In an all-encompassing interview, Pier Silvio Berlusconi of Italy’s Mediaset spoke to VideoAge about his company’s role, hopes, aspirations and wishes for its recent investment in Endemol.
The complete interview will be part of a front cover report in VideoAge’s upcoming MIPCOM ‘09 Issue.
The interview, open and highly challenging to the international TV industry, also covers the future of television in Italy, Endemol’s expansion plans and Mediaset’s increasing presence on the international scene (with the acquisition and development of new production companies).
Another subject covered is Mediaset’s touchy relationship with Rupert Murdoch and his Sky Italia, whose satellite TV monopoly is about to end with the introduction of Tivú Sat, a new platform owned by Mediaset, RAI and Telecom Italia.
It should be noted that, according to reports in the Italian press, in an effort to retaliate against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi (who supports his son Pier Silvio’s strategy to compete against Sky Italia), Murdoch is utilizing his newspapers to harshly and steadily criticize the elder Berlusconi for his dalliances with “papi-girls” (young showgirls) and escorts, some of whom some were allegedly promised candidatures for public offices under his political party banner.
Furthermore, the feature will cover Italy’s TV production costs challenges, the expansion of digital television, the relationship with State broadcasters RAI, Telecom Italia’s TV networks and Tarak Ben Ammar.
