In fact, if we want to continue, this plan does not have much problem, although it still requires a lot of resources to expand into a wireless TV station, such as more local base stations, more funds are invested, etc.My father, Uncle Anderson and many people will be happy to help, and there are also successful precedents such as FOX TV, a subsidiary of News Corporation.
Claude explained immediately, but the problem is that there are several problems that cannot be ignored in this plan, which are too long, too large investment, and have high risks.We just talked about News Corp. You should know that Murdoch is not having a good time now.
Yes, after Charlie gave me their information, I asked her to sort it out.Adrian nodded.
Although we have advantages, we cannot guarantee that News Corp will not happen, and once we really face their dilemma, we will definitely not support them for longer.
Claude said while drinking coffee, "I believe that with you, there will be no problem with the TV station's ratings. You have proved this, but some things cannot be solved by the ratings alone. Ed, and you always have times when your talent is exhausted, right?"
After he finished speaking, he waited quietly for a while, and after Adrian digested these things, he spoke again: I realized this a few months ago, but there was no good solution, but I know that neither you nor I will give up and retreat. This is the goal we have set long ago and are working for.I finally consulted my father, and then my father asked me, "I clearly have a ready-made one, so why do I have to worry about expanding cable TV stations into wireless TV stations?"That’s right, think about it, if we can successfully acquire it, both influence and voice will be qualitatively improved. As long as you can get ABC out of the loss situation, their TV network plus some of the CNN and TBS in our hands, we will have the strength to compete with CBS in the TV network!
Very beautiful speech.Adrian clapped his hands symbolically and looked at Claude with a smile. If I remember correctly, I should have told you all these before... I made a mistake?
Claude breathed a long sigh, and the expression on his face did not change much: Yes, I made a mistake. I underestimated the operation of TV media, but who did not make any mistakes?And it’s better to make mistakes now than to make mistakes in the future, right?
That's true, but I always remember that you told me that we don't have many advantages.
Adrian looked at his best friend, with a little banter and annoyance in his eyes, young, lacking grades, etc.
I won't forget what I said, but these can be solved now.
Claude immediately laughed, have you read the latest report?Then you should know the ratings of "Millionaire"?
Adrian immediately raised his eyebrows. Although he used less energy on TV than movies, he also knew that if he wanted to choose the most popular TV entertainment program in September, then "Millionaire" that started three weeks ago was the one that started.
The winner can get a bonus of 1 million with enough gimmicks; the participants in the compact atmosphere must break through by answering various questions from simple to difficult, and can also use many methods such as asking for help from the audience to reduce the difficulty; people-friendly measures can be signed up to participate.
All of these made "Millionaire" very popular, and it received 86 views in the first week of its launch, which means that there are about 18 million people watching it.
This is an amazing achievement for cable TV stations. Although some newspapers criticized the show for being sensational, they could not stop the advertisers and the increased user base.
...The ratings rose to 92 in two weeks, with nearly 20 million viewers, and may not continue to rise, but it should not be a problem to maintain until the end of this season.
Adrian recalled it carefully and said slowly that this is the benefit of never forgetting it.
Speaking of this, he just mentioned "Buffy the Vampire Slayer". He knew that Claude would definitely ask: "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" was launched at the same time, and so far it has a maximum of 25, which is in line with the previous estimate of more than 4 million viewers.
If it were broadcast on a wireless TV station, what would the ratings be?Claude asked another question with a smile.
Adrian narrowed his eyes slightly, and he guessed the other party's meaning: "Buffy Vampire Slayer" will not increase too much, after all, the audience is relatively narrow.However, "Millionaire" is conservatively estimated to be at least doubled!
This is one of our bargaining chips.
Claude spread his hands and put them in two years ago. We did not achieve the results of the results, but now it is different. The senior executives of ABC must understand what such a program means to them.With you here, I can tell them that we still have many such shows and TV series, and they will definitely consider them seriously.
This is the case, although the ratings of "Millionaire", "Friends", and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" are only more than 4 million viewers, it is still quite tempting for ABC, who has not played any good TV series for a long time. What's more, they still have CNN now, and ABC will not know what these combinations mean in ideal state.
So you waited for two months before telling me, right?Adrian asked, rubbing his chin.
Yes, I want to confirm the ratings of Millionaire and Buffy the Vampire Hunter.
