The Tyrant Billionaire

The next day, Andy and Noble finally reached an agreement. They acquired ABC Broadcasting Company for 12 million dollars, obtaining all the assets of the original radio company, including the headquarters in Hollywood, Los Angeles, and New York.

Most importantly, they secured the cable network that covered the entire United States and the network agreements with 116 television stations. With these cables and agreements, ABC could transmit its programs to these stations, which would broadcast the signals locally, achieving nationwide coverage.

Hardy had to pay 12 million in cash: an initial payment of 5 million, 4 million after six months, and the final 3 million six months later.

On the same day, the Paramount negotiation team, who had been locked in an abandoned factory for three days, finally saw an opportunity. That day, after being fed, their mouths were left unbound. One of them found his ropes loosened and used his teeth to untie them.

After freeing themselves, they noticed the robbers playing cards in the distant hall, not paying attention to them. They quietly sneaked out along the wall and escaped to safety. When they reached the city, seeing the traffic and people, they were so overwhelmed with emotion that they cried. It meant they were truly safe.

"Sob, sob, call the boss and ask him to send someone to take us home," the vice president choked out.

The past few days had been too painful. He never wanted to experience it again.

In a cafe in Los Angeles, Hardy was chatting with Professor William Fox, with the French girl Irina sitting beside him, smiling as she listened.

"Professor Fox, you are an expert in broadcasting and have worked in television. How would you run ABC Broadcasting Company if you were in charge?" Hardy asked.

Professor Fox smiled, "The essence of media is the power of public opinion, and a broadcasting company has this power. A television station must have news programs."

"We can also start a current affairs program with two to three hosts discussing social topics and inviting public figures and university professors as guests. This will create more engagement. We need advertising, and ad revenue depends on viewership, so we must create programs that people love.

Television is about entertainment, so the station must focus on this to attract viewers and generate revenue."

"Currently, most television programs last only about five hours, mainly from 6 PM to 11 PM, known as prime time, when people are most likely to be at home. Daytime programming is almost non existent, but I believe there is an audience during the day, like housewives who stay at home. They could be a targeted audience."

Why only five hours? The main reason is that producing programs is expensive. No matter what you produce, it costs money, and current advertising can't guarantee enough revenue. So other stations broadcast their best programs during prime time.

William Fox on the other hand saw the value of non prime time, especially housewives. For someone from the forties, his insight and ideas were remarkable.

Housewives had a lot of free time, often staying home all day. Providing them with continuous programs would surely make them loyal viewers. Moreover, women were the primary consumers in the household. Most family expenses were controlled by women. Capturing their attention meant capturing the family's wallet.

The two talked deeper, discussing how to structure the company and ensure smooth operation.

Irina watched them chat. She wasn't surprised by Professor Fox's insights into broadcasting since he was a professional. She was amazed that Hardy seemed to know just as much. She carefully observed him, feeling he understood everything, explaining his rapid success in various ventures.

"Professor Fox, would you be interested in becoming the president of ABC?" Hardy extended an invitation, reaching out his hand.

Professor Fox had expected this, smiling as he shook Hardy's hand, "I'd be honored. Managing a national broadcasting company has always been my dream. Now I finally have the chance."

"ABC is just an empty shell now. Once you become president, you'll need to fill it."

"That's even better. During my years teaching, I've been thinking about creating the best broadcasting structure. Now I finally have the chance to try it," Professor Fox said happily.

Andy returned, holding a preliminary agreement. The formal contract required payment and signatures, with Hardy's personal signature.

Hardy reviewed the agreement and instructed Andy to arrange a loan with Wells Fargo.

Wells Fargo, a strategic partner of HD Company, readily agreed to lend Hardy 10 million, using the valuable Playboy magazine as collateral.

With the funds secured, Hardy personally led a team to Springfield, including Andy's team, President Fox, and the secretary, Irina.

Both parties signed the formal agreement at the Springfield Hotel, and Hardy finally acquired the coveted ABC Radio Company.

Hardy decided not to change the name, as ABC (American Broadcasting Corporation) was catchy and memorable.

Returning to Los Angeles, Hardy instructed President Fox to take over the television stations and manage the broadcasting company.

The next day, the telephone company conducted a maintenance visit to Noble's house and the candy company, discreetly removing the eavesdropping devices from their phones.

Cleaning up after operations is a crucial skill for a security team.

Fox began assembling a team and organizing the broadcasting company, which would take a month or two. Meanwhile, they could produce several programs.

What programs would attract audiences in this era? Hardy wrote down some ideas.

News programs like "30 Minutes News," "Global Perspective," "International News," and "Political and Economic Talk."

Cartoons were essential.

Hardy's first thought was "Ultraman." Without the original script, they could use a suit and some monsters, creating hours of content. Hollywood writers could easily produce a hundred episodes.

For affordable and popular animated shows, "Teletubbies" and "In the Night Garden" came to mind. With puppeteers, they could create "Sesame Street," quickly capturing children's attention.

MTV, or music videos, could be introduced, a concept not yet developed. This required patenting.

Television shopping was another idea, airing in the afternoon for housewives at home. They could demonstrate products like Estee Lauder cosmetics, clothes, bags, shoes, cosmetics, kitchen items, and baby products.

Television shopping had endless possibilities, even selling their televisions. This concept didn't exist yet and would surely attract many viewers.