America 1982-Chapter 326 - 22: The Era Is Calling Me_3
This was because its frequency spectrum was assigned by the system to a major UHF television station, which meant it had to relocate to another new public frequency to broadcast.
In big cities, being a die-hard viewer of this kind of Grade-A television station meant one had to be psychologically prepared to search for the station’s signal every day upon turning on the TV.
In less populated areas, due to the sparse population and the lack of major stations, Grade-A stations managed to survive by airing various odd commercials for local businesses, such as all sorts of miracle drugs, farming implements, car repair shops, and the like.
The stations Er selected were all in major cities with sizable Black populations, funded by Black money. These Grade-A stations had the peculiar trait of having their audiences often unable to find them the next day, but because they had sponsorships feeding them ad revenue, they were able to stay afloat. They wouldn’t starve nor go out of business, but they couldn’t expect opulent wealth—just making ends meet was the best they could do.
The reason why sponsors were willing to help was simple: these Grade-A stations were essentially local Black community TV stations. Even the loss of a dog in the community might make it onto their shows, often featuring local Black guests at the station. The Black community had a strong desire to be seen, and by offering them free TV appearances, these stations could generally secure several hundred loyal viewers who tuned in at regular times. The sponsors’ goal was the votes in the hands of these viewers. They were not only the patrons of these TV stations but also partners of certain local Black council members who could garner support from those viewers through the community channels.
"Besides making contact with the TV stations, have you visited those Black communities?" Tommy asked Er after finishing the documents.
Er took a sip of coffee, "I visited some. The programs on the FOX network have become very popular with the Black community lately, impacting those small stations. The two most popular shows among these communities on FOX, ’America’s Most Wanted’ and ’Women in Prison,’ you can imagine just by the names, suit the taste of my fellow underprivileged. FOX, by glamorizing street gangs and prison life, attracts the attention of the lower-class audience. This is also why the big three networks are dissatisfied with FOX—it’s bringing down the taste of the TV industry."
"It’s a useful tactic, and FOX, after drawing attention with these shows, sells semi-factual news to the audience," Tommy said, picking up the remote control and turning on the TV next to him.
On it was FOX’s economic talk show with a host bringing a dynamic and entertaining rhythm, inviting experts to explain what ’Reaganomics’ was and how the various industries had relaxed economic environments during President Reagan’s tenure.
"The lower-class audience can’t tell truth from falsehood. They have no idea that there is only a year and a half left in Reagan’s presidency; throughout his term, the minimum wage in America has not increased at all. They also don’t know that during his tenure, the United States became the biggest debtor nation in the world. Even less do they realize that what the BS expert on TV is saying about the deregulation and reform of industries such as aviation, motor transport, railroads, telecommunications, natural gas, and banking being credited to President Reagan is a complete lie. Those were efforts made during Carter’s administration. After watching their favorite programs, viewers immediately hear these lies and gradually, subconsciously start to feel that this Republican President Reagan isn’t so bad, apparently doing many good deeds," said Tommy, his eyes fixed on the screen.
"It’s not bringing down the taste of the TV industry, it’s undermining the historical status of the TV industry. Before FOX, all networks were neutral, at least they appeared to be. So if either party wanted to convey their ideology to the public, they had to prop up the big three networks. But from the day FOX was born, it had chosen sides. That’s the real reason the major networks are unhappy with FOX, although they are powerless to do anything about it. When FOX started making TV programs in the shameless style of ’The Sun,’ they lined up to attack it, so they couldn’t just become as shameless as FOX overnight. That would mean surrendering to FOX, allowing an outsider to teach them how to make more attractive TV programs," he continued.
"So, you think what they need is an up-and-coming talent in the American TV industry, someone with enough cash and shamelessness, to step forward?" Er looked at Tommy and asked with a smile.
Tommy replied earnestly, "I cannot let my beloved country, my beloved people, be fed lies by some redneck from Australia. The times are calling us, Er. This is our mission."
"You say that to my Black brothers and sisters; they might believe you. I’m not within your brainwashing range, Tommy." Er made a ’Stop’ gesture, indicating Tommy should cease feeding him with the usual spiel used to bamboozle his brethren.
Tommy also laughed and skillfully steered the conversation back, "You’ve finished the first round of contacts and have picked out some potential partners, right? It’s time for the second round."
"Contacting those Black millionaires behind the TV stations?" Er nodded in understanding, "I have indeed collected some information on a few people."
"No, Er, why are you here?" Tommy shook his head, indicating Er had guessed wrong, before asking him.
With candor, Er replied, "Because the price you offered was tempting."
"No, the times are calling you. You’re here for Black equality. You gave up working as a lawyer helping Black individuals, hoping to assist the Black community through the media. The Black Panther Party no longer exists, but there could be a more moderate Black organization, maybe with a gentle-sounding name like ’Sunshine Rainbow.’ Don’t strive for political rights or get entangled in public policies. This organization would exist just to advocate for the welfare and economic support of Black people, as well as equal educational opportunities," Tommy said earnestly to Er.
