Chapter 236 - 237 The Second step

Words : 1072 Updated : Oct 19th, 2025

Chapter 236: Chapter 237 The Second step "With its light and enjoyable story line, ABC has invested a lot of funds and effort into making ’Bewitched,’ which is arguably the best TV show in American history." "The poaching is a significant loss for the audience of ’Bewitched,’ causing irreversible and permanent damage. Instead of using unethical means to undermine other businesses, they should strive to make better programs to attract viewers and gain ratings." "Among the viewers we interviewed, 48 people had watched ’Bewitched’ and expressed their love for the show. When asked if they would tolerate any disruption to the show, they responded firmly that they would fight against any malicious forces trying to stop the show." ... The next morning, outside NBC headquarters, a large group of men, women, and children, about fifty or sixty in total, appeared holding signs and protesting. The signs read: ’Stop Persecuting ABC, We Want to Watch Bewitched.’ ’Oppose Unethical Poaching.’ ’Destructive Tactics Are the Most Shameful, NBC stop!’ These people held up their signs and chanted slogans at the NBC office building, demanding NBC stop their shameless poaching behavior so they could enjoy watching ’Bewitched.’ A similar group of protesters appeared outside the CBS headquarters, holding signs and chanting slogans to stop the poaching. Employees coming to work in the morning were greeted by protesters shouting slogans, scaring them into rushing inside. Finding protesters is easy, especially with the Corleone family’s influence in New York. They could easily gather thousands of people. Hearing about the protests at the two major networks, reporters from various newspapers rushed over. Reporters took numerous photos of the protesters, with some filming the scene, making the entrances of the two major broadcast companies even livelier. Reporters interviewed the protesters, asking a middle aged man why he was protesting. "I like ’Bewitched’ and don’t want it to disappear. NBC and CBS’s actions are shameful. If they poach the lead actors, we won’t be able to watch ’Bewitched’ anymore, and that’s unforgivable." "Are you here voluntarily?" the reporter asked. "Yes, I rallied my family, neighbors, and many people from the community. Today is just the first day. I believe more people will join tomorrow," the middle aged man replied. "How do you know it’s NBC and CBS doing the poaching?" "Who else could it be? They can’t make good shows themselves and can’t stand others doing well, so they use these dirty tricks. It’s disgraceful." Another reporter interviewed a six year old girl. "Little one, why are you here to protest? Do you know what it means?" The girl blinked her big eyes and said in a cute voice, "My mom said if ABC is gone, I won’t be able to watch Makka Pakka anymore." Her mother explained, "Makka Pakka is a character from the ABC produced show ’In the Night Garden.’ Kids love it. I heard NBC and CBS are also trying to poach the creators of ’In the Night Garden.’ That’s absolutely unacceptable." The networks chose to call the police to remove the protesters. Finally, the police arrived. The police warned the protesters not to enter the broadcasting companies or engage in violent or destructive behavior. Then, the police stood in the shade, chatting in small groups. NBC employees came out and questioned the police about not dispersing the protesters. The police shrugged and said they couldn’t do anything. "They’ve registered with the police department for a legal protest. As long as they don’t break the law or act violently, we have no right to intervene." "By the way, you should tell your network leaders that there might be more people tomorrow. You’d better find a solution." The NBC president personally called the New York Police Commissioner, only to be told by his secretary that the commissioner was on vacation with his family. Hearing this, NBC executives were furious, almost smashing their teacups. The next day, even more protesters gathered, with over a hundred people at each network’s entrance, creating quite a scene. These people included those arranged by the Corleone family and many who genuinely came after reading the news because they loved ’Bewitched’ and didn’t want it to disappear. The New York Times. The Los Angeles Times. The Washington Post. And other newspapers reported on the incident, showing photos of the NBC and CBS headquarters surrounded by protesters. This was a huge embarrassment for both companies. The second step of the protest is to create pressure and tarnish reputations. ABC Television Noon News Program Today’s anchors were the same ones who exposed NBC’s and CBS’s poaching attempts. After reporting two news stories, the female anchor smiled and said, "This is a news story about NBC and CBS." Protesters held up signs and shouted that NBC and CBS were despicable and must stop their poaching behavior so that their favorite show wouldn’t be canceled. Reporters interviewed the protesters, many of whom shouted at the camera, "NBC and CBS should reflect on themselves. To win viewers favor, they need to improve, not use underhanded tactics. The audience can see who’s good and who’s not. NBC and CBS, you are wrong and must reflect." The camera returned to the studio, where the two anchors were struggling to hold back their laughter. The female anchor said, "After receiving this news, we interviewed some of our staff to see what they had to say." The camera cut to ABC headquarters. The first person interviewed was Jessica Walter, the lead actress of ’Bewitched.’ The reporter asked her, "Jessica, we heard someone tried to poach you?" Jessica smiled and said, "Yes, it’s true, but I refused on the spot. Being recognized by the audience is my fortune, and I must live up to their love by continuing to portray Isabella in ’Bewitched.’" A middle aged director said something meaningful to the camera, "I know this is a plot by other networks to create chaos. Even if they poach us, we won’t be able to stand out over there. Betrayal is disgraceful and won’t be accepted. Even if they poach us, we won’t be valued." The reporters interviewed several hosts of ’Television Shopping,’ who confirmed that they were approached. "Will you leave?" the reporter asked. "We definitely won’t jump ship. ABC is the most dynamic network in the country. We love it here and believe we have more opportunities here," a male host said.

Chapter 236 - 237 The Second step

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