r18novel Chapter 127 Rediffusion Television
Chapter 127 Rediffusion Television
After seeing Zhou Jianming off, Lin Zhou was about to pick up the documents on the table to sign and approve them when there was a gentle knock on the office door.
"Go in." He didn't even look up, his voice steady.
The door opened, and Secretary Chen Man walked in carrying a stack of documents. She was dressed in a sharp business suit and black high-heeled leather shoes, her face displaying just the right amount of seriousness and competence.
She walked to the desk, gently placed the documents down, and then reported, "President Lin, there's been some progress on the TV station matter you asked me to keep an eye on."
Upon hearing this, Lin Zhou raised his head, his fingertips lightly pausing on the table, his gaze falling on Chen Man's face: "Oh? Tell me more."
During this period, he was busy going to the mainland to investigate investments, but he had long ago instructed his secretary, Chen, to pay close attention to the activities of the two major television stations.
Zhonghua Records is currently enjoying great success, with several signed artists releasing hit albums one after another, gaining considerable fame in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia.
Lin Zhou, who had traveled from the future, knew very well that the profits from Hong Kong's record industry were ultimately limited. If Zhonghua wanted to truly establish its entertainment empire, the television station was indispensable—controlling the screen was essential.
In this way, not only can it provide an exposure platform for its artists, but it can also adapt the best-selling novels under Zhonghua News Agency into TV series, forming a closed-loop industrial chain of "publishing-film and television".
Chen Man nodded, opened the document in her hand, and said in a steady voice, "It's mainly about what's happening at TVB. Recently, there have been significant changes in TVB's shareholding structure. Mr. Shao, as the largest private shareholder, has officially taken over the actual operation of the television station."
"Mr. Shao..." Lin Zhou repeated the name in a low voice, a hint of understanding flashing in his eyes.
Mr. Shao has cultivated deep roots in Hong Kong for many years, possessing shrewd skills and keen insight. His personal leadership of TVB is bound to stir up a storm.
"That's right," Chen Man continued. "As soon as Mr. Shao took over, he made three big moves. First, he adjusted the programming schedule for prime-time evenings, then he signed several top screenwriters and directors, and even poached two of ATV's leading actresses."
The competition between TVB and RTV has now reached a fever pitch. The two companies are practically locked in a head-to-head battle, vying for everything from prime-time ratings and advertising revenue to artist resources.
Lin Zhou put the documents in his hand aside, leaned back in his chair, and stroked his chin thoughtfully.
In Hong Kong's television market, TVB and RTV have always been the two dominant forces, constantly battling it out and remaining evenly matched.
Mr. Shao's arrival at TVB has disrupted the existing balance, which may well be an opportunity for him.
"And what about our side?" Lin Zhou looked up at Chen Man. "How's the progress on the acquisition of RTV's stock that I asked you to do quietly?"
"Reporting to President Lin, we have been quietly accumulating shares of RTV over the past two years, and we currently hold approximately 18% of the shares."
As Chen Man spoke, she pushed a detailed equity structure table in front of Lin Zhou.
"However, there are not many shares of RTV left in circulation. Most of them are held by a few major shareholders, and the remaining small shareholders hold about 15 percent of the shares in total."
Lin Zhou looked down at the detailed list, which was densely marked with the shareholding ratios of the major shareholders of RTV and their contact information.
His gaze lingered on the "minority shareholders" section for a moment, then he looked up and asked, "You mean, if we want to continue increasing our holdings, we can only do so by acquiring shares from these minority shareholders at a premium?"
"Yes," Chen Man nodded in response, her tone earnest.
"TVB and RTV are currently locked in fierce competition, and the stock prices of both companies are fluctuating due to the ups and downs of their respective viewership ratings."
These minority shareholders were already somewhat worried about RTV's future, given how strong TVB's momentum had been since Mr. Shaw took over.
If we are willing to pay a premium of 5% to 10% to acquire their shares, we will most likely succeed.
"Mr. Lin, do you think we should contact these minority shareholders right now?"
