Building a Conglomerate in Another World

Chapter 185: Industrialist x President

May 3, 1893

The White House was quiet as the sun set over Washington, D.C. Most of the day’s meetings were finished, and the staff had retired for the evening. In a secluded part of the residence, Matthew Hesh entered a private workshop designed specifically for him. Amber had jokingly referred to it as his "sanctuary of invention."

Though Matthew’s duties as president consumed much of his time, he never forgot where his passion lay—creating and innovating. Tonight, he was focused on an idea that had been percolating in his mind for weeks.

The room was well-equipped with tools, electrical components, and various prototypes from his previous projects. He moved to a workbench where several diagrams were laid out. These were plans for technologies that did not yet exist in Amerathia but could revolutionize communication across the world.

Radio and Television.

Matthew had long known the importance of communication. The telegraph had changed the world by transmitting messages quickly over long distances, but it was limited to text. He envisioned something far more powerful—devices that could transmit sound and, eventually, images across vast distances. If successful, these inventions could connect people in ways never before imagined.

He began by focusing on radio technology.

Matthew sketched the core components of a radio system. He knew that at the heart of any radio device was a transmitter capable of sending electromagnetic waves, and a receiver that could convert those waves into audible sound.

His diagram included:

An oscillator circuit to generate a high-frequency carrier wave.

A modulator to encode voice or music onto the carrier wave.

An antenna for transmitting the signal over long distances.

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A receiver circuit equipped with a detector to extract the encoded audio from the transmitted signal.

He gathered components, including copper wire, capacitors, resistors, and vacuum tubes. The vacuum tubes, though still in early development within certain laboratories, were essential for amplifying weak electrical signals—a critical step for long-distance radio communication.

Matthew soldered connections and assembled a prototype transmitter. Once it was complete, he turned his attention to the receiver.

He muttered to himself as he adjusted the tuning circuit. "The signal needs to be strong but not overpowering... we’ll need to broadcast on different frequencies to avoid interference."

After hours of testing, he finally succeeded. He connected a microphone to the transmitter and spoke into it. "Testing... one, two, three."

n the following days, Matthew discussed his plans with key advisors, including Henry Collins and General Hayes.

"This is groundbreaking," Collins said after reviewing the radio prototype. "But how do you plan to implement it on a national scale?"

"We’ll start by establishing government-supported radio stations in major cities," Matthew explained. "These stations will broadcast educational programs, public service announcements, and national news. We’ll also encourage private companies to create entertainment content—music, theater, storytelling."

"And television?" Hayes asked skeptically. "That sounds like science fiction."

"It’s further off, but I’ll have teams working on it," Matthew replied. "For now, the focus is on radio. Once the infrastructure is in place, television will follow."

A month later, Matthew hosted a public demonstration of the radio technology at a government event in Washington, D.C. Journalists, business leaders, and members of Congress gathered in a large auditorium.

Standing before the crowd, Matthew spoke into the microphone connected to the transmitter.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. You are about to witness the future of communication."

His voice echoed through speakers positioned throughout the hall. The audience murmured in awe. For the next hour, Matthew and his team demonstrated how the technology could broadcast music, speeches, and even emergency alerts.

The press coverage the following day was overwhelmingly positive. Headlines read:

"President Hesh Unveils New Age of Communication!"

"Radio to Connect the Nation!"

"The Voice of Amerathia: A Technological Revolution!"

As the weeks passed, construction of radio stations began across the country. Matthew’s workshop remained a hub of innovation, where he and his engineers continued refining both radio and television technology. His dual role as president and industrialist gave him a unique opportunity to shape the future.

Late one evening, as he reviewed progress reports, Amber joined him in the workshop. She cradled Maverick in her arms, the infant now asleep.

"How’s it going?" she asked softly.

"One step at a time," Matthew replied, smiling as he gazed at his son. "We’re building a future for him—and for every family in Amerathia."

Amber leaned against him. "You’ve always been good at seeing the bigger picture."

Matthew kissed her forehead. "And with you by my side, we’ll keep building it together."