Chương 114: Chapter 114: Ace News Got a Host
[Chapter 115: Ace News Got a Host]
Fox Television Center, Channel 11.
In the office, Megan Taylor finished watching one video and clicked on another, pausing it now and then.
Hawke mentioned some related news requests.
After a while, when all the videos were done playing, Megan looked up and commented, "Some of these videos came from a body camera, looks like you struck a deal with the LAPD."
Hawke explained, "Agent Erica Ferguson's informant uncovered a hideout of the Mule Gang's high-ranking members. I collaborated with the LAPD on this image campaign. You always wanted social news, and this has plenty of highlights."
Stacks of cash, weapons, and drug paraphernalia certainly made a visual impact. Megan wasn't shy about it, adding, "If there's bloodshed and more bodies, it'd grab even more attention."
Hawke shrugged, "The LAPD is too powerful."
"I want the news," Megan asserted, pressing a button to have Claire bring over the storage drive.
Hawke casually countered with a price, "$300,000, just like last time, the reporting has to bias toward the LAPD."
Megan fed back, "Are you trying to drain my entire budget?"
Hawke, acting altruistically, informed her, "This budget might come from another production team."
"What do you mean?" Megan asked, confused.
"You'd better find out where Gretchen from Ace News has gone," Hawke suggested. "I did you a favor, but you need to bear the consequences."
Megan remembered that morning after consuming too much protein, and quickly picked up the phone to call out, "Hey, what's going on with Gretchen?"
"I'm not sure of the details, but I heard she was called in for questioning by the West Bureau." The person on the other end was quick with information. "Legal advisor Pierce went with her."
After hanging up, Megan looked at Hawke anxiously and asked, "What did you do? Some things can't be used against Fox; it's scarier than you think."
Hawke reassured her, saying, "Don't worry, I didn't use any dirty tricks." He knew how to speak in a way that made Megan feel indebted. "Your feud with Gretchen got me wrapped up in this. She had a paparazzi follow me, trying to undermine me."
Megan appeared furious, saying, "That bitch crossed the line! I'll tear her apart!"
Hawke summarized, "The situation could involve Gretchen. I got a friend in the LAPD to help out; she won't be back before eight."
Claire knocked and entered at that moment.
"Step outside for a moment," Megan said, giving her a look. "Stay at the door; no one comes in without my permission."
Claire placed down the storage drive and quickly exited, closing the door behind her, remaining on guard outside the office.
Megan closed her laptop and unexpectedly moved in front of Hawke. With Gretchen temporarily out of the picture and a major social news story in her hands, she knew who stood to gain the most.
Hawke asked, "What do you want to do?"
"Don't you want to try it in the office? It happens that I want to try it too," Megan said, lowering her head a bit, asking, "You wouldn't refuse me, would you?"
There was no way Hawke could refuse a request like that; it would be too damaging to his pride.
Perhaps the thrill of the moment made their encounter particularly quick this time.
Before long, Megan entered the office suite's restroom to rinse her mouth.
Hawke reminded her, "Go find your boss; hurry and get it done. I can only help you this far."
Megan emerged, wiped her lips with a tissue, and instructed, "Wait for me here."
...
Megan headed upstairs to the director's office, greeted the assistant briefly, and Cynthia allowed her to enter.
"Director, can I take over tonight's Ace News?" Megan jumped straight to the point. "I have a major social news story."
Cynthia showed no surprise at her arrival. "Go on."
None of these female anchors were ever easy to deal with.
"The LAPD launched a raid this afternoon on a secret Mule Gang hideout in Los Angeles," Megan spoke quickly. "They uncovered the largest drug-related case in L.A. in five years. Star officer Erica Ferguson was key to solving this. "
She continued elaborating, "The hideout was located in the wealthy area of Venice, and I have contacted the LAPD. We can do a live connection with Erica Ferguson and Chief Johnson from the detective bureau."
Cynthia, comfortably sitting in a high position, wanted to see her subordinates compete but under certain boundaries.
Gretchen crossed that line, so she didn't hesitate. "Tonight's live signal for Ace News, switch to your studio, and get ready."
"Thanks, Director." Megan rushed out, heading downstairs to inform the production team of the news.
...
The entire team got busy.
Megan gave orders for Claire to finalize the copyright agreement with Hawke and for the editing team to cut the video, focusing on key moments and areas with different angles.
She personally called Suzy to send out a broadcast truck to connect with those still on-site.
Claire, the assistant, found herself constantly being directed by Megan.
However, she found something strange; there was a faint seafood smell lingering whenever Megan spoke.
...
After Hawke signed the agreement and handed over the copied video to Claire, he waited in Megan's office.
An application report had been made, and the approval for Fox's news copyright fees was quick, although slightly slower than usual that day.
According to Fox Television's regulations, in situations like these, costs would be charged to Ace News's account.
Tonight, Megan not only hijacked Gretchen's show but planned to use their funds as well.
More than thirty minutes later, Claire delivered the check.
Hawke moved freely through the production team, packed his things, secured the check, and went to the control room to watch the news live.
