Chapter 263 The Next Target
Facing such a character, Run Run Shaw couldn't help but be curious—he wanted to know just how capable Lin Haoran really was.
"Mr. Shaw, you're putting me in a difficult spot," Lin Haoran laughed modestly.
"In truth, I'm an outsider to the film and television industry.
But still, I have full confidence that Mr. Shaw will manage TVB brilliantly.
Nonetheless, even as an outsider, I dare to offer a few humble suggestions:
First, find the right market positioning for TVB;
Second, place greater emphasis on the original drama production department;
Third, keep up with technological advances;
Fourth, produce higher-quality dramas and variety shows;
Fifth, expand into overseas markets..."
Although offering such advice to Run Run Shaw felt like showing off one's sword in front of Guan Yu, Lin Haoran knew he needed to display some insight to earn respect.
If he said nothing, Shaw might look down on him.
"Mr. Lin, are you suggesting that TVB hasn't found the right market positioning yet?" Run Run Shaw interrupted, intrigued.
Everything else he understood well, but when it came to "market positioning," he was curious to hear Lin Haoran's specific view.
"In my opinion, TVB's attempt at comprehensive programming isn't wrong.
Given that there are only two major TV stations in Hong Kong, a wide variety of programming is natural.
However, the focus shouldn't be too grandiose;
Instead, it should reflect the lives of ordinary Hong Kong citizens.
Why?
Because although middle and upper-class audiences are important, they make up only a small part of the viewership.
If TVB's programming can't attract the working-class masses, then we're forfeiting the majority of our potential audience.
There are few TV channels in Hong Kong.
Advertisers don't particularly care about the exact demographics of viewers—they care about viewership ratings.
Higher ratings mean better advertising impact and higher ad fees.
Thus, boosting TVB's ratings is crucial.
That's why I emphasize the need to find and fix TVB's market positioning," Lin Haoran explained earnestly.
He had followed TVB's programs closely.
Coming from an ordinary background in his previous life, he knew exactly what everyday people liked or disliked.
In recent years, Rediffusion Television had surpassed TVB mainly due to their precise programming focus.
Their popular series like The Bund, Heroes from the Imperial Court, and The Battle of the Heroes resonated deeply with Hong Kong audiences.
Moreover, Rediffusion was planning to launch an even bigger hit: The Seasons of Love trilogy (Home in Pearl River, Thunder in the Ancient Capital, The Gold Mountain Dream).
This series would create record ratings highs, even forcing TVB to prematurely cancel its competing drama, Relic of an Emissary.
Clearly, market positioning was key.
Of course, Lin Haoran was just offering theoretical advice based on his knowledge from his previous life.
Managing TVB properly would be a much bigger challenge.
After Lin Haoran finished speaking, Run Run Shaw fell into deep thought.
He occasionally frowned, sometimes took deep breaths, carefully digesting Lin Haoran's ideas.
"Mr. Lin, I have learned a lot from you!"
Suddenly, Run Run Shaw stood up and bowed slightly toward Lin Haoran.
He understood well the importance of emphasizing original dramas and developing overseas markets.
In fact, he had often given suggestions like creating the Miss Hong Kong Pageant and the TVB Artist Training Class—ideas that had greatly benefited TVB and Shaw Brothers.
But Lin Haoran's thoughts about market positioning struck him profoundly.
"Mr. Lin, you call yourself an outsider, but I think you have sharper ideas than many insiders!" Run Run Shaw exclaimed.
"Mr. Shaw, you flatter me.
I just shared some random thoughts.
What matters most is that you soon become TVB's chairman and lift the ratings.
As a shareholder, I naturally hope to see a good return," Lin Haoran said modestly with a smile.
Though TVB was currently trailing Rediffusion, it still held important advantages.
For instance, TVB was a pioneer in free-to-air television.
Rediffusion had initially focused on paid television and only later ventured into free broadcasting.
Thus, TVB had established a loyal audience base early on.
Moreover, Rediffusion would soon suffer from repeated changes in ownership—first being sold to an Australian consortium, then resold to the Far East Group under Mr. Yau.
Frequent ownership changes inevitably led to managerial instability, harming ratings.
By contrast, TVB had enjoyed consistent leadership—had it not been for Lee Siu Ho's sudden death, the company's executive team would have remained stable.
This stability was a key competitive advantage.
Lin Haoran continued to discuss various ideas with Run Run Shaw.
Although he had no confidence in managing TVB himself, he could certainly offer valuable insights based on his previous life's experience.
Run Run Shaw's attitude toward Lin Haoran evolved dramatically throughout the conversation.
Initially cautious and wary, he gradually relaxed once Lin Haoran made it clear he had no interest in the chairman's seat.
Then, he was surprised by Lin Haoran's insightfulness.
Finally, he developed a genuine admiration for this young man.
In Shaw's mind, it was fortunate that TVB was not a listed company.
Otherwise, if Lin Haoran had seriously competed for power, he might not have been able to win.
At the right moment, Shaw said:
"By the way, Mr. Lin, TVB plans to hold a board meeting tomorrow at 9 a.m.
As a major shareholder, you should attend.
We will elect a new chairman and executive team."
Given that Lin Haoran had only just acquired the Lee family's shares, TVB hadn't had time to officially notify him.
Thus, Run Run Shaw took the opportunity to deliver the news personally.
"I'll attend on time, Mr. Shaw.
Rest assured—I only recognize you as TVB's rightful chairman.
If anyone else tries to compete, I'll oppose it," Lin Haoran said firmly.
TVB's future growth depended on Shaw.
Anyone else would be a risk.
For Lin Haoran, TVB's value was strategic:
It was a media platform he could use when needed.
Higher ratings and greater influence would only enhance its usefulness.
Besides, once TVB went public and its market cap soared, Lin Haoran would profit handsomely.
TV would eventually decline—but that was thirty years away.
By then, he would have already cashed out.
After the conversation, Run Run Shaw left the reception room with complex but satisfied emotions.
Watching him leave, Lin Haoran stretched lazily.
Now that TVB's issues were settled perfectly, it was time to focus on the next goal: Hongkong Land.
He couldn't wait to control Hong Kong's largest real estate company.
Once in control, he would also influence Hongkong Land's development strategy.
He knew that between 1981 and 1982, due to reckless expansion, Hongkong Land would accumulate massive debts.
Real estate companies naturally took on debt—but to what degree mattered.
During that period, Hongkong Land made risky investments without properly assessing the market.
The result: huge losses and becoming infamous as Hong Kong's "Debt King."
Since he was about to become Hongkong Land's new owner, Lin Haoran would not allow reckless decisions.
Any reckless expansions would be firmly prevented.
After all, once he took over, it would be his money on the line.
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