profits, regardless of the audience's feelings.

After the three major television networks in the United States became the dominant players in the industry, the "skills" displayed in simulcast programming during the "prime time" period with the highest ratings can be said to be similar but they are doing similar things.

The Federal Communications Commission of the United States specifically regulates this in order to combat monopoly.

However, this regulatory measure has been so controversial since its introduction that there is still a lot of room for actual implementation.

Because on the surface, it seems that the status of independent TV producers has improved, and the squeeze of the three major TV networks can no longer be unscrupulous. But from another perspective, due to the increasing investment in TV program production, more independent TV production

People are very dependent on financing, and accepting investment and exploitation from the three major TV networks is a way to survive.

Now, Paramount Network has allowed its "prime time" to be one hour less than the "prime time" of the three traditional TV networks, giving people the impression that it lacks confidence, but it can do so without showing off.

Avoid this regulation by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission.

Obviously, a big capital of Paramount's entry into the television network is its mature and powerful program production capabilities. Paramount's "prime time" joint television network broadcasts its "own" programs, which naturally brings more revenue.

Putting it into your own pocket can greatly alleviate the difficulty in generating revenue for Paramount Television Network in the early stages of its operation.

After some more calculations with Garth Ancill and others, Barry Diller couldn't help but reveal a knowing smile on his face, "I'll improve the plan again and I'll show it to Sir Gao. I'm sure he will appreciate it very much."

Everyone’s job.”

However, what surprised Barry Diller was that Gao Xian stretched his hands very far before, but now he has delegated his power again, "It's good. From now on, you can decide on such specific matters."

After Gao Xian drew the road, he really didn't want to care too much, and now his focus has temporarily shifted.

A message came quietly from Mark Ritchie. His most remembered property in the United States, his shares in Twentieth Century Fox Pictures, had better find a buyer as soon as possible and charge as much money as possible.

Gao Xian naturally had an in-depth understanding of Mark Rich's current situation.

The person specifically standing on the front desk to deal with Mark Rich is Rudy Giuliani, the federal prosecutor for the Southern District of New York City, the mayor of New York ten years later in the "old script".

Mark Rich is indeed a brave guy. He is still wandering around in the United States, which must be a sign of unwillingness. His wishful thinking is to first break the bank and avoid disaster, hand over tens of millions of dollars, and fill Rudy...

Giuliani's alleged "tax evasion" excuse to gain a chance.

However, Mark Rich is not prepared to withdraw cash directly from his own pocket. Instead, he wants to withdraw the money from American assets that are at risk of being frozen.

Gao Xian specifically asked Mark Rich, "If you and Marvin Davis acquired Twentieth Century Fox Pictures together, you can't transfer your own shares of Twentieth Century Fox Pictures directly to Marvin Davis.

Davis?"

Mark Rich replied with a wry smile: "Marvin Davis and I have collaborated a lot in recent years, which is quite eye-catching. As long as the matter has not reached the point where it is unsolvable, Marvin Davis wants to

Try to keep a low profile."

Gao Xian is not that easy to fool. He guessed that Marvin Davis is also worried that if he really buys Mark Rich's shares in 20th Century Fox Pictures, if the political climate changes and he loses it, he will be in trouble.

.

Mark Rich stepped forward and finally said the key point, "When Marvin Davis and I acquired 20th Century Fox Pictures, we spent more than 720 million, and the shares were roughly divided in half.

Sir Gao, if you can convert this part of the stock into cash for 100 million US dollars, I will be very satisfied."

"Okay, I'll try to help you find a buyer." Gao Xian agreed very generously. He would not buy this part of the stock directly. In addition to having the same concerns as Marvin Davis, he also because

At this stage, the business performance of 20th Century Fox Pictures is just average.

Since he agreed to Mark Ritchie, Gao Xian must be serious about his work. He even thought of the receiver immediately, but how to contact him is a science.

Finally, Gao Xian asked Patricia Hearst, "Didn't you say that Murdoch wanted to visit Paramount? Is he still in the United States?"

"Here, I'm still thinking about whether to agree to him." Patricia nodded, "Why, do you agree to let him have a glimpse of what's going on at Paramount?"

"So what if you just take a quick look." Gao Xian smiled playfully, "You invite him over, and remember to be more enthusiastic."

Miss Hearst always obeyed Sir Gordon's advice and soon accompanied the Murdochs to Paramount for inspection.

Gao Xian pretended to be busy with matters at Paramount Television and "ran into" Murdoch, and they had a pleasant conversation.

Murdoch said with envy: "Paramount will soon enter the field of television media and become a group with a more comprehensive business scope."

Gao Xian smiled, "I'm not sure about the future of Paramount United Television Network, but it will help leverage Paramount's strong program production capabilities."

Murdoch nodded repeatedly with understanding, "Using program production as the fulcrum to leverage the TV network, this path has great potential."

Gao Xian made the right insinuation and said: "How do I feel that you seem to be studying this field? Could it be that your status as a newspaper tycoon can no longer satisfy your pursuit, and you also want to enter the American television media industry?"

Murdoch laughed heartily, "There's nothing to hide. I've become number one in the newspaper industry. It's time to develop horizontally."

At this point, Murdoch sighed in annoyance, "Unfortunately, the companies here in Hollywood that have enough TV program production capabilities have already been divided up, and their awareness of guarding against outsiders is still very strong."

Sir Gao thought: "I have some information here, do you want to listen to it?"

Murdoch was slightly startled, "Sir Gao, if it's convenient, please speak up."

Gao Xian said slowly: "As far as I know, Mark Ritchie, one of the controllers of Twentieth Century Fox Pictures, intends to sell his shares worth more than 350 million US dollars."

Murdoch looked hesitant, "But I heard that Mark Rich is in big trouble, and his property may be at risk."

"Because of this, there is a great possibility of lowering the price. I listen to Mark Ritchie, it is not difficult to reduce the price by US$100 million, and it may even be cheaper." Gao Xian smiled slightly, "It is true that his property

There are risks, but you also have great energy."

"By the way, after Mark Ritchie quits Twentieth Century Fox Pictures, the other controller, Marvin Davis, will definitely be greatly affected. By then, Twentieth Century Fox Pictures will completely belong to you."

Murdoch was greatly moved when he heard this, "This is indeed a rare opportunity. Does Sir Gao have any more detailed information?"