Claude said frankly that he wanted to see what happened on TNT, but if he wanted to do it, it was the best time, and the ratings of "Millionaire" and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" were already convincing enough.
Moreover, if TNT continues to succeed during negotiations, it can further increase persuasion, right?
Adrian has to admit that Cloud is really flawless in his work.
Regarding TNT's transformation towards HBO, because he is willing to spend money, Adrian told Bothworth to prepare for the TV series that was prepared for them, which was the "Sex and the City" that brought HBO to a level in the 1990s.
The competition for TV series in the United States is very fierce. Almost all those that can be filmed in 6 or 7 seasons are high-quality works, especially when entering the 21st century, the pace of life has further accelerated. Fortunately, "Friends" was filmed in the early 1990s, otherwise it is hard to say whether such a sitcom could be filmed in 10 seasons.
The production of "Sex and the City" is easy and easy, because the essence of this movie lies in fashion and unscrupulous topics between women, such as the various outfits that are bright and beautiful, or the public discussion of men's size and ability on TV, etc.
Simply put, this is a TV series that promotes feminism, and the audience is also a vast number of women and men who are curious about women's psychology.
Adrian contacted Candice Buschner early on. At this time, "Sex and the City" had not yet been compiled into a book and was published in her column.
With the promise of publishing, the other party happily sold the adaptation rights to him and agreed to serve as the adaptation guide of the script.
As for actors, as long as they know fashion and dress up and know how to show these in front of the camera, they don’t have to be Sarah Jessica Parker.
This is why it is easy to make, and the difficult part is that this is the first time that TNT has made a TV series by itself. Although Adrian arranged some personnel to help and contacted a lot of teams, they are not as experienced as HBO after all.
Of course, this can also be seen as a test. Adrian provides TNT with various conveniences and resources as much as possible. If this is still made in a mess, then he has to turn to working with HBO in the future.
Yes, when we are negotiating, even the reorganized TNT can achieve results, ABC will naturally become more and more tempted.
Claude nodded, seeing that the coffee was gone, and then poured himself another cup.
OK, then the second question is the funding issue.Adrian changed his seat.
Because of the proper strategy of acquiring TBS, we only spent 5.5 billion, so after careful calculation, there is still about 10 billion in funds to be used.Claude replied with a smile.
This is impossible.Adrian showed a look of surprise, don't tell you that there was no money spent when buying those newspapers.
Of course it was spent, but we are also making money.
Claude shrugged, Don’t forget, we have foreign trade companies in Russia, the Clinton administration also forces the yen to continue to appreciate, and the Mexican peso crisis this year...
Wait, are you talking about Mexican peso?Adrian looked even more surprised, I remember we talked about this, you were objecting to it at that time.
That's right, but what I object to is too much investment. It's okay to go in as a hot money and make a few money and leave.
Claude smiled very cunningly, and he had to admit that Soros was a very powerful guy and could still command operations in that situation.
So, what about the pound in '92?Adrian asked immediately, looking at him without blinking.
A little bit, the profits obtained are less than pesos.Claude spread his hands without hiding them at all.
You guy... Adrian couldn't help laughing, pointed at him and sighed.
Well, even so, it's still not enough. I remember what you expected to cost nearly $20 billion.
He then said leisurely, even if we have achieved results that can be achieved, can we be worth 10 billion?
No, but 5 billion is still fine.Claude immediately gave an answer.
real?
Don't underestimate yourself, Ed, remember Carl Reiner, Viacom's vice chairman, he thinks you are worth much more than what you show up, I think this is Redstone's opinion.My father also said that your potential is immeasurable.
It sounds like they plan to get me to the National Academy of Sciences for slice research.
Adrian said seriously, and then continued after Claude laughed: Well, even so, we still lack 5 billion, you plan to...
We can raise funds.Claude's answer was already ready, but Adrian did not show a look of surprise. He obviously expected that it would be the answer.
Whether it's my father or your Uncle Anderson, they'll be happy.Claude whispered.
Of course, this is a matter of time sooner or later.Adrian sighed.
Everyone knows that if you want to succeed, sharing and win-win are the best ways to do it. Many people have achieved their careers with the funds and various conveniences provided by various groups or consortiums.
