:15:01
it had the worst programming record
in television history.
:15:03
This network hasn't one show
in the top 20.
:15:06
This network is an industry joke.
:15:08
We better start putting together
one winner for next September.
:15:11
I want a show developed...
:15:13
based on the activities
of a terrorist group.
:15:17
"Joseph Stalin and His Merry Band
of Bolsheviks."
:15:19
I want ideas from you.
That is what you're paid for.
:15:22
By the way, the next time I send
an audience research report around...
:15:26
you'd better read it,
or I'll sack the lot of you.
:15:28
Is that clear?
:15:30
I'll be on the coast in four weeks. Can
you set up a meeting with Laureen Hobbs?
:15:36
The business of management
is management.
:15:39
At the time CCA took control,
the UBS TV network was foundering...
:15:43
with less than seven percent
of national television revenues...
:15:46
most network programs being sold
at station rates.
:15:49
I am pleased to announce I am submitting
to the board of directors a plan...
:15:52
for the coordination
of the main profit centers...
:15:55
and with the specific intention
of making each division...
:15:58
more responsive to management.
:16:01
Point one.
:16:03
"The division producing the lowest rate
of return has been the News Division...
:16:07
with its $98 million budget and its
average annual deficit of $32 million."
:16:13
I know, historically, news divisions
are expected to lose money.
:16:17
To our minds, this philosophy
is a wanton fiscal affront...
:16:19
to be resolutely resisted.
:16:23
The new plan calls for local news to be
transferred to Owned Stations Divisions.
:16:28
News Radio would be transferred to
the UBS Radio Division...
:16:32
and the News Division would be reduced
from an independent division...
:16:36
to a department accountable
to network.
:16:45
- What was that all about, Ed?
- This is not the time.
:16:48
Why wasn't I told about this?
:16:50
Why was I led up onto that podium and
humiliated in front of the stockholders?
:16:54
Goddamn it! I spoke to John Wheeler
this morning...
:16:57
and he assured me
that the News Division was safe.
:16:59
If you want me to resign,
that's a bad way to do it.