Chapter 198: Mirror Group

"You mean News Corp? Their newspapers are all lowbrow, and many Brits really dislike Rupert Murdoch," said Elizabeth Hurley, lying in Arthur's arms on a sofa, as they discussed the current state of the British media industry.

"Shouldn't it be called a tabloid serving the masses?" Arthur laughed. At least The Times still maintained a somewhat serious reputation in the UK. But it wasn't quite on par with The Independent.

Elizabeth Hurley laughed, placing Arthur's hand on her exposed chest. "Are you interested in British newspapers? The Mirror Group is going bankrupt and being auctioned off. Look at the scandal about Prince Charles on the front page of the Daily Mirror!"

"The Mirror Group?" Arthur, of course, knew it well. In addition to the Daily Mirror and the Sunday Mirror, they owned dozens of local newspapers.

"Wasn't the Jewish publishing magnate Robert Maxwell, who caused a big stir before committing suicide by jumping into the sea last year, the owner of the Mirror Group?" Arthur commented, feeling the 36C in his hand.

Robert Maxwell, a former British MP, had acquired Pergamon Press in his early career, developing it into a large publishing group in the UK.

In the 1980s, he made several acquisitions, most notably merging with America's Macmillan Inc. for $2.6 billion four years ago, forming Maxwell Communication Corporation.

His chaotic acquisitions in North America led Maxwell Communication Corporation to debts exceeding $4.2 billion. After selling Pergamon Press last year, his body was found on a beach at the end of the year.

"The newspapers accused him of being a Mossad spy; his high-profile funeral was held in Israel, and he died after embezzling pension funds and defrauding investors, leaving a debt of $3.9 billion. His most valuable asset, Pergamon Press, was sold off for hundreds of millions of pounds before his death. Now, Maxwell Communication Corporation is insolvent, and many people have lost their life savings because of him!"

Last year, this was a major event in the UK, and Elizabeth Hurley was well aware of it.

"I see," Arthur wasn't about to believe everything reported in the newspapers. It was clear to him that Robert Maxwell was just a pawn for the Jewish financial groups behind him.

"Do you want the Daily Mirror? It's a large-circulation, low-cost tabloid like The Sun, but it's not performing as well now," Elizabeth Hurley reminded Arthur.

"It sounds interesting," Arthur thought the possibility of controlling the Mirror Group seemed very high, "Go, bring me my laptop from the room!"

Arthur tapped the woman in his arms. If he could not get a famous American newspaper, could he not even manage to get a British one?

After Elizabeth Hurley walked away with her long legs, Arthur looked at his watch. It was already mid-April, and there was still no news of riots in Los Angeles.

Arthur then called Jim Kort, who had been in New York since returning from Moscow.

"The Mirror Group in the UK? Arthur, are you interested in the newspaper industry now?"

"Heh, it's just a bankruptcy auction. If the price is right, there's no problem. The Daily Mirror still has some useful legacy and reputation." Arthur took a sip of whiskey from the table. And also, get in touch with the former editor of Vanity Fair, Tina Brown. If I acquire the Mirror Group, I want her to take over!"

"Got it."

After putting down the phone, Elizabeth Hurley walked over with a smile. "Mr. Michael Kuhn from Polygram has invited you to the private club tonight."

"That guy. Galaxy wants to acquire half the shares of Working Title Films to run the British production company with Polygram," Arthur said, laughing as well. "Unexpectedly, at the beginning of the year, Polygram bought out the remaining shares of Working Title Films!"

A couple of years ago, Polygram acquired 49% of Working Title Films. Early this year, Polygram fully owned Working Title Films.

"But hasn't Polygram now signed a distribution deal with Galaxy for North America? They prioritize giving their works to Galaxy for the North American market," Elizabeth Hurley leaned against Arthur.

Arthur replied nonchalantly, "Polygram releases one or two films a year if they're lucky. What value do low-budget films have?"

Galaxy operates on a completely different scale. Polygram has always wanted exclusive rights to distribute Galaxy's films in the UK.

However, it was clear they couldn't handle it. Galaxy could release a dozen or more films a year now, while Polygram's main business was music.

Distributing Hollywood films in the UK faced no obstacles, no need for translation or dubbing. Establishing Galaxy UK was meant for self-distribution.

If it weren't for Siemens and Philips backing Polygram with ample funds, Arthur would have regarded Polygram Films on the same level as Vestron Pictures!

At the same time, in Los Angeles, the first super multiplex cinema in America - the Hollywood Galaxy Cinema - finally opened.

With 18 screens and a total seating capacity of 3000, this luxurious cinema complex was located in the Macy's building!

David Polack, as the person in charge of the Galaxy Cinemas, felt deeply impressed and remarked to Amy Pascal, "No wonder Arthur said this cinema would change the landscape. This single Galaxy Cinema is attracting as much traffic as ten traditional ones."

Amy Pascal nodded, "Carmike Cinemas should have realized it when they rebuilt several of their city cinemas with more than five screens. The multiplex cinema model is the future. Only an entertainment center that integrates movies, shopping, dining, and amusement has a future!"

However, Amy Pascal had hoped to have The Bodyguard as the opening film for the Galaxy Cinema.

Unfortunately, they missed it, but Basic Instinct, produced by Carolco Pictures and distributed by TriStar Pictures, made a strong debut!

The controversial film Basic Instinct grossed $15 million in its opening weekend and surpassed $60 million in North American box office within two weeks.

Undoubtedly, Basic Instinct was the strongest film before the summer blockbuster season.

After returning to Galaxy, Amy Pascal received a report from her assistant, telling her to attend The Bodyguard promotional meeting!

"By the way, are there any noteworthy films releasing around the same time as The Bodyguard?" Amy Pascal suddenly asked since these decisions were primarily made by Arthur.

The assistant blinked, "Warner Bros' Lethal Weapon 3 is releasing a week apart from The Bodyguard!"

Amy Pascal felt a bit resigned. She knew about Arthur and Mel Gibson's feud very well. This would be a confrontation of two strong contenders.

Kevin Costner and Mel Gibson were both action stars, however, Lethal Weapon 3 was a sequel and had an inherent advantage!

*****

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