LRAB Page 435
Page 435
No matter how incompetent Fudge was, he still had a clear understanding of these crucial issues.
He understood perfectly where his power came from—it was because he had such a group of subordinates willing to obey him that he was the Minister of Magic; otherwise, he would have been a figurehead.
To maintain such a group of subordinates, there are essentially only two ways: shared ideals and shared interests.
Fudge doesn't seem like someone with much political ambition, so all he can offer is benefits.
And a sense of security is one of these benefits.
These are all basic political principles, and from this perspective, Levin's proposal is utterly ignorant.
If this suggestion had come from someone other than an underage wizard like him, but from a senior employee of the Ministry of Magic like Jaina, Fudge would have suspected that the other party was deliberately trying to sow discord.
Levin raised an eyebrow slightly. He knew, of course, that Fudge would not agree to such a suggestion, but he was not saying it to bring down Umbridge. He knew very well that it would be difficult for him to do so before Fudge was truly brought down.
He deliberately made such an unreliable suggestion just to set the stage for what he was about to say.
He pretended to think for a moment (Zhao Wanghao), and then offered another suggestion: "Perhaps you could consider taking back control of the Dementors and taking direct control yourself. This would be a form of punishment for Umbridge—removing her authority for mismanagement, while also protecting her from losing her position in the eyes of your subordinates."
Fudge's eyes lit up when he heard this, and he thought the idea was feasible.
He thought to himself, "In this way, I will still have firm control over the Dementors, which will both appease Sirius's anger and maintain the stability of the Ministry of Magic."
Now, Fudge was relieved.
He stood up, regaining his elegant posture, refilled his and Levin's cups of black tea, then slowly sat back down in the chair behind his desk, his tone unhurried: "So, Levin, can you tell me how The Quibbler plans to report on this?"
“Of course, Minister. We can’t completely avoid reporting on it,” Levin blinked. “But we can selectively reveal some information and use more neutral terminology to describe the whole event. This way, we adhere to the principles of journalistic accuracy while avoiding unnecessary panic and misunderstanding. The report doesn’t need to be too long; concise and clear is sufficient.”
Chapter 486 Being both player and referee
Levin agreed to provide assistance to Fudge.
But he didn't leave immediately, because next, it was his turn to state his terms.
He paused, then changed the subject: "Oh, by the way, Minister, there's something I'd like to ask for your help with. Did you know I'm recently considering starting a television station?"
Fudge was slightly taken aback, raising an eyebrow; clearly, this topic had taken him by surprise.
In fact, Fudge had only heard about this from his subordinates, but he himself had no idea what it was.
He quickly scanned his memory to make sure he hadn't missed any instructions regarding this matter before slowly speaking: "Hmm? Has someone in the department caused you trouble? I remember I clearly instructed them not to create any obstacles for your legitimate projects. As long as you don't rashly use Muggle technology, they should all let you through."
Levin waved his hand and explained, “Minister, you misunderstand. We learned a lot from the lessons of the Underworld Wizarding Broadcasting Company. Therefore, when designing our magical television, we paid special attention to its isolation from Muggle television. Our television signals and energy are completely separate from the Muggle world, ensuring that we do not violate the provisions of the Secrets Act. In fact, the procedures for the television station went very smoothly, and we have already completed the product registration.”
The so-called Underworld Wizard Broadcasting Company was the wizarding world's first attempt at television.
This was also a short-lived wizarding television broadcasting company, founded in the early 1980s by "a few energetic wizards" who hoped to have a channel dedicated to wizards on television.
However, their approach was to directly use Muggle technology, enabling their television programs to be received by Muggle television. This directly led to the station being shut down by the Ministry of Magic before it had even broadcast any programs, due to a serious violation of the International Wizarding Union's Secrecy Act.
“So, Levin, how exactly do you want me to help?” Fudge’s brow furrowed slightly.
Although he didn't fully understand the concept of a television station that Levin described, he could sense from Levin's words that it didn't seem to involve any violations.
So, what exactly does Levin want to ask for?
