MFE-MediaForEurope (MFE), the TV group controlled by Italy’s Berlusconi family, has launched a takeover bid for German broadcaster ProSiebenSat.1.
MFE, which operates TV channels in Italy and Spain, has built a near 30% stake in ProSieben as part of a strategy to create a pan-European advertising-funded broadcaster that can compete with US streaming giants and digital players.
MFE is headed by Pier Silvio Berlusconi, the son of the late former Italian Prime Minister and TV tycoon Silvio Berlusconi.
MFE was formed in 2021 when Berlusconi’s Mediaset moved its legal headquarters to the Netherlands, changed its shareholding structure, and rebranded as MediaForEurope.
ProSiebenSat.1 operates free-to-air and pay-TV channels in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, including ProSieben, Sat.1 and Kabel 1. It has so far resisted MFE's calls to join its pan-European project, seeking to remain independent.
Pier Silvio Berlusconi, CEO of MFE-MediaForEurope, said: “It is time to switch gear. We believe that ProSiebenSat.1 needs a strong shareholder that can provide expertise and experience in the industry, making an active contribution to its growth journey.
Berlusconi added: “The aim is to create a cross-media, cross-national pan-European group that naturally acts as an alternative to the digital giants and succeeds in the ambitious goal of being able to compete and grow.”
BBC flags AI and technology priorities in annual plan
The BBC has published its Annual Plan setting out its priorities for the next 12 months, including in areas like artificial intelligence and technology.
US judge temporarily blocks firing of Voice of America staff
A US federal judge has ordered President Trump's administration to temporarily pause its efforts to shut down international news service Voice of America.
ScreenSkills calls for more focus on mid-level professionals
Training organisation ScreenSkills says there is an urgent need to support mid-level crew in high-end television as freelancers face growing instability, financial pressures mount and hiring patterns shift across the industry.
Jennifer Salke steps down as Head of Amazon MGM Studios
Jennifer Salke, the Head of Amazon MGM Studios, is stepping down from her role.
Sky says 2,000 jobs at risk at call centre sites
Sky has announced that 2,000 jobs at its call centres are at risk as part of plans to move more of its customer service online.
.jpg)
