MFE-MediaForEurope, led by CEO Pier Silvio Berlusconi, is acquiring a majority stake in Germany's ProSiebenSat.1. To address concerns regarding editorial independence and the broader implications of this significant acquisition, Berlusconi met with Germany’s Culture and Media Minister, Wolfram Weimer.
During the meeting, Berlusconi provided assurances that ProSiebenSat.1's editorial independence would remain protected. He committed to maintaining existing jobs and paying taxes within Germany. “We want to produce and offer more local content tailored to the German audience – with more news, more entertainment programmes and more television series – and over time fewer acquired formats, just as we already do in Italy and Spain,” Berlusconi stated. He also emphasized Munich's continued importance as a “hub for content, innovation and employment.”
While the German government has limited legal influence over the takeover, Minister Weimer stressed the non-negotiable nature of editorial independence. “Editorial independence is of central importance – it must not be touched. We are of one mind on this point, and that is a good prerequisite for a successful engagement in the German media market,” he emphasized. The meeting showcased a determination by Berlin to closely monitor MFE’s actions.
Berlusconi positioned the acquisition as a key element of a broader strategy to create a pan-European media entity capable of competing with global technology and streaming giants like Google, Netflix, and Amazon. “Our goal is to create a pan-European broadcasting and media group able to stand up to the global technology giants and compete with them,” he explained. Minister Weimer welcomed this ambition, stating: “Anyone who operates and produces in Germany bears responsibility – for jobs, for paying taxes and for our creative infrastructure. That MFE assumes this responsibility in Germany, as in Italy and Spain, is pleasing. If a large pan-European platform now emerges from Munich, that is good news.”
Both parties agreed to continue their dialogue, focusing on European media regulation and film funding. Although the immediate tension has eased, the long-term success of MFE's assurances will depend on their practical implementation within ProSiebenSat.1's operations.