Mediaset networks reached an average audience share of 40.8% in the 2023-2024 season, as announced by the CEO of Mediaset, Pier Silvio Berlusconi, in Cologno Monzese. “In recent years, there has been growth. You have heard us talk about a change of pace that we actively sought after the Covid period and lockdown: the trend is positive. We have experienced several seasons of growth,” Pier Silvio Berlusconi said. “In the 24-hour timeframe, including everything, we are ahead of Rai in terms of share trends.” “These results make us the leading Italian broadcaster. From September to the end of May, in the 24-hour timeframe encompassing all events, the total Mediaset audience surpasses that of Rai,” he added. “But it’s not our goal – it’s an indirect reward for the work done, not a statistic we can sustain. Also considering the amount of spending and investment. Rai invests between 180 and 200 million (gross value between 180 and 200 million) in fiction, while we operate on significantly lower figures. Our aim is to offer the audience the richest possible content, but we are a commercial television,” Pier Silvio continued. “I honestly do not think that Rai can still be judged, and it’s not up to me to do so. My advice to all Rai management, and also to politicians, is to set the right goals and provide as much public service as possible to ensure Rai fulfills its public service mission,” Pier Silvio Berlusconi, CEO of Mediaset, stated in a press conference. “Don’t fall into the trap of the media, newspapers, shows, and websites that sensationalize one side over the other,” he added. “The Italian market may be small, but it is crowded, and the Mediaset system outperforms Web giants,” asserted CEO Piersilvio Berlusconi, explaining that the group has reached a weekly viewership reach of 95.9 million.
“Rai continues to be the leading television broadcaster in Italy during the first five months of 2024, distancing itself from the Mediaset networks throughout the day and during prime time. Despite having three fewer specialized networks compared to the main competitor and four dedicated solely to public service, therefore not comparable to commercial Mediaset networks, Rai remains the leader in viewership. Considering the generalist networks, Rai has approximately a 5-point advantage over Mediaset throughout the day and over 7 points in prime time.” This was stated by Rai in a note following Pier Silvio Berlusconi’s claims about Mediaset’s leadership. “It should be noted – the note from Viale Mazzini continues – that the gap between Rai 1 and Canale 5 in prime time has increased compared to the same period in 2023. In 2024, Rai 1 recorded a 7.3% higher share than Canale 5.”
Pier Silvio Berlusconi: “Mentana? Our Doors are Always Open”
“Our doors are always open for Enrico Mentana,” stated Mediaset’s CEO Pier Silvio Berlusconi, highlighting that “He is a great professional in Italian journalism and television: I have an excellent relationship with him, and he can contribute a lot now and in the future.”
“We are pleased with the new additions. Myrta Merlino in the afternoon has done a good job, worked hard, and improved the product. Regarding Bianca Berlinguer, we are very satisfied; prime time is performing extremely well. We are not only pleased but also see new products. We have no reason not to confirm this “Pomeriggio 5″ and have Myrta Merlino as the host,” Pier Silvio Berlusconi, Mediaset’s CEO, stated in a press conference. “From an audience standpoint, I have no regrets” after Barbara D’Urso’s departure, “and I say this not against her, but it is entirely objective. Personally, I have always had nothing against Barbara D’Urso, and it saddens me that it became such a talked-about issue,” Pier Silvio Berlusconi said. “It was a regular TV decision, and I wish her all the best,” he added.
Mediaset’s CEO Pier Silvio Berlusconi addressed the issue of the video involving Vladimir Luxuria and Sonia Bruganelli hosting the show ‘L’Isola dei Famosi.’ “I heard something about it last night around 10 PM, but I didn’t see it or read it properly. I think I know Luxuria enough – there is a certain interpretation; I couldn’t possibly have any negativity towards Luxuria or Bruganelli,” he explained.
June 12th Marks the Anniversary of Silvio Berlusconi’s Death: Mediaset Remembers
“We will remember my father with a big hug,” Pier Silvio Berlusconi, Mediaset’s CEO, stated in response to a question about the upcoming anniversary of Silvio Berlusconi’s death on June 12. “I have been inundated with emails from our colleagues in Italy and Spain asking to come together on that day – and next week, we have decided to give our employees the opportunity to be together,” he emphasized. “There will be a big collective hug, and we will remember our founder; for me, it is a beautiful thing,” he added. “Certainly, in Mediaset, we will remember my father and our founder,” Pier Silvio Berlusconi explained, noting that the upcoming June 12th “is a date that I find heavy, beyond the profound grief and in figuring out how and what to do.” “My brothers and I are not yet ready, and I am less determined today than I was shortly after his passing,” he added.
“News programs have the freedom to cover it as they see fit; I am confident they will be highly respectful. I know that the duo Toni Capuozzo-Roberto Burchielli is working on a small special that will air in prime time. They have always done a great job, even for my father’s 80th anniversary and his passing,” he concluded. “This is all for now, and my brothers and I are not yet ready for other productions. What and when will be seen.”
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