But from another perspective, isn’t this an opportunity for those big groups to reach their tentacles into various industries?
They entered the board of directors quietly and observed everything silently.
When you can make money, they will not have any abnormal movement; but when you cannot bring profits, they will start to interfere in various matters and make your company their pocket.
If you are dissatisfied with fighting and trying to regain your power, they will let you get out without hesitation. The reason why Jobs was swept out by Apple is certainly related to his personal arrogance, but this factor is not lacking.
Media, especially television stations, are very important things for a country, otherwise the United States would not have laws such as non-U.S. citizens are not allowed to acquire American television stations.
Secondly, it has been said before that the upper class in the United States has half-willed and half-strike against Jews, but the upper class has mostly controlled traditional paper media, and Jews have a great influence in emerging media such as movies and TV. Hollywood has been called the Jews for more than a day or two.
Thinking about Adrian's uncle and the circle he is in, AC Media may be one of the breakthroughs. If Adrian and Claude do a good job, it is certain that higher-level people will reach in.
Adrian did not object. This is a rule, an irreversible rule. Almost every company is like this without exception, but he needs to talk about the right thing now, because only he knows what the future will be like. Even if he wants to share, he will have to wait until at least 2,000 years later.
The original plan was to slowly participate in the funds with a limited amount of funds through the godfather and uncle by continuously expanding TBS, but if you want to acquire ABC now, as the large amount of funds enter...
what's on your mind?Seeing that Adrian hadn't spoken for a long time, Claude couldn't help asking.
nothing.
Adrian clenched his fists. All you said are ideal situations. Don't forget, we have to face Disney competition. They have been negotiating for a while. You should also understand what Eisner is. We have taken Miramax from them before.
I know your worries, but I am not 50% sure, I won't tell you this, Ed.
Claude smiled. Dinis does have advantages that we do not have, such as wealthy, rich resources, and long-term qualifications; but we have the experience of success in our advantages, but they do not have one, right?
What if it fails?Adrian asked this, his brows frowned slightly.
Then we will continue our previous plan, at most it may take a little longer. News Group took ten years, but it won’t take that long.
Claude shrugged, then looked at Adrian and laughed: I know what you are worried about, Ed, don't forget where the funds come from.
Yes I know.Adrian did not deny it, but it was not just the godfather and my uncle, right?
It's better than letting people who don't know anything about it come in?
Claude made a gesture, Besides, this acquisition negotiation will take a long time, and the financing matters can be discussed slowly. Perhaps the amount of financing needs to be reduced over time. You should know that Yahoo’s click-through rate has exceeded 1 million.
Adrian raised his eyebrows unexpectedly. He didn't expect that Claude had been paying attention to the development of Yahoo.
Back in February, he emailed Jerry Young and David Ferro, which Yahoo appeared on the Internet two months in advance, and because of him, their website was originally called Yahoo.
In this way, the website is developing very quickly. In addition, Adrian prompts it from time to time via email. After a few months, Yahoo's click-through rate reached a height that should have been at the end of the year.
According to reliable information, the two people who founded the website have begun to ambitiously prepare to set up a company, and Adrian is also ready to start. With his identity as a Stanford alumnus, it is easy to inject capital into it.
If there is no problem in the middle, Yahoo will be ready to go public at the end of the year, and AC Media will have more room for maneuver.
However, Adrian was able to make this judgment because he could see the future of Yahoo, while Claude made it entirely based on his own eyes, and he raised it before he thought of it. It was really outstanding!
Adrian tapped his fingers back and forth on his desk. Do you want to acquire ABC?
Of course, not only will your own company improve qualitatively, but the time spent on TV media has been greatly shortened, but...
Well, there is nothing perfect in the world. The key is whether ABC is worth his bet.
Basically, it is worth gamble if you have a 50% chance, and...
If it can be delayed until the end of next year, Cisco and Microsoft, which have begun to make efforts, will give him more room for maneuver, and Uncle Regatt manages his fund very well.
In addition, he has the relationship between the godfather and uncle and the ability of Claude, and even if he raises 5 billion yuan, he will not be able to divide the critical value. There is no need to worry too much about the company's control. What's more, he can sign an agreement. To put it bluntly, it is still a profit issue. As long as he can make continuous profits, even if he only has a few percent of the shares in his hand, he can still maintain control of the company.
