America 1919

Moved as I may be, I still need to maintain the necessary greed.

Donnie breathed a sigh of relief, as he wasn't worried about Ban Johnson quibbling over the exclusive fees; it was the duration of the contract that concerned him.

Donnie was certain that if Atlantic City Broadcast could secure the exclusive broadcasting rights for Major League Baseball, then he would be able to bring in much more advertising revenue from the broadcast of the events.

This was like renting a shop space—the landlord initially offers a low rent, but as soon as you start doing business and the landlord sees the income the property can generate, he will certainly consider raising the rent.

If the lease term is relatively short, then you're completely at the mercy of the landlord!

Donnie said, "Although I don't know exactly what those guys discussed with you, Ban, I believe it boils down to two points. The first is that they told you they're going to establish their own broadcasting stations soon and therefore also want to cooperate with you."

"The second is even simpler. They're using their relationship with you, Ban, to persuade you to observe for a bit longer and give them more leverage in their negotiations with me!"

Ban Johnson did not deny Donnie's words but simply smiled and said, "Since you already know all this, Donnie, I suppose an annual exclusive fee of 1.5 million US Dollars isn't too high, right?"

After speaking, Ban Johnson sat there, relaxed, watching Donnie.

"I really hate how you people act, as though you're all certain that you can manipulate me!" Donnie thought to himself, his face smiling but his heart cold.

These people were used to wielding power over others, which is why they were now so calm and smug, believing they could make Donnie cough up more to satisfy them!

"Mr. Johnson, if that's the case, then I really do have something I'd like to discuss with you," Donnie said with a smile.

"Go ahead," Ban Johnson gestured with his hand, "but I hope you won't take too long, Donnie. I wouldn't want Miss Farmer to be kept waiting too long!"

Donnie continued, "Whether it's General Electric or Westinghouse, their ultimate goal is to take a stake in Atlantic City Broadcast. If I ultimately agree to their investment, then the matter is quite simple—at that point, they and I are aligned in our interests."

"Would they be willing to pay an annual fee of 1 million…1.5 million US Dollars for an uncertain exclusive broadcasting right then?

"Mr. Johnson, you understand them better than I do. I think even without me spelling it out, you already know the answer, don't you?"

"Besides, if I do not agree to their investment, I am confident that, with the strength of General Electric and Westinghouse, they can quickly establish a commercial radio station."

"But what makes a newly established broadcasting station think it can compete with Atlantic City Broadcast, which has reported on Miss America, the President's speeches, and a whole host of other events, and has millions of listeners in the United States?"

"Perhaps, Mr. Johnson, you think this doesn't matter and that as long as the three companies compete against each other, your Major League Baseball will benefit more."

"But again, an exclusive broadcasting fee of 1.5 million US Dollars, at a time when it's still unclear whether the outcome will be good or bad—do you think they would be willing to pay that price?"

The smile faded from Ban Johnson's face, and his expression became serious.

Just as Donnie had said, Ban Johnson knew those people too well; he might not have considered it before, but after Donnie's reminder, it was impossible for him not to see it!

Seeing Ban Johnson fall silent, Donnie kept talking: "While currently no other sports event in the United States can compare to Major League Baseball, it doesn't mean baseball is the only game in town. I could collaborate with the college football league or the Masters golf tournament."

"With Atlantic City Broadcast having millions of listeners and the number still growing, these events might attract even greater public interest."

"After all, due to the Black Sox scandal, the credibility of Major League Baseball has plummeted to an all-time low, and people are desperately looking for other sports events to fill the void, right?"

Ban Johnson's demeanor began to tense up, but he retorted with stubbornness, "Donnie, when you thought about doing this, the first thing that came to mind was our Major League Baseball. You know that only by working with us can there be a truly powerful alliance, right?"

Donnie nodded with a smile, "Of course, I never denied that, which is why I've come tonight with sincerity!"

Having said that, Donnie pulled out a check from his jacket pocket, placed it on the table, and said, "Here is a check for 100,000 US Dollars as a gesture of good faith. So, Mr. Johnson..."

At this point, Donnie stood up, straightened his jacket, and continued, "I hope, Mr. Johnson, that you won't take too long to consider. After all, I've been quite busy, and I think one night should be more than enough! An exclusive fee of 1 million US Dollars is already quite substantial."

With that, Donnie didn't wait for Ban Johnson's response but got up and walked toward the door. Just as he reached the doorway, he suddenly stopped, turned back in a leisurely manner, and said.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om