Flowers, Swords and France

Next to the Place de la Battle in the 10th arrondissement of Paris, there is a newly built building. The area it is located in had experienced war at the end of June when government troops marched into Paris to clear out the mob. Although this attic was not directly damaged by the war, the surrounding area was still filled with bullet marks and bullet marks left by it. stains. This is the last remnant left in people’s memory of the June Revolution.

One of the buildings is owned by a newspaper - it has been renamed "The Observer" after a recent change of owners.

Today, on the top floor of this building, this new newspaper is holding a new high-level collective meeting.

Charles sat on the main seat and looked at the media people under him rather coldly.

"Gentlemen, although I was just a layman at the beginning, after this period of observation, I think I already have some understanding of this industry... Because I already have some understanding, I have to come to a regrettable conclusion. The conclusion..." His cold gaze swept over everyone present, making him They were all a little uncomfortable, "We are not even a newspaper, we are just a relayer of other people's information, or a hodgepodge of messy social news, crime cases, and third-rate novels! What's the use of this to me?" I run a newspaper just to reprint these things? It’s ridiculous!”

His conclusion made the others even more uncomfortable, but no one dared to interrupt their boss, so they could only let the boss continue.

"What, did I say something wrong?" He saw that the atmosphere in the room was getting more and more solemn. Charles sneered, "Gentlemen, the most important job of a newspaper is to publish news. The latest news! And what about us? Where do our news sources come from? We just buy them from others! Now, ha The real news is at Vas News Agency, they are the newspaper agency, and we, we are not at all!”

[In 1825, banker Charles Havas (1783-1858) established a firm. It specializes in providing financial, economic, political and other information collected mainly from major European financial cities such as London, Brussels, Amsterdam, etc. to financial and business people and political figures.

This business brought rich returns beyond his expectation, and prompted the firm to develop the "Agence Havas" in 1835, becoming the first modern media organization in the world at that time. They initially Use carrier pigeons. Then use telegraph lines to deliver messages.

In the original historical plane, this news agency later became a media giant in France, almost monopolizing the response and dissemination of information in France, and all other newspapers received information from him. And the Havas people have become people's eyes as the most well-informed people in the country.

to the end of World War I. Havas already controls 80% of French newspaper advertising, making it the largest media monopoly in France. It was not until Germany invaded France in 1940 that the Havas news agency was forced to disband.

In this era, various newspapers in Paris also joined the Havas News Agency's manuscript system, because for newspapers considering it, instead of sending people to compile foreign news, it would be more cost-effective to purchase Havas news. Therefore, at that time, although people saw foreign information in different newspapers. In fact, the sources are the same. To the extreme, it can be said. In terms of external news, France in this era had only one newspaper.

After hearing Ciel's harsh words, the others became even more anxious. They looked at each other for a few times, and finally, editor-in-chief Madge Anz had to come out and put in a good word for his subordinates.

"Sir, I admit that what I said is indeed reasonable..." He had a flattering smile on his face and his tone was very humble, "But you can also see our difficulties, right? We are stationed across the country and even all over Europe. Journalists will be a huge expense... and Havas has established a delivery network, and it is difficult for us to compete with them, not just us, but almost all newspapers in Paris, and there is no way..."

"That was the situation in the past, and the situation is completely different now." Charles interrupted him directly, "I can't tolerate this situation continuing. Yes, I mean... we also need to establish our Communication network!”

After hearing his words, as Charles expected, the solemnity in the room suddenly turned into excitement.

"Yes, I will invest more and build a reliable information delivery network here, across the country and throughout Europe, and "Monitor" and our news agency will be the center of this network, and it will use all means Collect information and then deliver it to every corner of the world faster than anyone else!" Ciel said his plan. "Of course, this is just my preliminary idea, but I believe that as long as we continue to work hard, this day will come."

"Great! Great!!" Marchianz couldn't help but cheered.

Of course he and his men would be cheering - everyone knew what this meant.

"So, how are we going to build this network?" After a moment, he finally regained some composure, "If we invest more, we can recruit more reporters and open news sites abroad... However, we will have to work with Kazakhstan. Mr. Vas and others compete.”

"If you want to expand your business, then why fear competition? If you want to fight, then fight. Who is afraid of who?" Charles smiled and continued to encourage these people with bold words, "Think about it, gentlemen, as long as we work together to get this done, how superior will we be in the news industry next?"

Then, regardless of other people's reactions, he looked directly at Machienz.