Separated by a glass wall, the electronic backdrop of the studio had already switched to Ace News.
Megan was making the final preparations.
Hawke asked Claire, who followed him, "I remember this show always has a theme."
Claire softly replied, "Tonight's theme is Safety in Los Angeles, Protected by the LAPD."
Hawke had seen Megan's ability to handle news; ordinary reporting could stir a storm, and this time she was bound to drag all of Los Angeles into it.
As expected, after the show started, Megan first reported the news and then, as Hawke suggested, tied crime into the outskirts and upscale areas of Los Angeles as a backdrop.
She then reviewed the actions of the Mule Gang, showcasing their brutality and ruthlessness.
Subsequently, multi-angle action video played, requiring little embellishment since the afternoon's LAPD operation was completely overwhelming.
...
West Bureau.
After the routine questioning, Gretchen exited the interrogation room and asked Pierce, who had accompanied her, "Can we leave now?"
Pierce replied, "We can go now."
The two walked down the hallway toward the exit.
Along the way, Pierce went into another interrogation room and brought Anna Cookman out.
Anna took the blame on herself and whispered, "I won't get in trouble, will I?"
Pierce assured her, "You only violated the news act, but didn't actually harm Hawke Osment's rights. The LAPD has no jurisdiction over you."
While she hadn't faced any rude treatment, Gretchen didn't want to linger there and said, "Let's just get out of the precinct."
The three turned out of the hallway and entered the lobby, discovering many officers glued to the wall-mounted television.
Gretchen vaguely heard a familiar voice; it sounded like someone was reporting that the LAPD had cracked a major case.
She turned to look at the TV screen and immediately saw Megan Taylor.
"The timing is off." Gretchen scrutinized the program banner and realized it was Ace News.
That bitch is hosting her own show!
And even doing a live-link with none other than Chief Johnson from the LAPD.
Gretchen wanted to demand why Megan was hosting her program.
At Fox, it was normal for hosts to fill in for each other when one had issues, but there was always prior notice exchanged.
Now, the on-site guest had switched to star LAPD officer Erica Ferguson.
Having worked there herself, she had decent rapport, and she heard cheers as Erica was interviewed.
By the time the on-site interview wrapped up, some officers were even applauding.
Gretchen picked up her pace and headed outside, pulling out her phone to call, "Nina, what's going on with today's show? Why is that bitch hosting?"
The other end quickly replied, "Director Cynthia's arrangement. Since you weren't at the production team, we couldn't argue."
Gretchen hung up, rushing toward her vehicle.
Earlier, she felt a looming crisis; now it was directly above her head.
Gretchen and Anna got into the same car.
Pierce got into his car and first called Cynthia.
...
The two vehicles soon returned to the Fox building.
Once Gretchen and Anna entered the production team, they found Pierce had followed in, along with two security personnel and a HR officer.
Pierce approached Anna directly and stated, "Now, I officially notify you, Ms. Anna Cookman, on behalf of our legal department, you leaked company news sources to individuals not related to the company, violating the news act."
The HR officer produced a document and placed it in front of her. "The company has decided to terminate your employment; please collect your personal belongings and leave."
Anna's hope shifted to Gretchen for a brief moment.
Gretchen challenged, "You can't just fire my assistant without my consent?!"
The HR officer maintained, "A decision has been made by the company."
Gretchen understood; clearly, this had Cynthia's approval.
The hope in Anna's eyes gradually vanished, quickly morphing into despair.
Under the security personnel's watch, she returned to her workspace, collected her belongings, and left the company in a daze.
The other crew members watched everything unfold, their gazes shifting toward Gretchen.
They suddenly realized that Gretchen might not be able to hold onto her position much longer.
Pierce and the HR specialist soon exited.
...
Gretchen returned to her office, unable to keep it in any longer, and called Cynthia.
She tentatively asked, "Director, why?"
Cynthia responded coolly, "Your people not only crossed the line but are also undermining the foundation of Fox Network. Fox is where it is today because of your contributions, but crucially, it's explosive news that drives viewership! Have you forgotten that the station broadcasts 24/7? There needs to be something to attract viewers; where does that come from?"
Gretchen protested, "I never meant to hurt anyone..."
"Enough," Cynthia cut her off, not wanting to hear explanations or defenses. "You haven't taken your vacation this year; start your time off tomorrow."
With that, the call ended abruptly.
Listening to the busy tone, Gretchen slowly put down the receiver.
There was no way to change the outcome now.
...
After wrapping up the media affairs on-site, Suzy arrived at Fox Television Center.
Ace News had already concluded, and Hawke, Megan, and she were discussing follow-up matters in the producer's office.
Suzy remarked, "Tonight's show was a success. Management was very satisfied with the operation and the program; they hope to sustain the momentum of the reporting."
Megan had already heard the news about Gretchen being put on vacation. With Ace News temporarily assigned to her, she immediately stated, "Tomorrow, I'm heading to the detective bureau to film the weapons, drug money, and drug paraphernalia. Can we arrange interviews with the suspects? We can blur faces if necessary."
