Chapter 91: Chapter 93 Bad News
However, not everything went so smoothly. Soon, Fergal, the manager of Summit Media, brought some not-so-good news.
"Rejected? Is it about ITV?"
After hearing what Fergal said, that Summit Media wanted to participate in the transfer of ITV Digital's terrestrial digital television license and was rejected, he couldn't help but ask.
"No, ITV doesn't care who takes over ITV Digital. They just want to get rid of this burden now. The decision was made by the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee. They believe that we do not have enough funds to carry out the terrestrial digital TV business, and we have no experience in operating TV stations before, so we are not qualified to participate in the transfer of one of the three terrestrial digital TV licenses owned by ITV Digital."
Previously, Barron had asked the Prince of Wales to help him with this work, but it seems that the results were not very good.
If ITV is not satisfied with their participation, there is still some room for maneuver, but now the government has refused their participation, so it will be more difficult to deal with.
But even so, Barron was not too panicked, and calmly said to Fergal:
"The BBC is still negotiating with ITV and the government, so you should contact the BBC first - they don't need three licenses at all, and they are not that enthusiastic about this matter, so see if there is any solution through the BBC first."
"Yes, Your Highness."
"Besides... forget it, let me do this, you go contact the BBC first."
After sending Fergal away, Barron began to think about the current situation.
It seemed that he needed to personally inquire about the news about this matter. He needed to know the specific situation of the Culture, Media and Sports Committee, who was opposing this matter, what was the reason, and whether there were other factors behind it?
...
"Your Highness, what do you think of the Prime Minister's active advocacy for us to continue to join the strike against Iraq?"
The Crown Prince is indeed very hardworking. It can be said that you can see him most of the year at certain charity and literary occasions.
This time, Barron met the Crown Prince at a promotion for an environmental protection project, so naturally, after the Crown Prince gave a short speech, Barron got the opportunity to talk to him privately.
In response to what Barron said, the Crown Prince looked a little cautious:
"There are still big differences in this matter. I think it is difficult to make a final decision at the moment. We need to judge whether we need to join in based on our own interests. Well, the attitude of the United States has indeed affected many people."
"But what you said before is very right. Everything must be based on the interests of Great Britain, right? I don't want the final result to be sacrificing our interests to comply with the United States. We are not their vassal, but I am disappointed to find that there are already signs of a shift towards this result."
What Barron said is not without basis. Britain does have close relations with the United States. To put it jokingly, they are like "father and son".
Historically, America became independent by breaking away from British rule, so in the hearts of many British people, America is regarded as their "son".
But after World War II, a situation of confrontation between the two powers was formed, and Britain fell from the position of global hegemony, but needed the support of the United States to continue to be one of the powers. Later, it became more and more dependent on the United States. In the eyes of the United States, Britain was like a "son", and it would knock it from time to time...
Well, it can be said that human relations are in chaos.
But today's Britain is not as submissive and following America as it will be in twenty years or ten years. Instead, it is paying more attention to its influence in Europe and the world.
The important turning point was during the years when Prime Minister Clare was in power, especially after following the United States in the Iraq War, Britain began to become America's "follower".
You should know that in Barron's previous life, the United States did not obtain authorization from the United Nations to use force against Iraq, but bypassed the United Nations and forcibly launched the war.
This move was even opposed by many of America's "allies" at the time. The only country that followed America in sending troops was Britain.
Because of this, Claire was protested by the British people and her support rate plummeted.
Because, after all, unlike the military-industrial-energy complex represented by the American President at this time, Britain's need for war is not that strong and it can completely choose not to participate in the war against Iraq.
Moreover, a big reason why the United States launched military action against Iraq was that the other side attempted to settle oil payments with the euro. Once this precedent was set, it would deal a huge blow to the dollar-oil system.
But what does this have to do with the UK? Neither the US dollar nor the euro has much to do with the British pound.
And this also involves the interests of the European Union. If it is just based on national interests, Britain can just sit back and watch.
Therefore, after Barron said this, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince's expression showed that he agreed very much.
Of course, Barron did not come here to discuss this with the Crown Prince. He only brought it up to introduce his own topic:
"Your Highness, so I think that many times, our situation is a little...weird."
"What do you mean, Barron?"
"Our government follows the footsteps of the United States, our media is controlled by American capital, and our finance is also..."
At this point, Barron shook his head.
"From now on, I'm afraid that Great Britain will no longer be facing its allies, but will be facing the sovereign as a vassal state."
After hearing Barron's "alarmist" words, the Crown Prince wanted to say something, but after thinking about it, he found that it was really difficult to refute, and he couldn't help but sigh - the Britain today is no longer the "Empire on which the Sun Never Sets" that he had seen at the beginning.
"Also, did you know, Your Highness, that the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee has rejected our bid to compete for ITV Digital's terrestrial digital television license, and the BBC is not so enthusiastic about this project. If this continues, the programs that our people will watch in the future may be monopolized by Sky TV."
"Barron, I have also been paying attention to this matter. The reason is not too complicated..."
The Crown Prince patted Barron on the shoulder and said,
"Regarding the matter of terrestrial digital television, the government is still concerned about the qualifications of your company. If you can meet the requirements, I will help you negotiate."
"I understand all this, but I'm afraid that there may be some human factors involved. After all, you know, my newspaper has been criticizing the Prime Minister recently, and Ms. Jowell, you know, has always been loyal to the Prime Minister..."
The Ms. Jowell that Barron was referring to is Tessa Jowell, the current Secretary of State for Culture, Press and Sport. On many issues, she is the most supportive member of the cabinet of the Prime Minister. It is no wonder that Barron would have such speculation.
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