“Minister, this is my idea.” Levin smiled slightly and explained, “The wizarding world can’t always have only one television station. As the wizarding world develops, there will definitely be other ambitious people who will join this industry in the future. Therefore, I suggest that the Ministry of Magic establish a special department for unified management.”
At this point, he finally revealed his true intentions:
"Given that this is an emerging industry, I think it's appropriate for Ms. Jaina to decide who should head this department. After all, as one of the first Ministry of Magic officials to get involved in this matter, she has a deeper understanding of the industry."
Seemingly worried that Fudge might not understand, Levin further explained: "In this way, we can look at the problem from both the perspectives of government management and the operation of the television station itself, and make targeted improvements from both perspectives, so that we can eventually formulate the most reasonable management laws."
Levin's words sounded nice, but frankly, it's about wanting to be both a player and a referee.
After listening, Fudge fell into deep thought, weighing the potential impact of this new department.
"Levin, could you elaborate on the scope of authority for this new department? I don't want it to conflict with the functions of other departments."
“Of course, please rest assured, we do not intend to change the existing structure of the Ministry of Magic,” Levin immediately promised. “The authority and scope of this new department will be limited to managing the film and television industry and related content. It will not interfere with the normal work of other departments; it will simply exist as an independent department. We hope you can grant us permission so that we can carry out our work smoothly.”
Fudge gradually realized Levin's true intentions.
He realized that this was Levin's condition in exchange for a low-key handling of the Dementor attack.
However, the concern that Jaina's faction might take the opportunity to control new media still lingered in his mind.
Despite Levin's seemingly plausible reasoning, Fudge couldn't predict what kind of impact this so-called television station would have on the wizarding world, nor could he judge whether the conditions were too low or too high.
"In fact, we have already made several prototypes and invited Mr. Tilden Toots and Ms. Fleur Delacour, the well-known hosts of Wizards Radio, to record a pilot episode for us."
When talking about television programs, Levin revealed an undisguised excitement.
Levin continued to describe their plan in detail: "Next, we will place a lot of advertisements in mainstream newspapers such as The Quibbler, The Daily Prophet, and Wizarding Weekly. At the same time, we will place a lot of televisions in the windows of shops in bustling areas such as Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade Village, and conduct test broadcasts to nearby wizarding residents to let more people know about and pay attention to our television station."
Then he added enticingly, “We originally planned to implement this series of publicity plans after the start of the school year, but if you need, we can bring it forward to this month. You know, these new things always attract a lot of attention, and their appearance will definitely divert the public’s attention away from the Harry attack. What do you think, Minister?”
This is just creating a brand out of thin air. In fact, Leben had originally planned to implement a publicity plan this month. The reason he said this was to have two benefits at once and to do Fudge a favor.
Before Fudge's downfall, his connections were still quite useful.
Fudge was clearly moved by Levin's words, and so he agreed to Levin's request without hesitation.
“Alright, Levin,” Fudge said slowly, a hint of relief in his voice. “I agree with your proposal. I will arrange for the establishment of the relevant department as soon as possible, how about... placing it under the Department of Sports? This would be both functionally appropriate and convenient for Ms. Gianna to manage the operation of this new department.”
“Of course, Mr. Minister, it’s your decision.” Levin readily agreed on such trivial matters.
Fudge agreed so readily partly because he was eager to get rid of the effects of the Dementor incident.
This matter weighed heavily on his mind, making it hard for him to breathe. He desperately needed to take some measures to divert public attention and alleviate his stress.
On the other hand, he is also well aware of the powerful influence of "Singing the Divergence" today.
This magazine, which was originally lukewarm, has seen its sales approach those of The Daily Prophet thanks to its achievements in discovering multiple new species and its series of reports after last year's World Cup and the Three Kingdoms Tournament.
He worried that if he didn't contribute anything, the things reported by "Singing the Divergence" would embarrass him greatly.
Moreover, Fudge was aware that his relationship with Dumbledore had been somewhat strained lately.
If "The Quibbler" really blows up, Dumbledore might use it as an opportunity to attack him, which is not the outcome he wants.
——————This is the dividing line for "Singing a Different Tune"——————
With Minister Fudge's order, the Ministry of Magic sprang into action. Soon after, under Ludo Bagman's leadership, a brand new office was established: the Office of Broadcasting and Television Administration.