Then that's it!Adrian closed his eyes and took a deep breath, then looked at Cloud seriously: Then, take ABC off!
Claude explained immediately, but the problem is that there are several problems that cannot be ignored in this plan, which are too long, too large investment, and have high risks.We just talked about News Corp. You should know that Murdoch is not having a good time now.
Yes, after Charlie gave me their information, I asked her to sort it out.Adrian nodded.
Although we have advantages, we cannot guarantee that News Corp will not happen, and once we really face their dilemma, we will definitely not support them for longer.
Claude said while drinking coffee, "I believe that with you, there will be no problem with the TV station's ratings. You have proved this, but some things cannot be solved by the ratings alone. Ed, and you always have times when your talent is exhausted, right?"
After he finished speaking, he waited quietly for a while, and after Adrian digested these things, he spoke again: I realized this a few months ago, but there was no good solution, but I know that neither you nor I will give up and retreat. This is the goal we have set long ago and are working for.I finally consulted my father, and then my father asked me, "I clearly have a ready-made one, so why do I have to worry about expanding cable TV stations into wireless TV stations?"That’s right, think about it, if we can successfully acquire it, both influence and voice will be qualitatively improved. As long as you can get ABC out of the loss situation, their TV network plus some of the CNN and TBS in our hands, we will have the strength to compete with CBS in the TV network!
Very beautiful speech.Adrian clapped his hands symbolically and looked at Claude with a smile. If I remember correctly, I should have told you all these before... I made a mistake?
Claude breathed a long sigh, and the expression on his face did not change much: Yes, I made a mistake. I underestimated the operation of TV media, but who did not make any mistakes?And it’s better to make mistakes now than to make mistakes in the future, right?
That's true, but I always remember that you told me that we don't have many advantages.
Adrian looked at his best friend, with a little banter and annoyance in his eyes, young, lacking grades, etc.
I won't forget what I said, but these can be solved now.
Claude immediately laughed, have you read the latest report?Then you should know the ratings of "Millionaire"?
Adrian immediately raised his eyebrows. Although he used less energy on TV than movies, he also knew that if he wanted to choose the most popular TV entertainment program in September, then "Millionaire" that started three weeks ago was the one that started.
The winner can get a bonus of 1 million with enough gimmicks; the participants in the compact atmosphere must break through by answering various questions from simple to difficult, and can also use many methods such as asking for help from the audience to reduce the difficulty; people-friendly measures can be signed up to participate.
All of these made "Millionaire" very popular, and it received 86 views in the first week of its launch, which means that there are about 18 million people watching it.
This is an amazing achievement for cable TV stations. Although some newspapers criticized the show for being sensational, they could not stop the advertisers and the increased user base.
...The ratings rose to 92 in two weeks, with nearly 20 million viewers, and may not continue to rise, but it should not be a problem to maintain until the end of this season.
Adrian recalled it carefully and said slowly that this is the benefit of never forgetting it.
Speaking of this, he just mentioned "Buffy the Vampire Slayer". He knew that Claude would definitely ask: "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" was launched at the same time, and so far it has a maximum of 25, which is in line with the previous estimate of more than 4 million viewers.
If it were broadcast on a wireless TV station, what would the ratings be?Claude asked another question with a smile.
Adrian narrowed his eyes slightly, and he guessed the other party's meaning: "Buffy Vampire Slayer" will not increase too much, after all, the audience is relatively narrow.However, "Millionaire" is conservatively estimated to be at least doubled!
This is one of our bargaining chips.
Claude spread his hands and put them in two years ago. We did not achieve the results of the results, but now it is different. The senior executives of ABC must understand what such a program means to them.With you here, I can tell them that we still have many such shows and TV series, and they will definitely consider them seriously.
This is the case, although the ratings of "Millionaire", "Friends", and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" are only more than 4 million viewers, it is still quite tempting for ABC, who has not played any good TV series for a long time. What's more, they still have CNN now, and ABC will not know what these combinations mean in ideal state.
So you waited for two months before telling me, right?Adrian asked, rubbing his chin.
Yes, I want to confirm the ratings of Millionaire and Buffy the Vampire Hunter.
Claude said frankly that he wanted to see what happened on TNT, but if he wanted to do it, it was the best time, and the ratings of "Millionaire" and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" were already convincing enough.
