Chapter 14: In Pursuit of Fame and Profit

"Bang! Bang..."

The sound of continuous gunfire rang out, and the man struggling to get up was riddled with bullets, collapsing to the ground as a group of cautious police officers closed in.

The video on the screen came to an end. In Editing Room One of Channel Six, Kara took a deep breath. Her eyes, filled with excitement, had transformed into disbelief, akin to Columbus discovering the New World.

"You can all leave now," Kara told the nearby staff. "Please step out for a moment."

She turned to look at Murphy sitting beside her. "I'm completely blown away! The footage is amazing! I can't find the right words to describe this video."

Murphy also turned to her. "Thank you."

"It's truly fantastic," Kara seemed still immersed in the shock brought by the video. "This is exactly the kind of news impact I've been chasing!"

"Thank you," Murphy responded politely.

"No, Murphy, you shouldn't be thanking me." Kara shook her head. "I'm the one who should thank you for bringing this to me."

"You're too kind," Murphy lightly patted Kara's arm. "We're friends, aren't we?"

Kara grasped Murphy's hand, her eyes openly showing desire. "This footage has to be mine, it has to be!"

Since Murphy had come to her first, Kara was naturally his primary choice. He asked, "Dear, how much are you willing to pay?"

Despite her earlier words, if the price wasn't right, Murphy definitely wouldn't sell the video to Kara and Channel Six.

The previous news video had already significantly boosted the program's ratings. Kara knew the sensational impact this new footage could generate. "You tell me what the price should be."

Murphy didn't hold back. "One hundred thousand dollars."

A video of such a realistic police shootout, with gunfire, deaths, blood splatter, and a chase ending in a crash, was a rare find. Kara pondered for only a few seconds before saying, "I can offer that price, but the video needs to be reviewed by my superior. As long as they agree."

In commercial television, what is the ultimate need?

As expected, Kara's superior watched the video and not only agreed to the price of one hundred thousand dollars but also promised Murphy that Fox's Los Angeles affiliate would help him handle any legal and police issues, minimizing the risk of court injunctions. This would allow them to continue delving into the story behind the case.

To put it simply, the TV station agreed to these terms because they knew that airing this footage would garner widespread attention, and the ongoing investigation would attract even more viewers.

Like Murphy, the TV station wouldn't do anything without benefits.

"Send the video and my written plan to the production room."

After an editor left with the video materials, Kara and Murphy were alone again. She approached Murphy. "The check for one hundred thousand dollars can be cashed first thing tomorrow."

Murphy looked at the check in his hand, feeling quite emotional. "This is the most money I've ever earned."

"Just a hundred thousand dollars!" Kara pulled up a chair and sat next to Murphy. "Spend it wisely."

"To me, this is a huge sum and will be very useful," Murphy said, putting away the check. "Someone from your background wouldn't understand how hard it is for people like me to make money."

Kara came from a good background, graduated from a prestigious university, and at twenty-six was already the head of the news department. She could hardly understand the struggles of someone like Murphy.

Kara fell silent for a moment. She had seen many people rise from the slums, but Murphy's relentless effort was a first.

She admired someone who worked hard and kept moving forward for their future.

"You should hire a lawyer."

Whatever her motives, Murphy had done her a huge favor by bringing the video here first. Kara, showing rare kindness, said, "The police will give you a lot of trouble later."

Although Murphy claimed he hadn't filmed the two criminals, Kara could now infer a lot.

"I already have a lawyer," Murphy smiled. "Besides, I'm just fulfilling my duty as a good citizen."

Kara rolled her eyes. If Murphy was considered a good citizen, then the two dead criminals could be honored as Los Angeles' distinguished citizens.

Someone knocked on the editing room door, and a middle-aged man entered. "Kara, are you really going to air this footage? And in the manner you proposed?"

"That's right," Kara replied, her expression serious. "Is there a problem?"

"You're inciting racial tensions!" The middle-aged man approached, emphasizing, "This could lead to a series of social issues."

Kara didn't hesitate. "That's exactly the effect I want."

