The next morning, Hong Kong Island woke up from the darkness again.
The mist on the sea surface has not yet dissipated, but the newsstands are already bustling with people.
It is probably hard for people today to imagine that in the era when television was just becoming popular, newspapers still served as the main carrier for delivering current affairs information and news gossip.
Therefore, for many Hong Kong residents, getting up early every morning and checking newspapers to see what's new today is their main pastime.
Especially for office workers, if they get up early and don’t read the newspaper, when they get to the company, they can only listen to others gossip without being able to say a word. It would be so uncomfortable.
It is the smell of ink on the newspapers mixed with the salty smell of the harbor that permeates the unique humid air of Hong Kong Island, creating one bustling morning newsstand market after another.
However, most of the front-page headlines of newspapers today are still chewing over the "farce" of the past two days. Kobayashi Tenmo's attempt to acquire ATV was flatly rejected by the British headquarters.
There was no other way. After all, Kobayashi Tenmo was so famous. He had also run the Asia Daily so successfully that he had effectively snatched a significant chunk of the profits from other newspapers.
In addition, there has been no major news in Hong Kong during this period, so naturally all major newspapers are happy to rehash Kobayashi Tenwang's embarrassing incident.
The Sing Tao Daily commented with scathing sarcasm: "An ant trying to shake a tree will ultimately fail! Xiao Linsheng spent a fortune to win the favor of a beautiful woman, but the British gentleman was not impressed!"
The article analyzes in detail the reasons for the failed acquisition and attributes it to Kobayashi Tenmo's "youthful vigor and ignorance of the times". It also implies that his attempt to challenge TVB's dominant position with capital power is absolutely futile.
It is obvious that the position of Sing Tao Daily has always been like this. It has never said a good word for Kobayashi Tenwang, not to mention that when Kobayashi Tenwang was in misfortune and disgrace, it took advantage of the situation and said all kinds of unpleasant words.
The Oriental Daily continued its usual harsh tone, with a headline that read: "The nouveau riche's Waterloo! Rediffusion's refusal to accept the deal makes the boast of 'revenge on TVB' a laughing stock in Hong Kong."
The article not only exaggerated the failure of the acquisition, but also portrayed Kobayashi Tenmo as a "sentimental rich young man" who lost his mind due to the "Miss Hong Kong scandal", and asserted that this move exposed the fatal shortcomings of his business judgment.
There was no way around it. Before Kobayashi Tenmo's Asia Daily came out, the best-selling local daily newspaper in Hong Kong was Oriental Daily.
Now that we have finally caught some embarrassing news about Kobayashi Tenmo, how can we not severely damage his reputation?
Even the usually relatively neutral Huaqiao Daily analyzed in a cautious tone today: "Capital impulse hits licensing barriers, and Rediffusion's acquisition reflects the plight of upstarts."
Between the lines, the subtext of pessimism towards Kobayashi Tenno and overestimation of his own abilities can be clearly seen.
Some left-wing newspapers and the Asia Times returned to their previous tone and reported other news content, without spending too much time on the failed acquisition of Kobayashi Tenmo.
In general, the public opinion field in Hong Kong today has formed such an inertial way of thinking.
In their view, it was natural for Kobayashi Tenmo, who had always been invincible, to suffer this defeat. They were all gloating and tacitly acknowledged TVB's solid position in the television industry.
However, amidst this almost one-sided uproar, the front page of a newspaper suddenly exploded, attracting everyone's attention and instantly stirring up a completely different wave of controversy across Hong Kong.
Ming Pao!
Ming Pao, known for its rigorous depth and Mr. Jin Yong's personal influence, had a front-page headline today with an editorial written by Mr. Jin Yong himself, which openly attacked TVB with a fierce attack!
Ming Pao front-page editorial:
Title: On the Disadvantages of Monopoly and the Failure of Fairness – On Ms. Lu Ruirong’s Case and Criticizing TVB’s Harsh Treatment
By Louis Cha
Hong Kong Island has long prided itself on its freedom, prosperity, rule of law, and justice. Television broadcasting is a vital source of spiritual nourishment for its citizens and a public instrument for cultural dissemination. However, the current dominance of TVB (Television Broadcasting Corporation) is truly regrettable and deeply concerning.
Recently, we heard about the contract termination controversy of Miss Hong Kong third runner-up Ms. Lu Ruirong. The details revealed are heartbreaking.
A closer look sent a chill down my spine. TVB has been exploiting its monopoly for so long!
The contracts signed with its artists have such harsh terms and strict restrictions that they are no longer ordinary commercial contracts but are like a contract to sell one's body!
Artists’ youth is limited and their talents are fleeting. TVB owns the platform and reaps huge profits from advertising fees, but gives the artists only a tiny amount!
Ms. Lui, the third runner-up, tried to argue for fair treatment, but was met with intimidation and threats from TVB executive Ms. Fong Yat-wah. According to a recording of the scene, Ms. Fong harshly criticized Ms. Lui for "getting too comfortable" and said, "TVB rules don't allow for bargaining." She even threatened her with a hefty HK$1.5 million penalty.
Every word is like a knife, every sentence is like an arrow, without a trace of compassion, just the cold flame of capitalist arrogance! I can't help but ask: Is this the way a major TVB treats people? Or has bullying become TVB's motto?
What is even more heartbreaking is that in order to raise this huge sum of money to "redeem herself", Miss Lu and her father were forced to work in a financial company!
As the photo shows, father and daughter, standing before the dimly lit storefront, their expressions solemn and their backs forlorn. Such a scene, juxtaposed with the glittering splendor of the TVB building and Sir Run Run Shaw's philanthropic reputation, is a truly ironic sight!
TVB's exploitation was so ruthless that it forced a young woman and her family into the dangerous situation of loan sharks. If this is not an act of forcing a good woman into prostitution, how else can it be justified?
My dear, there is more to this chapter. Please click on the next page to continue reading. It will be even more exciting later!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
