:54:01
l knew l wasn't gonna write
the great American novel.
:54:06
But l also knew there was more to life
than buying something for a dollar...
:54:09
and selling it for two.
:54:12
l'd hoped to create something,
something which could be...
:54:15
held to the highest standards.
:54:18
And what l realized was l--
:54:22
l wanted to give
the news to the world.
:54:25
And l wanted
to give it unvarnished.
:54:29
The more we all know about each other,
the greater the chance we will survive.
:54:34
Sure, l want to make a profit.
You can't exist without one, but, uh--
:54:37
John Bontecou is all profit.
:54:42
lf we give him license to absorb
Parrish Communications--
:54:46
and he has his eye
on a few others after us--
:54:48
in order to reach the world,
:54:51
you will have to go
through John Bontecou.
:54:55
And not only will you have
to pay him to do this,
:54:57
far more important,
you'll have to agree with him.
:55:01
Reporting the news is
a privilege and a responsibility.
:55:05
And it is not exploitable.
:55:09
Parrish Communications
has earned this privilege.
:55:12
John Bontecou
wants to buy it.
:55:17
As your chairman,
:55:19
l urge you to agree.
:55:22
This company is not for sale.
:55:30
lt sounds like you're not
leaving much room for discussion.
:55:33
- Thank you.
- You're welcome.
:55:35
l know. l'm sorry, l--
Looks like l'm reversing my field.
:55:37
That's your privilege, Bill.
But given our needs,
:55:40
given the absolute necessity
for growth, given the future,
:55:43
the truth is, joining John Bontecou is
every bit as certain as death and taxes.
:55:46
- Death and taxes?
- Yes.
:55:50
- Death and taxes?
- Yes.
:55:52
- What an odd pairing.
- lt's just a saying, Mr. Black.
:55:56
- Mmm. By whom?
- Doesn't matter.
:55:58
Then why'd you bring it up?