A brief silence fell over the office. Lin Zhou tapped his fingers lightly on the desk, making a rhythmic "tap-tap" sound, each tap seeming to strike a chord in people's hearts.
He knew that if he made the right move, he could become a major shareholder of RTV and even have the opportunity to participate in the station's operational decisions.
However, if they act rashly, and TVB or other major shareholders of RTV notice, it could trigger a counterattack, which would not only ruin the acquisition plan but also alert the other party.
Conversely, this is precisely the time when the two TV stations are competing most fiercely, with everyone's attention focused on ratings and artist resources.
No one would notice that an "invisible hand" was quietly accumulating shares in Lihteng. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Moreover, as long as they can acquire the shares of these minority shareholders, Zhonghua's shareholding ratio will exceed 30%, making it the largest shareholder of RTV. At that time, wouldn't they be able to take over the operation of the TV station just like Mr. Shao?
Moreover, by then, he will be able to more confidently promote the film and television adaptation projects of Zhonghua's best-selling novels.
Moreover, those novels already have a large readership, and if adapted properly, they will surely become a powerful tool to boost viewership ratings.
Once the TV series becomes popular, it can in turn boost the sales of the novel, creating a virtuous cycle.
Thinking of this, Lin Zhou's eyes gradually became firm.
He looked up at Chen Man and slowly nodded: "Okay. Go and contact those minority shareholders now. Remember, keep a low profile and don't reveal our Zhonghua identity. Just talk to them as a personal investor."
Upon hearing this, Chen Man immediately took out her notebook to take notes.
"The premium can be adjusted upwards, up to a maximum of 15%."
Lin Zhou added decisively, "These minority shareholders are after real benefits. Instead of haggling and procrastinating, we should be more straightforward and win them over with enough sincerity."
"Okay." Chen Man quickly jotted this down in her notebook.
"And one more thing," Lin Zhou added, changing the subject.
"When talking to them, you must emphasize that the competition between TVB and RTV is so fierce now, and the stock prices fluctuate. The shares they hold are just a bunch of numbers that may depreciate at any time."
Why not sell it to us as soon as possible and secure the profits?
After all, compared to gambling on an uncertain future in a battle between two television stations, solid cash is the safest bet.
Chen Man understood immediately and replied with a smile, "Don't worry, President Lin, I know what to say."
Lin Zhou nodded in satisfaction, seeing Chen Man's confident demeanor. Chen Man had been with him for so many years, and she had always been reliable and meticulous in her work, never causing him any worry.
"Once we complete the acquisition of these shares, our shareholding will exceed 30%."
Lin Zhou leaned back in his chair, a faint smile playing on his lips. "By then, we won't have to worry about finding channels to adapt our novels into TV series."
He recalled the TV series adapted from novels he had seen in later generations, and how the characters he had created were now being adapted by Lin Zhou and brought to life on screen in this day and age.
Moreover, he could almost hear the positive reviews from the audience after the TV series aired; he could almost foresee that Zhonghua's entertainment empire would expand step by step in Hong Kong, eventually flourishing and thriving.
Seeing the light shining in Lin Zhou's eyes, Chen Man felt excited as well.
She understood perfectly that President Lin always had a keen eye and that every step he took was based on profound considerations.
This acquisition of shares in RTV (Rediffusion Television) is undoubtedly another brilliant move.
"President Lin, I'll make the arrangements now." Chen Man put away the documents and prepared to leave.
"Wait a minute," Lin Zhou called after her, adding, "During the acquisition process, if anything happens, report to me immediately. Remember, safety comes first. Don't reveal our intentions in the name of acquiring shares."
"Understood." Chen Man nodded solemnly before turning and leaving the office.
The office door was gently closed, and the room returned to silence.
Lin Zhou stood up and walked to the window. His fingers tapped lightly on the window frame, his gaze deep. Only the competition between the two major television stations, TVB and RTV, allowed him to quietly strategize and ultimately become the head of RTV.