Chapter 358

Philip Anschutz originally planned to establish a foothold in Los Angeles since there wasn't much chance of acquiring the NBA Lakers and NHL Kings.

However, Arthur mentioned that the Rams still had some opportunities. As for the MLB teams, Dodgers and Angels, they had no intentions of selling at the moment.

"By the way, Arthur, today is the NBA Draft day, right? Los Angeles Galaxy just replaced their head coach, and next season will be more promising!" Philip Anschutz suddenly brought up the NBA.

The Galaxy had been knocked out in the first round of the playoffs for two consecutive seasons.

Arthur smirked. The Galaxy had the 17th pick in the first round, but they had also acquired the 9th pick from the Celtics.

This year's draft featured Glenn Robinson, Jason Kidd, and Grant Hill as the first, second, and third picks!

Popovich used the 9th pick to select Temple University's guard Eddie Jones, which did not sit well with the Lakers, who had the 10th pick.

"Of course, with the team strengthened, we'll definitely go further next season," said Philip Anschutz. Arthur had almost blocked all the paths for Philip's entry into the Los Angeles sports circle.

The Lakers shares were gone, and the future Staples Center was no longer an option. If the Rams could be secured, there might be a chance to play; otherwise, he would have to wait for his future MLS team to support him!

Watching Philip Anschutz leave, Arthur pondered if he had been too harsh on him.

Philip had originally aimed to establish his own influence in Los Angeles but faced such huge obstacles.

"What were you talking about? You can't hide your smile," suddenly, Catherine Zeta-Jones walked over, "The Galaxy's movies are doing so well!"

"It's just that I haven't seen you for a long time and really missed you," Arthur hugged her, wrapping his arm around the lady's waist, "Moreover, now that the Galaxy has acquired MGM, of course, I should be happy."

With the acquisition of MGM, the Galaxy naturally gained the MPAA membership that came with it, making it a bona fide top player in Hollywood.

"Mmm," Catherine Zeta-Jones offered a passionate kiss. After a session of lip-locking, she reminded Arthur, "Do you know? In the UK, The Times and The Daily Telegraph are in a price war again."

"The Times and The Daily Telegraph are both mainstream British newspapers," Arthur smiled. "News Corp's The Sun just finished a price war with my Daily Mirror a couple of years ago, and now they're taking on The Daily Telegraph?"

The Daily Telegraph was now owned by Canada's Hollinger International, with Conrad Black as chairman and CEO. Over the years, they had acquired and invested in many newspapers internationally.

Conrad Black began his international expansion in the mid-1980s, holding controlling stakes in The Daily Telegraph, Israel's The Jerusalem Post, and Australia's Fairfax Media.

"Hollinger Group acquired controlling stakes in dozens of small American local newspapers in recent years, although their circulation ranges from a few thousand to tens of thousands only, so people haven't really paid much attention. However, I've heard that Conrad Black plans to target The Chicago Sun-Times."

The Chicago Sun-Times being one of the top 20 newspapers in the U.S. was known to Arthur.

"Recently, The Times dropped the price of each paper from 45 pence to 30 pence, boosting sales to 400,000 copies," Catherine Zeta-Jones knew her man held significant sway in the UK's newspaper industry.

Arthur and the lady sat on the sofa, "The Daily Telegraph is Conrad Black's biggest leverage. He is called the 'Little Murdoch' because of his control over The Daily Telegraph. Now, facing a major challenge, let's hope he doesn't chicken out too soon!"

Nonetheless, Conrad Black was quite capable. In 1987, he took over The Daily Telegraph when it had an 8.9 million-pound loss the previous year. By 1990, under Conrad Black's management, The Daily Telegraph's profit reached 41.5 million pounds.

It performed much better than the Daily Mirror, and being a mainstream newspaper, its price was also higher at 48 pence per issue, drawing Rupert Murdoch's attention.

Conrad Black's reforms involved reporting the dirtiest incidents in Britain, aligning closely with News Corp's ethos. After the price war between The Sun and the Daily Mirror, Rupert Murdoch announced he would deal with The Daily Telegraph too!

"Alright, let's not worry about these things. It's been so long since we've seen each other. Later, let's grab a drink and catch up properly."

Arthur said, kissing Catherine Zeta-Jones on the cheek.

After a while, Otis Chandler came to the balcony to inform Arthur: Disney Chairman and CEO Michael Eisner had been secretly hospitalized!

"Hospitalized? Is it serious?" Arthur exhaled a puff of smoke. Disney was already a powder keg internally; Group President Frank Wells had passed away not long ago.

The conflict between Michael Eisner and Jeffrey Katzenberg was deepening.

Otis Chandler chuckled, "It might be serious; Eisner previously had two surgeries for heart issues."

"Now, Wall Street is closely watching Disney's internal affairs!"

Disney was a conglomerate valued at over 25 billion dollars, and investors were naturally concerned about any higher-level changes within the company.

"By the way, according to the information received, Eisner's wife, Roy Disney and his wife, board member George J. Mitchell, and major shareholder Sid Bass were all present at the hospital. These are all Eisner's close associates, but Jeffrey Katzenberg was not present!"

"Katzenberg was not there?" Arthur glanced at Otis Chandler, "I assume several major newspapers must have gotten wind of this?"

Otis Chandler shook his head, "Probably just a few large papers know. However, once the news breaks tomorrow, there will definitely be plenty of coverage!"

For Arthur, these matters weren't important, but seeing Disney's stock plummet would be quite satisfying. He reminded Chandler: "You can have the Los Angeles Times publish an article praising The Lion King.

Given The Lion King's current popularity, you'll surely cover it, but you can focus on highlighting Jeffrey Katzenberg's role, showcasing it as Katzenberg's great victory. And make sure not to mention Michael Eisner's name at all!"

Otis Chandler grinned, "You really want to stress Michael Eisner, don't you?"

"I think Jeffrey Katzenberg will use this to his advantage too; it fits perfectly with his agenda."

Previously, The Beauty and The Beast and Aladdin's successes had already boosted Jeffrey Katzenberg's reputation immensely.

But the impact of these animated films couldn't compare to The Lion King's current influence!

*****

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