"Mr. Machiants is a senior professional, so I think this idea needs to be implemented, so it will be hard for a while. Let's make a plan first, list our future action steps. And the required budget, let's find a way to spread the network to the whole city of Paris first."

"Okay, no problem, sir!" Machiants agreed with a little excitement, "I will do my best!"

"In addition..." Charles added, "I hope to find some capable people to fill our staff. The more informed the better. As long as they can get the news, no matter what means they use. Remember. As long as there is talent, I am never afraid of paying high rewards."

"Understood!" Machiants nodded repeatedly. "Sir, don't worry. As long as you are willing to invest in this newspaper, I will do my best to help achieve this goal."

"Very good." Charles looked at the other party's reaction and nodded with satisfaction. "We just want this determination."

Then he looked at everyone again. "Since you already know my plan and our prospects, I believe you will make wise choices for your future. I have pointed out the direction for everyone. It depends on your efforts to move forward. I hope your performance will satisfy me."

"Yes!"

"Understood!"

"Then, let's adjourn the meeting." Charles made a gesture.

……………………

After everyone else dispersed, the editor-in-chief, Machiants, stayed.

"Mr. de Treville, I can give you the plan you want in two days." He looked at Charles cautiously.

"Mr. Machiants. Do you think my idea has a high chance of success?" Charles, who was sitting on a chair, suddenly asked.

"Of course..."

"Speak from your heart, I won't blame you."

The smile on Machiants' face slowly disappeared, and was replaced by a serious and solemn look.

"Do you want to hear the truth?"

"Yes." Charles nodded.

"I... I..." After hesitating for a moment, he finally made up his mind and decided to tell the truth, "I admit it's very difficult."

"Oh? Can you tell me more?"

After a moment of silence, Machiants spoke.

The original text is available at 6 # 9 @shu/bar!

"Sir, you may be very rich, and you may be prepared to invest heavily. These are necessary conditions for success, but they cannot guarantee foolproofness...Yes, especially in the news industry you are going to work in." Machiants sighed softly, "Newspapers and news are two different things. It was right before that most newspapers just reprint a hodgepodge of thriller news and third-rate novels...The real information is only in the hands of a very small number of organizations. They are not only rich, but the key is that they have power and can build relationships with governments of various countries and obtain exclusive information. And in this era, it is even more so. Whoever can control the operation of the telegraph line naturally has the exclusive right to information."

He carefully looked at Charles again, and after making sure that the other party was really not angry, he dared to continue. "Sir, maybe the idea is really grand, but... Mr. Hawass has been ahead for a long time, and he has established a deep enough network of relationships to get really valuable information. In particular, I heard that he is now preparing to rent the telegraph line from Paris to Brussels - once he completes such a deal, its position will be unshakable..."

Charles knew that he was right.

In a nutshell, news, a highly monopolistic and centralized business involving important aspects of national economy and people's livelihood, is not only about having concepts and investments, but also requires government support - as long as the government is willing to give information to a certain media, then it will naturally have an advantage; and if the government is willing to let this media participate in the operation of telegraph and communication networks, then it will be invincible.

However, he was wrong about one thing.

Charles Hawass has connections and power, doesn't Charles de Treville have it now?

He does!

And when Louis Bonaparte comes to power, his connections and power will only become greater!

So Shargen was not afraid of the dominant position of Havas News Agency - in this era, they had not yet achieved the monopoly that they later achieved, but only had the first-mover advantage.

He smiled.

"Thank you, Mr. Machiants. I appreciate your honesty and dedication."

He could indeed choose not to say anything - he could take the budget and investment given to him by Shar and play around for a while and make a lot of money from it. But he directly expressed his opinion to Shar: If you don't have enough power and connections, don't do this business, so as not to waste money.

Based on these few words, it was an extremely correct decision to let him be the editor-in-chief.

"We have recognized the situation, but we have not yet recognized our true position." Charles lowered his voice in a mysterious manner, "Don't worry, I am not the kind of person who likes to waste money. Since I have decided to devote myself to it, then I must have my overall plan... I just need to complete the work well."

"What do you mean...?"

"Yes, the operating rights of the telegraph line are indeed crucial to us." Charles nodded lightly, "So we must rent the telegraph line from Paris to Brussels."

Machianz looked at Charles in doubt. His eyes slowly changed from unbelievable to blazing eagerness.

"Can it really be done?"

"Of course." Charles nodded, "Not now, but at least in a few months."

The veins on the middle-aged man's temples bulged, and he was obviously extremely excited.

He suddenly stretched out his hand and grabbed Charles' hand.

"Then, please rest assured, I will do my best to complete the plan!" (To be continued..)