CHAPTER 514: CHAPTER 514: ISN’T THIS A BIT TOO MUCH?

Chen Bin quickly responded, "I’ve been in this position for so many years; how could I be afraid? It’s just a bit annoying, that’s all."

Xiao Cong smiled faintly, "What Pang Nianke is doing is, in a way, giving you a stronger push. After all, jade needs to be polished to become a treasure."

"That’s true, but I’m worried it might drag you into it."

"Then just do your work well. I have confidence in your abilities."

After hanging up the phone, Chen Bin exhaled deeply.

For him, a development strategy that balanced entertainment and news was entirely acceptable.

After several meetings and considering his own thoughts, Chen Bin finalized the plan.

In fact, this plan mainly focused on the news segment.

After all, entertainment could be tailored to audience preferences, while news required seriousness and authenticity.

After reviewing the report, Zeng Pengchao nodded and said, "The plan is solid. Don’t let me down."

With the plan set, Chen Bin decided to start with the news segment.

Xiang Chengkang, who was originally in charge of news, was assigned to prepare for the news and legal affairs channel.

Chen Bin himself concentrated most of his energy on the morning and evening news segments.

To ensure the quality of the programs, Chen Bin held multiple meetings with relevant personnel.

From the program structure and workflow to the attire of the hosts, he personally approved every detail.

Currently, the Provincial TV Station had four types of employment systems: permanent staff, station-hired employees, contract workers, and temporary workers.

Permanent staff consisted of officially recognized employees. However, the number of retirees was small each year, so there were usually very few permanent positions.

Station-hired employees formed the backbone of the TV station, and those working directly on key tasks were mostly in this category.

Contract workers were employed by specific channels under separate agreements, serving as a reserve pool for station-hired roles. If vacancies arose, they were given priority consideration.

The lowest-ranked were the temporary workers.

A significant portion of them had gained their positions by bribing Lan Hui and were essentially unqualified for their jobs.

Even though they idled away their days at the TV station, they still dreamed of becoming contract workers.

After brief discussions with the three deputy directors, Chen Bin officially announced personnel decisions in the general meeting.

"Our station is taking the route of balancing entertainment and news. Many new programs will be added in the future, but we lack capable personnel. Therefore, I’ve decided to get rid of all the freeloaders!"

As soon as he said this, everyone present felt their nerves tense up.

Especially those lacking genuine abilities, who broke out in a cold sweat.

"I’ve decided to dismiss all temporary workers, contract workers, and underperforming station-hired employees. Anyone who thinks they’re capable can participate in the upcoming recruitment. Otherwise, find another place to idle away your days!"

As Chen Bin said this, the room erupted into murmurs and whispers.

He didn’t interrupt but waited for the chatter to die down before speaking again.

"I know this decision will offend many, but our TV station is not a welfare institution. I ask for your understanding."

After the meeting, many people went to plead with the leadership, with some even resorting to bribes.

However, the leaders knew that Chen Bin was not like Lan Hui—this time, he meant business.

To avoid getting caught in the crossfire, they dared not accept any gifts.

Temporary workers were easy to dismiss, but contract and station-hired workers involved contractual complications.

Because of this, Chen Bin convened a meeting with the main department heads.

For contract workers, he proposed compensating them with two months’ wages.

This suggestion gained widespread support.

However, the major challenge lay with the station-hired employees.

Xiang Chengkang was the first to express his opinion.

"I think we should tread carefully when it comes to station-hired employees. The station’s personnel situation is highly complex—targeting certain individuals might lead to severe consequences."

Shen Xue and Lu Lin both nodded in agreement.

"I also support Xiang’s view. It’s better not to touch the station-hired employees."

Chen Bin let out a cold snort and stared directly at Xiang Chengkang.

"So you’re saying that many of the station-hired employees are tied to the leadership, and dismissing them would offend the higher-ups. Is that correct?"

Xiang Chengkang said nothing and gave a slight nod.

It seemed he acquiesced.

Seeing this, Chen Bin spoke again.

"I know this situation exists in many TV stations, but it’s particularly severe here. If we want better development, we need to administer strong medicine. If you’re afraid of offending people, you can’t achieve big results!"

At this point, he glanced at the list of station-hired employees in his hand.

"For those targeted, if their contracts have less than three months left, we’ll allow them to stay until their contracts expire, but there will be no renewals. For those with more than three months remaining, their contracts will be terminated, and compensation will be provided according to the relevant regulations."

Realizing that Chen Bin was determined to proceed, the others stopped arguing.

After all, it would be Chen Bin, the leading figure, who would bear the brunt of any fallout—not them.

Following the meeting, some still tried to persuade Chen Bin not to act on impulse.

But he had made up his mind and refused to listen to any objections.

In the days that followed, massive layoffs swept through all departments of the station.

A few station-hired employees believed that their connections made them untouchable.

However, upon discovering their names on the list, they began filing complaints.

It wasn’t long before Chen Bin received a call from the Provincial Committee’s Organization Department.

"Director Chen, please come to the Organization Department—Minister Wei would like to speak with you about something."

Without hesitation, Chen Bin replied directly.

"Apologies, I’m quite busy recently and don’t have the time."

Since Wei Xichun had colluded with Lan Hui and attempted to exploit Wu Jie, Chen Bin had essentially blacklisted him.

Admittedly, Wei was technically one of Chen Bin’s superiors.

But since he wasn’t responsible for overseeing the TV station, Chen Bin couldn’t be bothered with him.

Upon learning that Chen Bin was ignoring him, Wei Xichun grew even angrier and personally made a call.

Even then, Chen Bin insisted he was busy and refused to go to the Organization Department.

Completely infuriated, Wei Xichun bombarded Chen Bin with non-stop calls.

Finally, fed up, Chen Bin agreed to go.

He was curious to see what the old bastard had in mind.

As soon as he arrived at Wei Xichun’s office, Chen Bin sat down uninvited on the sofa.

He asked in a calm tone, "Minister Wei, is there something you need from me?"

Seeing his attitude, Wei Xichun was utterly enraged.

He immediately rebuked, "Chen Bin, don’t you think you’re being a little too presumptuous?!"

"Listen to yourself. You’ve always stayed out of my business, yet you’re harassing me with calls—it’s you who’s being unreasonable. And now you’re playing the victim?"

Realizing he had no moral high ground, Wei Xichun had to change the subject.

"Are you busy with layoffs lately?"

"Yes, and it’s impressive that Minister Wei is so concerned about our Provincial TV Station."

"Cut the nonsense. I’m asking you—after dismissing so many people at once, can the TV station still operate normally?"

"Of course. After all, the ones I’m dismissing are all freeloaders. Their absence won’t affect the station’s operations."

"Just because you say it won’t affect anything doesn’t mean it’s true! As a leader, isn’t it a bit rash to disregard others’ opinions and act on your own?"