Hollywood starts with an agent

Chapter 694 Wanting a Monopoly?

On Halloween Eve, the horror film "Final Destination," produced by Dawn Twilight, was released, competing with other horror films of various kinds.

With the previous success of "Scary Movie" and the release of its sequel "Scream 3," Twilight Studios didn't have high expectations for this low-budget horror film.

The family comedy "Meet the Parents," which premiered at Universal earlier this month, has already surpassed $1 million at the box office and is sure to be a blockbuster!
Meanwhile, following the conclusion of the three televised debates between Albert Gore and George W. Bush, The New York Times published an article stating, "Although polls show the two candidates neck and neck, there are already signs that Albert Gore's election prospects are flashing red."

"Because in some areas of the southern United States, there have been instances of Democratic voters switching sides to support George W. Bush. For example, in Arkansas, Clinton's home state, and Tennessee, Albert Gore's home state, 44% of voters said they would vote for George W. Bush."

"At the same time, in the Midwest, where liberal voters are concentrated, more and more voters are deciding to support George W. Bush."

Just when the Republicans thought things were getting better and better, with only 5 days left until Election Day on November 5, a detailed report was released about George W. Bush's alleged drunk driving arrest in 1976.
Republicans immediately accused the Democrats of orchestrating the campaign, and some Democratic politicians even admitted to tipping off the media.

America's "October surprise" never disappoints!
That night, on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, at the Trump International Hotel, Aaron and Rupert Murdoch met at a charity ball.

"Aaron, did you know that George W. Bush had a history of being arrested for drunk driving?"

Rupert Murdoch inquired.

Aaron shrugged. "I only saw some tabloid articles saying he was suspected of being a drinker. I never imagined they would have such detailed information about him."

After all, more than twenty years have passed. When Aaron talked about it with George W. Bush before, he didn't pay any attention to these things.

With that, Aaron waved his hand, "Never mind, the election is in a few days anyway. Even George W. Bush admitted to having a drinking problem when he was younger."

"If someone admits their mistake and is willing to correct it, there shouldn't be a big problem, right?"

Rupert Murdoch shrugged. "After the news broke today, we stepped up our public relations efforts. There will definitely be an impact!"

Moreover, the Democrats themselves openly admitted to tipping off the media.

"What's wrong, Aaron? Don't you like it here?"

Rupert Murdoch asked with a smile.

“The political atmosphere is too strong,” Aaron shook his head slightly. “And then there’s that real estate businessman named Donald, jumping around like a clown!”

Rupert Murdoch, however, didn't seem to care. "Anyone who becomes a big businessman will inevitably be shrewd; this hotel is his."

"Besides, you also own a hotel group, and aren't you preparing to open a new hotel in Manhattan?"

Rupert Murdoch and Aaron Anderson both knew the reason: the other party wanted to build good relationships, whether with big figures in politics or business.
Aaron Anderson and Rupert Murdoch are now part of America's top circles, far beyond what Donald Trump can compare to!

"Never mind, I'll go have a smoke over there." Aaron strode away, dressed in a well-tailored black suit, his tall and straight figure radiating youthful energy from head to toe!
A moment later, Fox News President Roger Ailes walked over. "Mr. Murdoch, you seem to value Aaron Anderson quite a bit?"

Rupert Murdoch shrugged. "Roger, given Aaron Anderson's status and position, shouldn't we take him seriously?"

"He achieved such great things in just ten years. I really don't know how to deal with someone who has been kissed by God?"

Roger Ayers glanced in the direction Aaron Anderson had left, frowned, and said, "Dawn is unmatched in the film and television production industry."

"Just having content isn't enough to run a television station. Aaron Anderson might not be able to make CBS a success!"

The success of Universal Pictures speaks for itself, but Roger Ailes is still quite confident in the television industry.

“Ha, I hope so too,” Rupert Murdoch said with a hint of resignation. “You know how successful CBS’s show ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,’ which premiered last year, was.”

"The summer hit 'Survivor' also became a sensation, proving CBS's dominance in variety programming."

"Currently, CBS is preparing another large-scale talent show—American Idol, which will air next year."

Roger Ailes also sighed, "This year, Dawn Universal has produced several blockbuster films: Scary Movie and Erin Brockovich in the spring, Spider-Man, The Mummy Returns, Gladiator, and Scream 3 in the summer, and The Lies Behind and Meet the Parents in the fall—all of which have done quite well at the box office!"

Rupert Murdoch nodded. "Next month, Universal will release *How the Grinch Stole Christmas*, starring Jim Carrey, and at the end of the year, we have *Cast Away*, starring Robert Zemeckis and Tom Hanks, coming out."

"The revenue from movies alone each year from Dawn is enough to drive anyone crazy. How can we not take such a competitor seriously?"

Roger Ayers sighed. "Now, our only option is to work on the television network and try to make our FOX surpass CBS!"

"By the way, how are your negotiations with General Motors going? Is it really impossible for us to continue with the DirecTV acquisition?"

Rupert Murdoch looked at Roger Ayers and changed the subject. Now that Dawn has withdrawn from the competition, they have one less important rival!

Roger Ayers shook his head. "General Motors' offer is far too high. As a major satellite TV operator, DirecTV seems more willing to merge with Echostar Communications."

EchoStar Communications and DirecTV are both satellite TV operators. After their merger, their complementary resources will allow them to become the absolute leader in satellite TV and compete head-on with cable TV operators for customers!

Rupert Murdoch smirked, "DirecTV wants to be merged with Echostar?"

He then thought to himself, "Heh, these are two major satellite TV operators. Are they trying to create a monopoly?"

Perhaps, in the future, we should join forces with Aaron Anderson to put pressure on the Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Trade Commission in the United States;
If Echostar really merges with DirecTV, News Corp. and Dawn will have no chance!

(End of this chapter)