The chairman and CEO of Mfe (MediaForEurope) discusses the recent referendum vote, controversies surrounding Fabrizio Corona and Alfonso Signorini, and the network’s programming strategy.
The recent referendum vote is just one topic on the agenda as Pier Silvio Berlusconi, group chairman and CEO of MediaForEurope, addresses politics and television in a wide-ranging discussion with the press in Cologno Monzese.
“I’m speaking as a publisher, and I don’t wish to overstep by expressing my personal opinion. And I will say that as a publisher, we give a voice to both sides. But as a citizen, I can advise you without hesitation that voting in this case is truly important, because we’re talking about a fundamental issue for the future of our country. I will vote a resounding ‘yes’ not for political reasons, but for reasons of civilization and modernity. I consider the vote an important step to keep pace with the times, for a democratic, civil, and modern country.”
The comments approach as Italy continues to navigate a complex political landscape. Berlusconi also addressed a contentious legal battle with Fabrizio Corona, involving a 160 million euro lawsuit. “We didn’t waste any time. In the face of lies, insults, and unwarranted hatred, the company had to defend itself.” He also praised Fiorello, who has often satirized Corona, stating, “I haven’t had much opportunity to listen to Fiorello, but I have a completely sympathetic relationship with him. The only criticism I can level is that he should come and do some television with us.”
The situation surrounding Alfonso Signorini, who has temporarily stepped down from his role amid accusations of sexual assault and extortion, was also addressed. “He has self-suspended, a gesture we appreciated, but I believe it is inappropriate to answer about his future, because there is a proceeding in progress and we await the outcome. As for ‘GF’ [Grande Fratello, the Italian version of Substantial Brother], we did all the checks we could do, and there is nothing to say: absolutely zero that any part of us was involved.”
The “new” season of Grande Fratello Vip, now hosted by Ilary Blasi, premiered Tuesday with a 18.4% share. “Let’s give it time, it’s too early to make a judgment. I haven’t been able to watch it and can’t express an opinion. ‘GF’ is central to the history of modern television and must continue, then the results that you sometimes consider mediocre, looking at the richness of Italian television in terms of counter-programming, are absolutely fine with us. We want to remain engaged and offer a very rich television, a ‘Grande Fratello’ fits in, even without the numbers of the past, which no longer exist.”
Looking ahead, Berlusconi discussed the future of Striscia la Notizia, which has moved from its long-held primetime slot. “I can only appreciate the courage of Antonio Ricci, who has worked to renew a product that has been on the air for 37 years. I will be speaking with him shortly and we will observe how to move forward and what projects to discuss. But at the moment we are pausing.”
A confirmed upcoming project involves Giorgio Panariello, with Channel 5 securing a deal for a three-part event and a fiction project. Other programs in development include the return of Cesaroni, a new show with Pio and Amedeo, a primetime return for Amici, and a new experimental version of Super Karaoke with Michelle Hunziker, potentially debuting in May. Temptation Island and a biopic about Carlo Acutis are also in the works. A second-primetime show for Bianca Berlinguer on Channel 5 remains on hold (“she was ready, but we haven’t found the evening that satisfies us – our fault”).
Finally, Berlusconi addressed the network’s performance, noting that Mediaset is ahead of RAI by 8.9 share points across the entire day, particularly among the commercial target audience. Profits are also on the rise, with Mfe-Mediaset projected to more than double its 2024 profit of 138 million euros.