Moreover, if TNT continues to succeed during negotiations, it can further increase persuasion, right?
Adrian has to admit that Cloud is really flawless in his work.
Regarding TNT's transformation towards HBO, because he is willing to spend money, Adrian told Bothworth to prepare for the TV series that was prepared for them, which was the "Sex and the City" that brought HBO to a level in the 1990s.
The competition for TV series in the United States is very fierce. Almost all those that can be filmed in 6 or 7 seasons are high-quality works, especially when entering the 21st century, the pace of life has further accelerated. Fortunately, "Friends" was filmed in the early 1990s, otherwise it is hard to say whether such a sitcom could be filmed in 10 seasons.
The production of "Sex and the City" is easy and easy, because the essence of this movie lies in fashion and unscrupulous topics between women, such as the various outfits that are bright and beautiful, or the public discussion of men's size and ability on TV, etc.
Simply put, this is a TV series that promotes feminism, and the audience is also a vast number of women and men who are curious about women's psychology.
Adrian contacted Candice Buschner early on. At this time, "Sex and the City" had not yet been compiled into a book and was published in her column.
With the promise of publishing, the other party happily sold the adaptation rights to him and agreed to serve as the adaptation guide of the script.
As for actors, as long as they know fashion and dress up and know how to show these in front of the camera, they don’t have to be Sarah Jessica Parker.
This is why it is easy to make, and the difficult part is that this is the first time that TNT has made a TV series by itself. Although Adrian arranged some personnel to help and contacted a lot of teams, they are not as experienced as HBO after all.
Of course, this can also be seen as a test. Adrian provides TNT with various conveniences and resources as much as possible. If this is still made in a mess, then he has to turn to working with HBO in the future.
Yes, when we are negotiating, even the reorganized TNT can achieve results, ABC will naturally become more and more tempted.
Claude nodded, seeing that the coffee was gone, and then poured himself another cup.
OK, then the second question is the funding issue.Adrian changed his seat.
Because of the proper strategy of acquiring TBS, we only spent 5.5 billion, so after careful calculation, there is still about 10 billion in funds to be used.Claude replied with a smile.
This is impossible.Adrian showed a look of surprise, don't tell you that there was no money spent when buying those newspapers.
Of course it was spent, but we are also making money.
Claude shrugged, Don’t forget, we have foreign trade companies in Russia, the Clinton administration also forces the yen to continue to appreciate, and the Mexican peso crisis this year...
Wait, are you talking about Mexican peso?Adrian looked even more surprised, I remember we talked about this, you were objecting to it at that time.
That's right, but what I object to is too much investment. It's okay to go in as a hot money and make a few money and leave.
Claude smiled very cunningly, and he had to admit that Soros was a very powerful guy and could still command operations in that situation.
So, what about the pound in '92?Adrian asked immediately, looking at him without blinking.
A little bit, the profits obtained are less than pesos.Claude spread his hands without hiding them at all.
You guy... Adrian couldn't help laughing, pointed at him and sighed.
Well, even so, it's still not enough. I remember what you expected to cost nearly $20 billion.
He then said leisurely, even if we have achieved results that can be achieved, can we be worth 10 billion?
No, but 5 billion is still fine.Claude immediately gave an answer.
real?
Don't underestimate yourself, Ed, remember Carl Reiner, Viacom's vice chairman, he thinks you are worth much more than what you show up, I think this is Redstone's opinion.My father also said that your potential is immeasurable.
It sounds like they plan to get me to the National Academy of Sciences for slice research.
Adrian said seriously, and then continued after Claude laughed: Well, even so, we still lack 5 billion, you plan to...
We can raise funds.Claude's answer was already ready, but Adrian did not show a look of surprise. He obviously expected that it would be the answer.
Whether it's my father or your Uncle Anderson, they'll be happy.Claude whispered.
Of course, this is a matter of time sooner or later.Adrian sighed.
Everyone knows that if you want to succeed, sharing and win-win are the best ways to do it. Many people have achieved their careers with the funds and various conveniences provided by various groups or consortiums.
But from another perspective, isn’t this an opportunity for those big groups to reach their tentacles into various industries?
They entered the board of directors quietly and observed everything silently.
