The very next day, the Los Angeles Entertainment News (a paper that was always friendly to Zane's company) put out a huge headline: "Zane Blackwood, the New ' TV Emperor'!"
This, of course, caused a ton of trouble. The other, bigger TV networks were not happy about it at all.
Disney's big network, ABC, made fun of the title on their morning show.
"The ' TV Emperor'?" the host laughed, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "That's ridiculous! When did that title get so cheap?"
He sneered right at the camera. "I'd like to ask the Los Angeles Entertainment News... does Zane's TV network have any hit TV dramas? No. Does it have any big news shows? No. Does it have any music programs? No! All they have is a cartoon sponge and a talent show. And that makes him an 'emperor'?"
The host's mean words hit home with a lot of people watching. One older man shook his head at his TV. "He's right. That channel has nothing for me. I like serious TV shows, not cartoons."
His wife, however, argued back. "Well, I like 'The Talent Show'! It's fun. And I heard it's moving to their new WB station soon." The old man got grumpy, and the two started to argue.
Later that day, another big network, CBS, jumped in. (CBS was owned by Sony Columbia, who had just made a deal with Zane. But this was business, and they were still competitors!)
The CBS host was even meaner.
"A public media outlet should report facts," he said, "not just flatter billionaires. You can't be an 'emperor' without an empire. So, let's look at the facts."
He paused for a dramatic effect. "Zane's new WB Network... how many local stations does it have across America?"
He knew the answer. "Eleven."
"That's right," the host said with a nasty smile. "Just 11. For comparison, NBC has 251 stations. ABC has 210. Our own CBS has 209. So, I ask you... can a man with only 11 little stations really be called an 'emperor'?"
"Therefore, I can only draw one conclusion: the Los Angeles Entertainment News has published a fake and over-the-top report!"
The audience watching was all riled up! Many young fans who had supported Zane suddenly felt embarrassed. The gap really was too big.
At the same time, in Zane's fancy villa, he was watching the exact same program. And his friends, John Lasseter (from Pixar) and Condy, were watching it with him.
John Lasseter just pointed at the TV and roared with laughter. "Hey, hey, I told you!" he howled. "If they don't curse you, they'll still find a way to criticize you!"
Condy was laughing so hard he was practically falling off the sofa. "I... I liked the part," he gasped, "where he said they shouldn't 'flatter some billionaires!' He didn't say your name, but everyone knew it was you!"
Zane's face turned bright red. He was trying not to laugh, but he was also super annoyed at his friends.
"Hey, hey!" Zane grumbled. "Have you two laughed enough? Especially you, Condy, you jerk!"
With a loud grunt, Zane grabbed a sofa cushion and playfully threw it right at Condy's head, hitting him squarely.
Today's visit from his friends had been a nice surprise.
"Well, man," Lasseter said, still chuckling, "I actually came here today to invite you to our new film screening. It's in half a month."
"Oh yeah?" Zane asked, his interest immediately peaked. "Is it A Bug Life?"
"Yes! It's our first new movie since Toy Story," Lasseter replied. "We're having a small, private screening, and I want you to be there."
Zane nodded. Lasseter then explained that Condy was with him because he was hiring Condy to help him buy a new software company.
As they chatted, the topic went back to the " TV Emperor" name. Zane just leaned back, a mysterious, charming smile on his face.
"Guys, the media can say what they want. I don't take them seriously," he said. He took a sip of his drink. "Besides, believe it or not, it won't be long before they all start calling me the ' TV Emperor'... and they'll actually mean it."
Lasseter and Condy both stopped laughing. They looked at Zane, totally curious.
"What did you do, Zane?" Condy couldn't help but ask.
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