American Gossip King

Chapter 7 Exclusive News

Back in his room, Ian opened his laptop, uploaded the footage he had taken, and began editing it.

He professionally segmented the content, modified the audio, removed inappropriate content, and after confirming that there were no problems, he checked the time and it was already 3 a.m.

Ian picked up the phone: "Director Harnett, it's me, Ian Carl. We've met before, though you might not remember me... I know it's not the right time to contact you, but I have some important news... Yes, I think it's best to deal with it now, so you might be able to get it by tomorrow... Oh, the report from noon today. I've already sent it to your email; you'll like it."

What is the most important thing in news?

It's fast!

The impact of publishing a report before others is enormous.

Whoever can publish a major report first will have a higher industry status, greater influence, and more money – the speed of news is even more valuable than its comprehensiveness.

News! News!

What kind of news is it if it's not new?

Some have even famously said, "Any news older than four hours is old news!"

In order to obtain first-hand information as quickly as possible, major media outlets have tried every means possible.

Countless paparazzi and reporters colluded everywhere, acting on the tip of the iceberg.

For example, a robbery might occur in a certain place, or a gunfight or traffic accident might happen in another place—Americans have no shortage of these things anyway.

This kind of news needs to be timely; if you miss the opportunity, it becomes worthless. So, in order to get first-hand news, low-level paparazzi chase after news everywhere, speeding on the roads, holding cameras and chasing after various highway shootouts at high speeds, rushing to the scene of the incident and snapping photos like crazy, and then selling them to media companies.

Their bravery far surpasses that of the police, and the wealthy even film from helicopters, sometimes forcing the police to borrow communication tools from reporters—in Die Hard, Bliss Willis used exclusive reports to attract the media to provide him with helicopter services.

High-level paparazzi, on the other hand, focus on juicy scoops.

To get news about celebrities, paparazzi can spend months or even a year stalking a big shot, earning hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars for breaking the news.

In addition, the use of devices such as eavesdropping devices and hidden cameras is also common.

The infamous phone hacking scandal involved Murdoch's News Corporation conducting comprehensive wiretapping of politicians, celebrities, military personnel, and even ordinary civil servants in order to obtain firsthand information, and even resorting to hacking techniques.

In order to obtain information about Wen Zhang's infidelity, the well-known Chinese paparazzi Zhuo Wei investigated and analyzed Wen Zhang's whereabouts, eventually determining his possible location and obtaining his room number through other means. Finding that there were no tall buildings near the hotel, he climbed a water tower, thus giving rise to the famous story of "cherishing what you have."

In short, the dirty and despicable methods the news media use to obtain valuable intelligence are comparable to those of spies—they do everything except fire a gun.

"An excellent journalist must possess the methods of a secret agent, the stamina of an athlete, the tenacity of a stray dog, and a heart that will sell anything!"

This is how outsiders perceive journalists, which has drawn opposition from many reporters who argue that paparazzi are paparazzi and reporters are reporters, and the two are not in the same profession.

But frankly, aren't they all just providing news?

In short, it's normal to release news in the middle of the night in order to be fast.

Because the Los Angeles Sheriff is so terrible, with a daily circulation of only 4,000 copies, even the most exclusive and groundbreaking news won't significantly boost sales if given to the Sheriff—there aren't enough distribution channels. Besides, it can't use video, so Ian currently has no choice but to sell it to television stations.

Of course, Ian breaks the news down into several parts, one of which, which is suitable for written publication, will be exclusively distributed by the Herald.

This can also create a synergistic effect: leveraging the news impact of peers to further boost the sales of the Herald newspaper.

Ten minutes later, the station manager, Hanit, called.

The station director, who had initially been annoyed at being disturbed from his sleep, now spoke with excitement: "Ian Carl, is this your report? You've really surprised me! Who are you again? A reporter from the Los Angeles Times?"

Ian laughed and said, "No, the Los Angeles Herald... It's alright, sir, it's just a small newspaper, it's normal that you don't remember... I'll take a million for this story."

Harnett laughed: "No, no, it's not worth that much money."

"This is only part of it, Mr. Harnett; there's more to come."

"show me."

"That won't work, you know the rules, but I can tell you the general content."

Ian gave a brief explanation of the situation, and Hannett gasped in shock.

Wow, you're really good at reporting news!

Very professional!

If what this kid says is true, then the follow-up news will be even more explosive; no wonder he asked for a million.

However, Ian wouldn't give him everything now, and Hannett wasn't sure either—it's common for journalists to fabricate fake news, and the key is that those who can fabricate fake news are usually excellent journalists, since they can't be easily exposed and won't cause serious consequences. Trash journalists don't have that ability; even if they force it, it's still trash news.

There used to be such trashy reporters in China who used their own families as news, only to be discovered later: So your family's daily life can be considered news?

They can't even come up with a good story!

He paused for a moment, then asked, "Did you call the police?"

"not yet."

The latest novel is first published here!

"exclusive?"

"The video is exclusive! The Leading Report will have some related content, mainly photos and interviews, and the personal journeys of the individuals. That's not the key point and won't affect the TV station. The core content will be your exclusive report. You know the Leading Report has no impact on you whatsoever."

"Great! This part is 50,000. If things go as you said, I can add more money later."

Ian thought for a moment and smiled, "It's a bit low, but it's okay, let's keep this price for now. I hope to see the money in place before eight o'clock tomorrow morning."

After hanging up, Ian dialed again: "Lloyd, it's me... I'm afraid you can't sleep now, there's a report you need to arrange immediately."

Ron Lloyd is the editor-in-chief of the Los Angeles Herald, a good friend of Carl Sr., and currently the only one still dedicated to working for the Los Angeles Herald.

On the phone, the old man's tone lacked the anger of being woken up in the middle of the night, only sorrow for his good-for-nothing son: "Did you go gambling, Ian? Garrick called yesterday and said you owe him twelve thousand dollars! I haven't told your mother yet!"

Fake!

I only lent him 10,000!

They've only been two days and they're already demanding payment?

Ian said helplessly, "I've sent the press release and photos to your email. Please read the news first, okay?"

Five minutes later, Editor-in-Chief Lloyd called, brimming with excitement: "Ian, did you get this?"

"Go arrange the work. We'll talk about the details tomorrow. Don't worry, the money issue will be resolved," Ian said quickly and sharply, then hung up the phone abruptly.

I checked the time; it was 3:30.

I can only get less than four hours of sleep.

I just transmigrated and already have to stay up all night, how frustrating!

(End of this chapter)