Chapter 93 Bad News

However, not everything was going so smoothly. Soon, the manager of Summit Media, Fegal, brought some not-so-good news.

"Rejected? Is it a matter with ITV?"

After hearing what Fegal said that Summit Media wanted to participate in the transfer of ITV Digital's terrestrial digital TV license, but was rejected, he couldn't help but ask.

"No, ITV doesn't care who takes over ITV Digital. They just want to get rid of this burden. The decision was made by the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee. They believed that we did not have enough funds to carry out terrestrial digital television. business, and we have no previous experience in operating television stations, so we are not qualified to participate in the transfer of one of the three terrestrial digital television licenses owned by ITV Digital."

Barron had previously asked the Prince of Wales to help him carry out work in this area, but it seemed that the effect was not very good.

If ITV is not satisfied with its participation, there is still some room for change, but now that the government refuses their participation, it will be more difficult to handle.

But even so, Barron was still not too panicked, but calmly said to Fegal:

"The BBC is still negotiating with ITV and the government, so you should contact the BBC first - they don't need three licenses at all, and they are not that enthusiastic about this matter, so go through the BBC and take a look first Is there any way?"

"Okay, Your Highness the Duke."

"Besides... forget it, let me do this. You can contact the BBC first."

After sending Fergal away, Barron began to think about this matter.

It seems that he needs to come forward personally to inquire about the news about this matter. He needs to know the specific situation of the Culture, Media and Sports Committee, who is opposed to this matter, what is the reason, and is there anything else behind it? What about factors?

…

"Your Highness, what do you think of Mr. Prime Minister's active advocacy for us to continue to join the attack on Iraq?"

The Crown Prince is indeed very diligent. It can be said that most of the year, you can see him in certain charity and literary events.

This time, Barron met the crown prince at the promotion of an environmental protection project, so naturally, after the crown prince gave a brief speech, Barron got the opportunity to talk to him privately.

Regarding what Barron said, the Crown Prince looked a little cautious:

"There are still big differences in this matter. I think it is still difficult to make a final decision. We need to judge whether we need to join it based on our interests. Well, the attitude of the United States has indeed affected many people. .”

"But what you said before is right, everything must be based on the interests of Great Britain, isn't it? I don't hope that the final result will be to sacrifice our interests to deal with the United States. We are not their vassals, but I was disappointed to find that, There are already signs of a shift toward this outcome.”

Barron's words are not unfounded. Britain does have a close relationship with the United States. To put it bluntly, they are like "each other's father and son."

Historically speaking, the United States became independent from British rule, so in the hearts of many British people, the United States is regarded as their "son."

However, after World War II, a pattern of confrontation between the two powers was formed. Britain fell from its position as the global hegemon, but it needed the support of the United States to continue to become one of the powerful countries. Later, it relied more and more on the United States. In the eyes of the United States, Here, Ying Lun is like a "son", and he will beat him from time to time...

Well, it can be said that human relations are chaotic.

But now Britain is not as obedient and following the United States as it was twenty years later, or ten years later. Instead, it pays more attention to its influence in Europe and the world.

The important turning point was during the years when Prime Minister Clare was in power, especially after following the United States in the Iraq War, Britain began to become the "follower" of the United States.

You must know that in Barron's previous life, the United States did not receive authorization from the United Nations to use force against Iraq. Instead, it bypassed the United Nations and forcibly launched a war.

This move was even opposed by many of its "allies" at the time. The only one who followed the United States and sent troops was Britain.

Because of this, Claire was protested by the British people and her support rate plummeted.

Because in the final analysis, unlike the military-industrial energy complex represented by the American commander-in-chief at this time, the British side does not have that strong need for war, and there is no need to participate in the war against Iraq.

Moreover, the main reason why the United States used force against Iraq was that the other party attempted to use euros to settle oil. This would have a huge impact on the dollar-oil system.

But does this have anything to do with England? Neither the U.S. dollar nor the euro has much to do with the British pound.

And this also involves the interests of the European Union. If it is only based on national interests, Britain can just sit on the sidelines.

Therefore, after Barron said this, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince still agreed very much from the look on his face.

Of course, this time, Barron came here not to talk about this with the crown prince. The reason why he started talking was just to introduce his own topic:

"Your Highness, so I think that many times, our situation is a little... weird."

"How do you say it? Barron."

"Our government is following the footsteps of the United States, but our media is controlled by American capital, and our finance is also..."

Having said this, Barron shook his head:

"Next, I'm afraid that we in Great Britain will no longer face our own allies, but will face the suzerain country as a slave country."

Hearing Barron's "alarmist" words, the Crown Prince wanted to say something, but after thinking about it, he found that it was really difficult to refute, so he couldn't help but sigh - the current Daying was no longer what he had seen back then. That "empire on which the sun never sets".

"In addition, did you know? Your Highness, the Culture, Media and Sport Special Committee has rejected our participation in ITV Digital's competition for terrestrial digital television licenses, and the BBC is currently not so enthusiastic about this project. If this continues, our The programs that people will see in the future will probably be monopolized by Sky TV."

"Barron, I have been paying attention to this matter, and the reason is not too complicated..."

The crown prince patted Barron on the shoulder and said:

"In the matter of terrestrial digital TV, the government is still worried about your company's qualifications. If it can meet the requirements, I will help you negotiate a peace."

"I understand this, but I'm just afraid that there will be some human factors in it. After all, you know, my newspaper has been criticizing the Prime Minister recently, and Ms. Jowell, you know, she has always been loyal to the Prime Minister. dedicated……"

The Ms. Jowell that Barron is talking about is Tessa Jowell, the current minister of culture, information and sport in the cabinet. On many matters, she is the most supportive member of the cabinet for the prime minister. It is no wonder that Barron would There is this speculation.