The Berlusconi family wants to own ProSieben. What could that mean for Joko and Klaas?
A few months ago, the Italian media group “Media for Europe” (MFE) of the German broadcaster group ProSiebenSat.1 Takeover offerthat the shares of the MFE would significantly increase. Since then, the media groups have been in Negotiation. In the event of a promise by ProSiebenSat.1, Prosieben would be, and consequently also shows such as “Joko & Klaas against ProSieben” or “Who steals the show?”, Potential under the conceptual influence of the Berlusconi family. But do Joko and Klaas participate?
Recommendations of the editorial team
Why this is a problem for many media experts: inside
Silvio Berlusconi was a confessed right -wing populist and supporter of patriarchal structures. Among other things, he used the MFE to Influence of his party forza Italia to secure. After his death in 2023, his children took over the media group. Although Berlusconi’s descendants are not active in Italian politics, they are still close to the party.
Fans and media observers: In view of the political orientation of the late company founder, the future of the future of the editorial integrity of ProSieben. The focus of the media discussions focused on spectators: most recent, but above all the faces of the station: Joko Winterscheidt and Klaas Heufer-Umlauf. There is concern that the moderators could be released by the transmitter due to the potential takeover. Or you could get out in the other extreme case. In view of the geopolitical developments in Europe, there is afraid that media mogue, such as the Berlusconi family, could compromise the broadcaster’s journalistic media diversity.
On request, however, the broadcaster denied a Exit clause of the two moderators. A spokesman assured: “The audience: Inside, Joko and Klaas will moderate many and, above all, outstanding shows on Joyn and ProSieben in the next few years”. The duo’s exclusive contract was only extended to another five years in March this year. An exit does not have to be feared.
Nevertheless, the question remains: How will the content of the entertainment station continue? In addition to their roles, Joko and Klaas are known as entertainment guarantees for political attitudes. In the past, for example, there have been special broadcasts in which topics such as sea rescue, right -wing extremism or patriarchal structures were addressed.
Consideration on journalistic diversity
Wolfram Weimer, Minister of Culture and Media of the Federal Government, recently expressed concerns about the takeover of ProSiebenSat.1. “If the Italian Media Holding MFE actually takes over the majority of ProSiebenSat.1, we expect that the journalistic independence of the editorial offices will remain preserved and the new owners have no influence,” said Weimer.
Confirmed in July Pier Silvio Berlusconithat the company does not want to fully take over the German broadcaster chain around ProSieben, Sat.1 and cable one. “We do not aim at full control, but on flexibility that enables us to give a clear direction based on a common vision,” it says. The MFE will preserve the editorial independence and the national identity of the great private media group. It remains to be seen to what extent the broadcaster will protect the team’s editorial freedom around Winterscheidt and Heufer-Umlauf.
MFE: A pan -European broadcaster group?
In order to expand the media company to the former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi across Europe, the group wants to take over more shares of the German broadcaster ProSieben. There were already offers from the group in the room, which had now been significantly increased. This makes the takeover offer of the Italian media group appear much more attractive for shareholders than that of the Czech Investment competitor PPF. If the offer of the Berlusconis is accepted, the media group has no 40.4 percent of the shares of the German broadcaster. The final result will next week expected.