Behind The Spotlight Chapter 242
Arnold and Collin already had a plan in place in case issues like these arose.
First, they had to determine the extent of the issue and its potential impact on their clients.
Second, they needed to find a way to cover up or fix the problem, minimizing the damage as much as possible.
Arnold and Jolyne's relationship was not really a bad thing, it was normal and acceptable. Even if it were exposed, it wouldn't affect them that much. Some fans might get angry, and there could be some stalking, but it wasn't anything serious since celebrities always had stalkers.
"If they are going to use blackmail, they should have used something heavier, something truly damaging. But then again, Jolyne and I don't have any scandals. There's nothing to expose."
"What about your other clients, such as Brody Paige and Director Tom of Unnatural?"
"That's a different matter." Arnold replied.
Collin shrugged. People had secrets they didn't want others to know. It wasn't surprising, it was part of human nature.
"This means there's no issue."
"Yeah, we're safe."
Velvet Harmony thought they were cooking something, but they didn't realize that their ingredients were spoiled. The blackmail material in their hands was useless.
...
...
...
June, 2000.
A new band released their debut single, and it was broadcast on MTB, the biggest music television channel in the country, a major platform for rising artists.
"I told you, this music video shouldn't be aired! Why didn't you listen to my instructions?"
Someone from management berated a staff member.
"But the director said that I should air it at least three times. He insisted."
"So you listened to him, but not me? Are you ignoring authority?"
"... He is my boss. You're from a different department. I have to follow his orders."
"So you don't want to keep your job, is that it?"
"..."
MTB (Music Television Broadcast) was a TV network that aired music videos. Many musicians found stardom because MTB broadcast their songs. It was one of the fastest ways to become famous since many households had televisions.
Many record labels paid MTB to secure a spot for their artists in its time slots.
Of course, MTB was not the only music television channel in America. Competition existed. There were dozens of similar channels, but MTB was the most dominant in the market.
The shareholders and executives of the company were all competing for profit and influence. Each had their own motives.
"Hello, this is me, Jeffrey. Yes, please tell Mr. Stain that what happened yesterday was not my fault. I did talk to the director, but he didn't listen to me."
Jeffrey had been paid to ensure that Pulse Static's music video would not be released. He was even promised an invitation to a famous island where politicians and businessmen often gathered. He didn't know what the island was, but he assumed it must be something prestigious.
However, the director ignored him, ruining his task.
Not everyone in MTB got along. Internal conflicts were common. While Jeffrey tried to curry favor with Jeff Stain, the director in charge of that time slot was friends with Vivian. After all, Vivian had once been an executive at MTB and still held influence.
The director promised to air Pulse Static's music video three times for free, and he kept his word. After that, it would be up to Vivian whether she wanted to spend money on further promotion.
If Moonrise Music was determined, they could pay multiple music channels to air Pulse Static's music video.
Vivian only wanted one chance. She wanted to see if a single opportunity could attract fans.
She did the same with several radio stations. Some stations she had connections with gave her new artist a chance and played Pulse Static's debut song.
Moonrise Music sent copies of the debut track to many radio stations. Some accommodated her request out of respect, while others demanded payment, which was understandable. Business was business. Some stations ignored her completely, especially those aligned with Jeff Stain.
It was all about business, nothing personal.
You want your song played on my program? Pay first.
You want me to avoid promoting a certain artist? Pay for that too.
Unless your song is requested by listeners, you won't get a chance.
And that was exactly what Vivian was waiting for. She hoped that Pulse Static could replicate what Princess Chantal had achieved before.
Back then, many radio stations had rejected Princess Chantal's song. But everything changed when listeners themselves started requesting it.
Vivian knew she might be overestimating her artist, but she believed in Pulse Static. After working with them for months, she saw their potential, it was comparable to Princess Chantal's. They had something special. Mikael Wagner was the glue that held the band together, the core of their sound.
And sure enough, the moment Vivian had been waiting for finally came.
On MTB, there was a program where a DJ would take live calls and play requested songs. It aired on weekdays from 5 pm to 7 pm.
The DJ received a call requesting Pulse Static's debut song, "Selena." He forced a smile. Two days earlier, he had been paid to ensure that this new band would not gain traction.
"Um, I'm sorry, but we don't have a music video for 'Selena,'" the DJ lied.
"Huh? But I first saw the music video on your channel—"
The DJ abruptly ended the call.
"Oops, looks like the call got disconnected. Let's take another caller."
Another call came in.
"Hello, this is 'Music You Want,' the program where I play the songs you request. What song do you have in mind?" the DJ asked cheerfully.
"I saw this music video on your channel and I want to watch it again. It caught my attention. I feel sad and want something sentimental."
"I see. So what song is it?"
"I think it's called 'Selena' by Pulse Static."
"..."
The DJ's expression stiffened.
"I'm sorry, but that song doesn't exist."
He had accepted the bribe, so he had to follow through.
However, three more callers requested the same song. Each time, the DJ insisted that it didn't exist.
The next day, he was fired. Too many listeners had complained that he was lying and failing to do his job.
They didn't want a DJ who refused to play the songs people asked for.