The Tyrant Billionaire

The next day.

HD Films.

In the casting room, Hardy sat in the middle, with Director Nolan and Hedy on either side. Gene Kelly walked in, nodding to the three.

Nolan had Gene Kelly perform a segment. Kelly, with his stage acting background, had deep acting skills, but Hardy felt his performance was a bit forced.

Maybe this was a common issue with stage actors.

Reagan walked into the casting room. At 36, Reagan stood 185 cm tall, looking handsome and steady. He would grow even more handsome with age, and many considered him the most handsome president ever.

Seeing the people behind the table, Reagan nodded and greeted, "Good morning, Mr. Hardy, Director Nolan, Miss Lamarr."

Hardy was surprised Reagan recognized him.

"You know me?" Hardy asked.

Reagan smiled, "Mr. Hardy is an outstanding young man, a celebrity in Hollywood. I saw your photo on the cover of "Fortune magazine."

Hardy nodded and looked at Nolan.

Nolan understood and asked Reagan to act.

Reagan glanced at the script on the table but didn't pick it up.

Instead, he smiled and said, "Sorry, Director Nolan, I didn't receive the script and can't prepare in advance."

Nolan glanced at Hedy, who also shook her head. She only informed them of the audition time and didn't give them the script.

"I have a segment here. It's not from "Ghost," but it's enough to see the actor's performance," Nolan said.

Reagan nodded and began to read the script. After reading it once, he stood in front of the three, starting his performance.

The performance lasted about ten minutes.

During this period, Reagan's acting was very natural, without exaggerated expressions. The language, actions, and expressions perfectly blended with the character.

Reagan finished and stood quietly in front of the three, waiting for their evaluation.

Hardy saw Nolan looking slightly excited and knew what he thought.

"How do you feel?" Hardy asked Reagan.

Reagan smiled, "I think this story is very good. If I get this role, I'll do my best to present the best performance."

Hardy nodded.

Hedy Lamarr glanced at Hardy. She preferred Gene Kelly.

But Hardy had the final say.

Hardy looked at Nolan.

Nolan also looked at Hardy, the excitement in his eyes needing no words.

"Mr. Reagan, congratulations. You got the role," Hardy said.

Reagan's face lit up with joy.

He never expected to get the role so easily. He knew that if he performed well, his acting career would soar.

Reagan firmly shook Hardy's hand, "Thank you, Mr. Hardy. I'll do my best to present the best performance."

Hardy smiled and nodded.

This was truly interesting.

Although it is not the same world, it is not certain whether Reagan will be the governor and president in the future, but Hardy still chooses to invest.

Hardy left the following selection of supporting actors to Nolan and Hedy

...

In the afternoon

Hardy invited Elena, and Irina to his office in the film company. While drinking coffee, Hardy asked Irina, "Irina, you're studying broadcasting at USC, right? Do you know any talented people in television?"

"Our communications school has TV broadcasting courses, and many graduates work in the field. Why are you interested in TV broadcasting talent?" Irina asked curiously.

"I'm planning to start a broadcasting company. The recent advertising for the Las Vegas casino cost tens of thousands of dollars. Having our own TV station could save on advertising costs and allow us to air our programs. I believe broadcasting has more potential than film in the future."

Irina thought for a moment, "Starting a broadcasting company isn't difficult, but it would only cover one city. Major companies like CBS and NBC have hundreds of affiliated stations to cover the entire country."

"If you want to start a city wide TV station, that's manageable. But a nationwide network would be challenging, requiring signing agreements with stations across cities or building your own, which is a massive undertaking."

Leasing channels? Hardy considered this but felt uneasy about being dependent on others, who could raise prices or cut him off at any time.

Irina then mentioned, "Boss, there is a quicker way to establish a national network."

"Oh? What's that?" Hardy was intrigued.

"My professor talked about the antitrust case involving the National Broadcasting Company and the splitting of the Red and Blue Networks."

"The National Broadcasting Company originally had two networks, the Red and Blue Networks. In 1941, the FCC ruled they were monopolizing and required them to split. In 1943, the Blue Network was sold to a candy businessman named Edward Noble."

The name ABC clicked for Hardy. He knew it was one of the three major American broadcasting companies, alongside CBS and NBC.

"My professor used this case to illustrate monopolies, but Edward Noble is peculiar. He bought ABC but hasn't produced any significant TV programs in four years."

Noble acquired an empty shell after NBC pulled out core personnel, leaving only equipment and network coverage. As a non media person, Noble lacked resources and produced few programs, often reading newspapers on camera or rerunning old movies due to a lack of content.

The more Hardy heard, the more excited he became. If Noble was just maintaining ABC to sell it at a high price, this could be Hardy's opportunity.

"Irina, could you help me with something?"

"Sure, boss. What do you need?"

"Can you get me a list of professors, teachers, and graduates from your communication school?"

"Why do you need it?" Irina asked, puzzled.

"I plan to buy ABC and will need to hire many broadcasting professionals. Didn't you say USC's communication school is one of the best?"

Irina's eyes widened in surprise. "Boss, you're seriously considering buying ABC just based on my story? That network won't come cheap. Noble bought it for $8 million, and it's likely worth more now."

Hardy nodded, "I know. It might cost over $10 million. Help me get the list. I need to check out ABC and Noble's situation."

Hardy left, giving Elena a hug and then embracing Irina. "Thanks for the valuable information. There'll be a reward if this succeeds."

Irina blushed slightly, unused to Hardy's gesture, though it was polite.

Hardy went to HD Security and instructed Henry, "Henry, investigate ABC Broadcasting and its owner, Edward Noble. I need detailed information."

"Sure thing, boss."

Hardy then found Andy. Knowing that acquiring ABC would be challenging and expensive, he needed to assess his finances.

"Andy, I want to buy ABC. Calculate how much money I can raise."