"What?" The man seemed unable to believe his ears. "You're creating chaos through the news."

"Creating? Isn't it a fact that white police officers shot a black man who posed no threat?" Kara reiterated, "This is undeniable."

At this point, even Murphy couldn't help but admire Kara. He hadn't thought of this angle. The black man who died at the end seemed completely non-threatening, yet the white officers still shot him...

Compared to Kara, Murphy realized he was far behind in terms of news instincts. It also became clear why Kara and the TV station were willing to offer one hundred thousand dollars and assistance if needed. The video could bring them immense benefits.

As for whether this would incite racial tensions, the TV station didn't care. They would welcome it for the sake of captivating news.

"We are in the business of news," Kara said to the editor, her tone stern. "We must strive for greater goals."

The editor was speechless, his mouth opening and closing but ultimately saying nothing. Under Kara's sharp gaze, he slowly left the editing room.

"Well said."

As the door closed, Murphy stood up. "We can't be confined to the present. We should aim higher and further."

Kara caught a hint of something. "Do you have any other ideas?"

"Yes, this footage can bring us even more," Murphy said, pacing a few steps. "We can create a series of special reports, focusing on black suspects and white police officers..."

Murphy knew well the conflicts this could ignite. "Follow this direction, pull up past related news to enhance the impact, and when the news starts to fade, we can turn it into a documentary."

"Great idea!" Kara's eyes shone even brighter.

Murphy reminded her, "To achieve this, we must avoid a court injunction."

"Such an injunction won't happen," Kara said confidently. "Don't forget, Channel Six belongs to the Fox Network!"

Murphy didn't know the full extent of Rupert Murdoch's Fox Network's influence but knew it was significant.

These two, like kindred spirits, stayed in Editing Room One, passionately discussing various possible follow-ups.

Kara and Murphy, one seeking fame and the other profit, were a perfect match.

As dawn approached six o'clock and the morning news was about to air, Murphy followed Kara into the editing hall. By now, he was familiar enough with the TV station that no one would stop him.

As the news was about to broadcast, police officers traced the leads to their location, just as Murphy and Kara had anticipated.

"Who's in charge here?"

Leading the group was the same middle-aged detective who had previously questioned Murphy. "We're from LAPD Major Crimes Unit."

He pointed at the gunfight footage on the screen. "None of this is to be aired. Hand over all the footage and copies to the police."

The middle-aged detective was imposing, as if he were in charge here.

Murphy and Kara exchanged a glance, then made a gesture of invitation.

"What are you doing?" Kara walked briskly over. "I'm the head of the news department. You can address any issues with me."

"I demand you collect all this footage of the gunfight, the chase..." The detective pointed at the screen again. "And not air any of it. These are..."

"Sorry," Kara interrupted before he could finish, "This is Channel Six's property."

"This is evidence of a crime!" The detective glared at Kara, who remained unfazed. "What evidence? This is our news!"

Kara's attitude was firm. The female detective beside the man spoke up, "There are two officers clinging to life in the hospital, four dead, eleven injured, and numerous violent crimes. These are extremely important pieces of evidence."

However, Kara remained unmoved, crossing her arms. "This is news that the TV station must broadcast."

"You are forbidden to air it!" The detective roared.

"Are you trying to interfere with freedom of the press?" Kara stared at the detective, calmly saying, "If you want to take this and prevent us from airing it, go ahead."

She spoke deliberately, "Show us a court injunction!"

"You..." The detective seemed at a loss for words.

Kara instructed the security personnel who had entered with the police, "The program is about to start. Please escort any unrelated personnel out."

She turned to the two detectives, "If you have any further issues, our legal department will contact you. That's all. I have work to do. Thank you."

This being a media department, the police didn't dare push too far. They had to leave reluctantly, watching as Murphy's footage aired on Channel Six's morning news, becoming the talk of Los Angeles.

After the news aired, Murphy asked the security personnel at the door, then approached Kara. "There are still police outside. It looks like I'll need to visit the station."

"Don't forget to contact your lawyer," Kara reminded him.