Suzy frowned, "I'll communicate with them; the items shouldn't be a problem, but people... we'll see."
Hawke pulled from past practices to suggest, "I recommend that the LAPD and Channel 11 choose a suitable venue to publicly showcase the seizures from the Mule Gang as part of a community outreach."
"Community outreach?" Suzy shook her head. "In this drug war in California, it's unclear who the ultimate winner will be."
Hawke clarified, "We're not aiming for a show; it's about making a point that Los Angeles has a serious crime issue and that the LAPD is giving it their all."
Megan and Hawke's ideas resonated well: "Channel 11 can highlight this; you could bring in some victims of the Mule Gang to speak out against the Mexican cartel's brutality."
Suzy caught on, "That's a great idea; it shows citizens the efforts the LAPD is making for public safety."
Hawke added, "That could push the fundraiser forward."
Suzy corrected, "It's a community appreciation event."
Hawke nodded, recognizing that they were essentially after the same thing: business.
The three discussed for a while, and Suzy was the first to leave, heading back to consult with upper management.
...
With only two people left in the office, Megan remarked, "For the next half month, Gretchen will be on vacation, and I'll be overseeing Ace News."
Hawke responded, "Congratulations, seize this opportunity; overseeing can turn into directorship."
"It's not easy to get Cynthia to make a decision," Megan understood her superior's style well. "Channel 11 isn't like the Fox News channel; changes under Cynthia's watch depend entirely on ratings, and this period will be a test for me."
She further explained, "That's why Gretchen sees me as a threat, and Cynthia ranks me second among Channel 11 hosts. Since April, ratings for Midnight Entertainment have skyrocketed."
Hawke laughed, "No need to flatter me; just say it directly: 'Hawke is awesome, Hawke is strong, and Hawke is backing me up.'"
Megan raised an eyebrow, "Why not say Hawke fed me well?"
Hawke hadn't passed that wise phase yet. "On a serious note, with this collaboration with the LAPD, at least it's good for a week."
"The Ace News production team has sufficient funding; we can afford the news costs," Megan seemed eager for Hawke to earn more money. "Aren't you good at generating news, crafting stories?"
Hawke quipped, "You think I don't want to make money? This isn't an assembly line product that you can just churn out."
Megan was overly eager, and her mentality felt a bit unbalanced.
Hawke picked up on that and jokingly suggested, "How about this? You use the whole year's budget for the production team to hire a few hitmen to take out that pig in the Oval Office."
Megan recognized the jest and couldn't help but chuckle. "I'm full now, you can go."
Hawke grabbed his bag, waved goodbye, and as he headed downstairs, he called Edward to wait for a moment at the building's front entrance.
...
In no time, a Cadillac pulled up in the driveway.
He got in and told Edward, "Back to the studio."
Edward chimed in, "I just contacted Campos, and everything's going well over there." He turned and asked, "Boss, since Campos joined us, should I take him out for news coverage?"
Hawke had already considered it, "I plan to have him start a consulting firm."
"A consulting firm?" Edward didn't comprehend.
Hawke elaborated, "Similar to a private investigator."
Having followed Hawke for a few months, Edward occasionally had bright ideas: "So, when we're dealing with tricky matters, we can have him conduct investigations on the side?"
Hawke remarked, "Turns out your talents aren't just for picking up chicks."
Edward couldn't help but boast, "In Compton, I was also known as a smart guy."
Hawke realized there was a significant problem; the overall intelligence in Compton was concerning.
Before he could speak, Edward added, "There's hardly anyone who lives as well as me among black folks escaping Compton."
"You're the wisest man in Compton!" Hawke praised and pulled out his phone to call Caroline. "Miss Baa, have you returned to the barn?"
Caroline instinctively replied, "I'm back! Wait, I went home to get some beauty sleep; if there's nothing, I'll hang up."
Hawke said, "Our paparazzo, Daniel Richard, got picked up by the LAPD; he might face a hefty fine. You should spread the word."
Caroline, who had promised earlier, replied, "Sure, I'll handle that tomorrow."
Hawke hung up, and by then, the Cadillac had entered East Hollywood, soon stopping on Fountain Street.
Edward still needed to return to Brentwood to keep Deborah company.
...
As Hawke entered the studio, just a few minutes later, someone knocked on the door.
Frank called out, "I saw you back."
Hawke opened the door and noticed he wasn't carrying an ashtray, asking, "Didn't beg today?"
"I've been keeping an eye out for that paparazzo," Frank exclaimed, as if it were a huge deal he pulled off. "That jerk hasn't shown up at all."
Hawke handed him a bottle of water, saying, "I managed to get him sent to the West Bureau."
Frank nodded and pulled out a folded bag from his pocket, approaching the fridge, and opened the door.
Then he exploded, "Why is my fridge still empty? Are you trying to starve me?"
If it weren't for Frank's reminders, Hawke wouldn't have managed to deal with Daniel Richard so smoothly. He replied, "Tomorrow morning, we're going grocery shopping together; two shopping carts, filled with food and drinks."
*****
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