"Look at the current situation: TVB is at its peak under the management of Sir Run Run Shaw and his capable assistant, Ms Mona Fong.
The success of the Miss Hong Kong pageant is simply the best proof of their dominance. Advertisers flock to it, and audience loyalty is incredibly high. It's almost like turning on the TV in Hong Kong Island is like watching TVB; it's become almost an instinctive habit."
Teresa Tang nodded in agreement. She also had a deep understanding of Run Run Shaw's abilities and TVB's strength.
This Sir Shaw is quite an extraordinary person. Both in vision and in skills, he is second to none among Chinese tycoons.
"And what about Rediffusion Television?" MacLehose said with a hint of regret and criticism, "As the first television station in Hong Kong Island, backed by British capital, it has a first-mover advantage.
However, in recent years, the show has been complacent, with conservative decision-making, old-fashioned programming, and a lack of innovation and vitality. It has been beaten back by TVB, with dismal ratings and declining advertising revenue year after year.
"TVB was so dazzling in the Miss Hong Kong finals that Rediffusion barely had a sip of the soup. For their UK headquarters, this 'chicken rib' from the Far East is probably already tasteless."
"As for Jiayi Television..."
MacLehose spoke faster, with a hint of disdain for those who overestimate their abilities, "We only got the license in 1975. It was the third license granted by our Hong Kong government in order to balance the dominance of TVB.
The result? A lack of clear positioning and a focus on quick success. In an attempt to challenge TVB, they blindly poured resources into producing so-called "educational programs," attempting to pursue an "elite" approach, only to end up pleasing neither side.
Ordinary audiences find it dull, the elites aren't buying it, and the ratings are abysmal. Insider information I've received is that their financial constraints are stretched to the limit, their income is insufficient to cover their expenses, and they're on the verge of bankruptcy... I'm afraid it's imminent."
After hearing her husband's lucid analysis, Teresa Tang couldn't help but sigh, "So Sir Run Run Shaw and his TVB are truly incredible! He's crushed the other two TVBs to the point where they have no chance to breathe. One is half-dead, the other is on the verge of collapse."
"Yes," MacLehose had to admit, "When the television license was first issued, the Hong Kong government probably just wanted to introduce competition. Who could have imagined that a Chinese like Run Run Shaw could run a television station so well and build a media empire?
Later, they granted ATV a license, hoping to provide a check and balance, but… ATV ended up destroying itself, further highlighting TVB’s strength. Now, in Hong Kong Island’s television market, TVB is the absolute hegemon, unrivaled.”
Following her husband's analysis, Deng Liping offered some suggestions. "In that case, what's the point of letting Xiaolin Tianwang acquire Rediffusion? Sir Run Run Shaw has a strong foundation, and Ms. Fang Yihua is even more capable. A young person entering the television industry, no matter how talented, can't shake TVB's foundation in the short term, right?"
"If we dump Li's burden on him and let him fight Sir Shao, wouldn't we just sit back and reap the benefits?"
Upon hearing this, MacLehose revealed the calculating smile typical of politicians and said, "My dear, what you said is exactly what I was thinking.
What's more, since Lin Huowang acquired Hong Kong Holdings, he has sent us very clear signals through channels such as HSBC and Standard Chartered that he is willing to get closer to the British Hong Kong government.
At this critical moment, if I were to use administrative power to block him from purchasing the TV station and prevent him from buying Lishi, wouldn't it appear that we are narrow-minded and self-destructive? It would be unacceptable in terms of face value."
"So," Deng Liping said with a smile, "you agreed to sell Li to him on the phone just now?"
MacLehose shook his head slyly, his smile revealing a profound meaning. "No, Delaney. I am the Governor of Hong Kong. I am responsible for maintaining the stability and commercial freedom of Hong Kong Island. How can I openly use administrative power to interfere in purely commercial transactions? Doesn't that violate the principle of fairness we have always advocated?"
He picked up the black tea on the table, took a sip slowly, and then said slowly:
"My response was very 'official' and very 'proper'. I said: The equity transaction of Lifestyle Television was a business decision made by its British shareholders. Based on free market principles, the Governor's Office always respects the autonomy of enterprises and will not administratively interfere with such purely commercial activities. I asked them to report to the UK headquarters on their own."
Deng Liping was stunned at first, but then suddenly realized what was going on. Her smile deepened, and she exclaimed with sincere admiration: "My dear! What you said... really captures the essence of Chinese culture! 'Non-interference', yet it also reveals 'tacit approval' everywhere.
"You've perfectly shifted the responsibility and the final decision onto Rediffusion's London headquarters. Whether they agree to the sale or refuse out of embarrassment, whatever happens next—whether Kobayashi Tenmo's anger turns on ATV, whether it applies for a new license, or Rediffusion ultimately compromises and sells—it has nothing to do with you or the Hong Kong government!"
MacLehose accepted his wife's praise with a glint in his eyes, saying, "In Hong Kong Island, sometimes, 'doing nothing' is the best 'action'."
On the other side, ATV, the general manager's office.
The busy tone of the phone being hung up still seems to echo in my ears.
General Manager Huang Xizhao leaned back heavily in his chair, with a layer of fine beads of sweat already oozing out of his forehead.
The forced calmness he had shown when talking into the receiver completely disappeared, leaving only fatigue and anxiety on his face.
He sighed and looked at Deputy General Manager Zhong Jinghui who was sitting opposite him.
For him, the pressure of being in charge of ATV over the past few years has been extremely great.
It was really because TVB's offensive was too strong, gradually eroding ATV's ratings, and it was completely overwhelming for the company to withstand it.
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