When you can make money, they will not have any abnormal movement; but when you cannot bring profits, they will start to interfere in various matters and make your company their pocket.
If you are dissatisfied with fighting and trying to regain your power, they will let you get out without hesitation. The reason why Jobs was swept out by Apple is certainly related to his personal arrogance, but this factor is not lacking.
Media, especially television stations, are very important things for a country, otherwise the United States would not have laws such as non-U.S. citizens are not allowed to acquire American television stations.
Secondly, it has been said before that the upper class in the United States has half-willed and half-strike against Jews, but the upper class has mostly controlled traditional paper media, and Jews have a great influence in emerging media such as movies and TV. Hollywood has been called the Jews for more than a day or two.
Thinking about Adrian's uncle and the circle he is in, AC Media may be one of the breakthroughs. If Adrian and Claude do a good job, it is certain that higher-level people will reach in.
Adrian did not object. This is a rule, an irreversible rule. Almost every company is like this without exception, but he needs to talk about the right thing now, because only he knows what the future will be like. Even if he wants to share, he will have to wait until at least 2,000 years later.
The original plan was to slowly participate in the funds with a limited amount of funds through the godfather and uncle by continuously expanding TBS, but if you want to acquire ABC now, as the large amount of funds enter...
what's on your mind?Seeing that Adrian hadn't spoken for a long time, Claude couldn't help asking.
nothing.
Adrian clenched his fists. All you said are ideal situations. Don't forget, we have to face Disney competition. They have been negotiating for a while. You should also understand what Eisner is. We have taken Miramax from them before.
I know your worries, but I am not 50% sure, I won't tell you this, Ed.
Claude smiled. Dinis does have advantages that we do not have, such as wealthy, rich resources, and long-term qualifications; but we have the experience of success in our advantages, but they do not have one, right?
What if it fails?Adrian asked this, his brows frowned slightly.
Then we will continue our previous plan, at most it may take a little longer. News Group took ten years, but it won’t take that long.
Claude shrugged, then looked at Adrian and laughed: I know what you are worried about, Ed, don't forget where the funds come from.
Yes I know.Adrian did not deny it, but it was not just the godfather and my uncle, right?
It's better than letting people who don't know anything about it come in?
Claude made a gesture, Besides, this acquisition negotiation will take a long time, and the financing matters can be discussed slowly. Perhaps the amount of financing needs to be reduced over time. You should know that Yahoo’s click-through rate has exceeded 1 million.
Adrian raised his eyebrows unexpectedly. He didn't expect that Claude had been paying attention to the development of Yahoo.
Back in February, he emailed Jerry Young and David Ferro, which Yahoo appeared on the Internet two months in advance, and because of him, their website was originally called Yahoo.
In this way, the website is developing very quickly. In addition, Adrian prompts it from time to time via email. After a few months, Yahoo's click-through rate reached a height that should have been at the end of the year.
According to reliable information, the two people who founded the website have begun to ambitiously prepare to set up a company, and Adrian is also ready to start. With his identity as a Stanford alumnus, it is easy to inject capital into it.
If there is no problem in the middle, Yahoo will be ready to go public at the end of the year, and AC Media will have more room for maneuver.
However, Adrian was able to make this judgment because he could see the future of Yahoo, while Claude made it entirely based on his own eyes, and he raised it before he thought of it. It was really outstanding!
Adrian tapped his fingers back and forth on his desk. Do you want to acquire ABC?
Of course, not only will your own company improve qualitatively, but the time spent on TV media has been greatly shortened, but...
Well, there is nothing perfect in the world. The key is whether ABC is worth his bet.
Basically, it is worth gamble if you have a 50% chance, and...
If it can be delayed until the end of next year, Cisco and Microsoft, which have begun to make efforts, will give him more room for maneuver, and Uncle Regatt manages his fund very well.
In addition, he has the relationship between the godfather and uncle and the ability of Claude, and even if he raises 5 billion yuan, he will not be able to divide the critical value. There is no need to worry too much about the company's control. What's more, he can sign an agreement. To put it bluntly, it is still a profit issue. As long as he can make continuous profits, even if he only has a few percent of the shares in his hand, he can still maintain control of the company.
Then that's it!Adrian closed his eyes and took a deep breath, then looked at Cloud seriously: Then, take ABC off!