Chapter 102
Chapter 102
----------------------------------------------------------------- Translator: Ace Chapter: 102 Chapter Title: German Empire Broadcasting (2) ----------------------------------------------------------------- “The historic first broadcast is almost here!”
“Are you looking forward to it, Mr. Bredow?”
“How could I not be? In just a little while, Germany—no, the whole world—is going to be stunned.”
With less than an hour to go until the German Empire Broadcasting DRR's inaugural radio broadcast—the world's very first— I smiled at the words of Hans Bredow, whom I'd hired to run the station in my place since I was too busy with other matters to focus on DRR myself. Before joining DRR, Mr. Bredow had come from Telefunken, Germany's wireless company formed as a joint venture between Siemens and AEG. He was a wireless communications expert who had even supplied radio equipment to the Russian Pacific Fleet during the Russo-Japanese War. Telefunken was one of DRR's partners, and I'd visited their headquarters a few times for that reason. It was there that I'd been impressed by Mr. Bredow's passionate enthusiasm for radio broadcasting and his creative ideas, which I'd encountered by chance. Once I'd taken a liking to him, I'd made the bold decision to poach him for German Empire Broadcasting. And as if to prove my judgment right, Mr. Bredow had more than lived up to expectations, playing a major role in ensuring DRR's successful launch. 'I can keep leaving DRR in his hands from here on out.' Radio adoption had advanced considerably thanks to drastic discount policies and mass production via conveyor-belt systems. Even countries like Britain were showing interest and reaching out to me. They wanted to set up their own national radio stations. It was a golden opportunity to get involved in the birth of famous European broadcasters like the BBC, so I'd responded positively, suggesting we discuss details after our launch. Now, if we could just wrap up today's first broadcast successfully, the future of German Empire Broadcasting would be as smooth-sailing as a clipper ship slicing through the waves with a steady tailwind.
“Baron, there you are.”
“Chancellor von Bülow.”
As I stood watching Mr. Bredow oversee the broadcast preparations with my hands clasped behind my back, Chancellor von Bülow strode purposefully toward me, clearly looking for me.
“His Majesty has finished preparing his speech.”
“Our preparations are nearly complete as well.”
“Good. We can't keep His Majesty waiting.”
The chancellor let out a relieved sigh. The landmark first broadcast of German Empire Broadcasting that I'd planned was nothing less than a live relay of Wilhelm II's speech across the entire nation. After all, it was the world's first radio broadcast. Having the Kaiser deliver a speech in person would give it that extra something special, wouldn't it?
“You want me to give a commemorative address for the radio debut?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. It's such a meaningful occasion—we'd be honored to have you.”
“Hmm. The star of the world's first radio address. I like the sound of that.”
Wilhelm II took to my suggestion and accepted readily. Opportunities to claim a 'world's first' don't come around often, and the Kaiser—full of bravado—was hardly the type to turn one down. Chancellor von Bülow had been a bit flustered at first upon hearing the Kaiser would speak on radio, but once I explained it was just reading a script into a microphone, he decided it wasn't an issue and approved it without protest.
“Baron, thirty minutes until broadcast.”
“Then let's go fetch His Majesty.”
“Yes. Please do.”
I said that to the chancellor, then did one final check of the studio. The microphone was in perfect condition, and transmission was smooth. So there was just one thing left to do now. Pray that the Kaiser wouldn't make any mistakes during the broadcast.
“Hans, I hear preparations are complete.”
“Your Majesty.”
A moment later, today's star finally made his entrance. As I bowed at the waist, Mr. Bredow and the rest of the station staff hurriedly followed suit, their faces tense. The Kaiser seemed pleased by the sight, striding into the studio with his mustache looking even more proudly upturned.
“I've given countless speeches, but this somehow feels more nerve-wracking than standing before a crowd.”
Wilhelm II muttered those words—half-joking, half-serious—as he gave his script one last check. As if mirroring everyone's anxiety, time flew by like a flash of lightning. Before we knew it, only one minute remained until broadcast.
“Your Majesty, get ready. When the red light comes on, just start your speech.”
“Mm. Got it.”
“Thirty seconds!”
I stood outside the studio with Chancellor von Bülow and Mr. Bredow, watching Wilhelm II face the microphone alone inside.
“Fünf! Vier! Drei! Zwei! Ein!” Click— The broadcast had finally begun.
Pardon? More?” And in Friedrichshof Castle, too, Wilhelm II's speech echoed. [Finally, I pray God's blessings upon the German Empire and its people.] “Heil Kaiser!” “Long live the German Empire!” “God save the Emperor!” As Wilhelm II finished, applause and cheers erupted nationwide. As if the Kaiser had spoken to each of them personally. It was only natural for Germans to react with such fervor. Monarchs were still distant figures to common folk in this era, and this was the first time (by modern standards, at least) that a ruler had communicated so directly with the masses. Radios flew off the shelves even after the half-price discount ended, and as news of Wilhelm II's radio address spread abroad, monarchs and leaders worldwide took even greater interest. To them, the radio looked like a powerful tool for boosting their own popularity. But radio's happy ending was still a long way off. The turbulent 20th century wasn't some fairy tale where everything went positively. This was an era of brutal survival-of-the-fittest competition, and amid that cutthroat rivalry, one man who had clawed his way to the top of wireless communications scowled at radio's success. “......
That has-been Tesla made this?” “Yes, sir. Apparently some up-and-coming Eastern noble named Baron Hans von Choi was involved.” “I don't like it. Call the lawyers. Time to show that arrogant brat what society's wrath tastes like for daring to invade my turf.”