The establishment of this office marks the formal inclusion of the emerging television industry into the wizarding world's management system.
However, since this was an unprecedented attempt, the wizarding world had no existing experience or models to draw upon.
Moreover, for the foreseeable future, this office will likely only be managing one television station, Levin's.
Therefore, in terms of personnel, this new department is mainly composed of newcomers who have just joined the Ministry of Magic.
Although these newcomers lacked experience working at the Ministry of Magic, they were enthusiastic, hardworking, and young enough to be more receptive to new ideas.
Most importantly, each of them joined the Society of Learned Scholars during their time at Hogwarts.
In this entirely new team, only Department Head Tulip Karasoo possessed experience working at the Ministry of Magic. Having spent four years in the Office of Curious Products Patents, she had a deep understanding of the Ministry's workflows and regulations, making her well-suited to lead this group of newcomers.
At the same time, she herself is only 22 years old, not much older than the newcomers, so there won't be a generation gap.
Furthermore, Tulip herself was Tonks' close friend from her time at Hogwarts.
Even more noteworthy is that the head of this new department, Ludo Bagman, the director of the Department of Magical Sports, is Jaina's most loyal henchman.
It can be said that from the department's employees to its leaders and superiors, this department has been deeply marked by the Jaina faction since its inception.
With official support, the television station's development proceeded smoothly. They successfully obtained the necessary approvals and permits and began intensive preparations. Advertising placement, prototype production, program recording... every task was carried out in an orderly manner.
————————————————————
Tulip Karasoo is from the game *Hogwarts Mystery*.
The picture shows Tulip and Tonks.
Update [4/3], Bonus Chapter [97/110]
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Chapter 487 The Delacour Family
A week after Harry's trial, Fleur Delacour also arrived from Gaul to her loyal Great Yin.
She was a key figure in the Levin TV project, and her arrival was perfectly timed, coinciding with the completion of the station's basic construction.
However, she did not come alone; she was accompanied by her sister Gabrielle and their parents, the Delacour couple.
The "delegation" was so large not because Furong was so delicate that she needed her whole family to escort her even when leaving home.
It wasn't because the Delacour couple were in such a hurry to visit their "future son-in-law."
In fact, their group trip was to help Furong and Gabrielle move.
Even before they parted, Hibiscus had already told Levin that she would go to work in the Underworld after graduation.
As for Gabrielle, she will be transferring from Beauxbatons to Hogwarts for the new term.
Upon learning that her sister was about to go to work in the Underworld, Gabrielle immediately pleaded with her parents upon returning to Gaul, claiming that she couldn't bear to part with her sister and hoped to go to the Underworld with her.
Furong knew exactly what Gabrielle was thinking.
She wasn't reluctant to part with her sister; she was clearly reluctant to part with her brother Levin.
But Furong also had her own thoughts. As early as during the three-way competition, she had already noticed that there were quite a few girls surrounding Levin.
As a newcomer, even if she chooses to accept the status quo, it doesn't mean she's satisfied with it.
Fleur knew her own situation best. As a Gaul, she was unfamiliar with the land and people of Yin, and her relationship with the girls around Levin wasn't particularly close.
In this situation, she decided to find some allies for herself.
Who could be a better ally than one's own sister?
Furong went to great lengths to ensure Gabrielle could transfer schools smoothly.
When Gabrielle first proposed the idea, Fleur immediately expressed her support and began persuading her parents. She knew that simply talking about it wouldn't be enough to convince them; she needed to take concrete actions.
So, Fleur wrote to Levin, hoping he could help her secure a transfer spot.
Levin learned of Fleur's request and agreed without hesitation.
He not only used his connections at Hogwarts to secure a valuable transfer spot for Gabrielle, but he also wrote to Madam Maxime to smooth things over with Beauxbatons.
When Fleur shared the good news with the Delacours, they finally relented. Although they still felt Beauxbatons was better, they chose to compromise for Gabrielle's future.
"Are you really going to Hogwarts?" Mr. Delacour looked at Gabrielle, his tone revealing a hint of reluctance. "You should know that Beauxbatons is also a very good school."