Chapter 244: Chapter 244 Obligation To The Country
MGM, with its strong program production capabilities in Hollywood, will also help ABC produce shows. The success of "Bewitched" has shown that serialized TV shows are more suitable for family viewing than movies. MGM will invest heavily in producing TV series in the future.
The broadcasting rights for "Tom and Jerry" were sold to ABC, and production will continue.
ABC's trump card, "Super Talent Show," hasn't even been utilized yet. When this show begins, MGM can fully assist with its production.
The collaboration between MGM and ABC is considered a powerful alliance, and this news dealt another heavy blow to CBS and NBC. It seemed like the gap between them was widening.
Meanwhile, Hardy, under the guise of an investment company, acquired an 11% stake in the Los Angeles Times.
As for private transactions between the two parties, those were merely verbal agreements, such as helping Hardy secure the position of the actors guild president. These matters couldn't be publicly acknowledged.
After reaching an agreement with MGM, Hardy left the specific transaction details to Andy and took the women to play in the casino.
What about the women? Wouldn't they fight or cause trouble?
At least on the surface, they didn't.
Each of them was very clear about their position.
Hardy never made any woman feel that she was the only one for him, and he never prevented anyone from leaving. Anyone following him did so willingly.
After a few days of playing in Las Vegas, the casino operations gradually stabilized. Hardy returned to Los Angeles with Michael.
This time, Michael was scheduled to appear on "The Irina's Tonight Show."
At the recording studio, Michael participated as the owner of the largest TV factory in the United States. Irina and her team designed a set of perfect questions and communicated with Michael in advance.
Michael graduated from New York University. After the outbreak of World War II, he joined the army as a second lieutenant and received a combat medal. After being wounded and discharged, he worked as a magazine editor before starting his own business. Now, he owns the largest TV factory in the United States.
His resume was absolutely impressive and clean.
If the Corleone family ever separated from the Mafia, they could completely transform into an American political family.
Don't be surprised, such examples are not uncommon in this magical country. Through historical changes and continuous whitewashing, many people forget their past and assume they were always so glamorous from birth.
Mikhail Bakunin in the 19 century said: "All aristocrats start as robbers."
"Mr. Michael, can you tell us about your experiences on the battlefield?" Irina asked.
"I participated in the Normandy landings. It was a tough battle. Many of my comrades sacrificed their lives. We charged forward under heavy enemy fire, and ultimately, we won. However, I was injured in that battle and had to leave the battlefield."
"Mr. Michael, can you tell us about the situation when you founded 'N.Y.T' TV Factory? How did it become the largest TV factory in the United States in such a short time?"
"When I acquired 'N.Y.T' TV Factory, it was a closed down factory during the war. I bought it from the bank, renovated it, and resumed production. Later, we introduced a '30% down payment installment plan' and a 'no down payment installment plan' for military personnel. These services were very popular, and the TVs sold out within days. This inspired me to expand our production capacity.
Now, our TV factory can produce 400,000 units annually, with annual sales exceeding $50 million."
"Do you have high hopes for the TV industry?" Irina asked.
Michael smiled and said, "I have high hopes for the future of America. After World War II, the United States entered a period of rapid development. People need a better life, so the entertainment industry will be very important. Televisions are one part of that industry."
"I heard you are running for the New York State Senate. Can you tell us why?"
Michael paused and said emotionally, "I chose to join the army to protect this country. After being discharged, I started a business to help build this country."
"America is our common home, and we love it. But the country also has an obligation to make every citizen and family live better."
"I see employment issues, healthcare issues, education issues, environmental issues, social insurance issues, public safety issues, and women's protection issues in society. I know no society is perfect, but I hope to make some changes through my efforts."
"If I become a senator, I will do my best to solve these problems and make people's lives better."
The show was very successful.
ABC Television has nationwide coverage, and its ratings have already far surpassed the other two major networks. After the show aired, many Americans got to know this young and promising owner of the largest TV factory in the country.
Many people in New York State also got to know Michael. Previously, he led in votes in his district, mainly due to the influence of the old godfather. Through this interview show, more people got to know Michael and realized how excellent he was, naturally making them more inclined to vote for him.
A significant portion of Michael's supporters were veterans. 'N.Y.T' TV's policy of no down payment installment plans for military personnel was a welfare policy, and those who bought TVs were grateful to Michael.
During World War II, 12 million young Americans served in the military, and over 10 million were discharged after the war. These people are now the backbone of society, including in their families. These veterans alone could mobilize a lot of votes.
Michael said goodbye to Hardy and boarded the plane after an embrace.
Ten hours later, the plane landed, and Michael returned to the Corleone family mansion to see his father, the old godfather.
The father and son sat down.
Now, many of the Corleone family's businesses had been split off. The old godfather let Tessio and Clemenza form their own families, while Tom Hagen managed the main family's business. The Corleone family was striving to clean up its image.