Criticism intensifies over ProSiebenSat.1's comments concerning Berlusconi's Mediaset Forchange (MFE) by the press association.

Criticism intensifies over ProSiebenSat.1's comments concerning Berlusconi's Mediaset Forchange (MFE) by the press association.

The German Journalists Association (DJV) has expressed concerns over the potential takeover of ProSiebenSat.1 by Italian majority shareholder Media for Europe. The offer, announced by the board and supervisory board of ProSiebenSat.1 on Tuesday, has sparked debate in the media industry due to fears of a potential loss of independence for the broadcaster. Initially, the CEO Bert Habets and the ProSiebenSat.1 supervisory board reacted negatively to the initial offer, but a significantly increased proposal from Media for Europe has reportedly changed their stance. However, the DJV, led by federal chairman Mika Beuster, believes that the offer poses a threat to media diversity and critical journalism at ProSiebenSat.1. Beuster and Harald Stocker, chairman of the Bavarian Journalists' Association, have expressed concern about the potential impact on journalistic jobs and independence at ProSiebenSat.1. They fear that the proposed takeover could lead to a weakening of the broadcaster's independence and journalistic integrity in Germany. The DJV has demanded that any takeover of ProSiebenSat.1 by Media for Europe must ensure the continued existence of media diversity and critical journalism. While specific conditions demanded by the DJV for this case are not detailed, they have appealed to the Minister of State for Culture, Wolfram Weimer, to express his concerns about the takeover at the Chancellery. Wolfram Weimer had previously announced a meeting with Pier Silvio Berlusconi, the chairman of Media for Europe, at the Chancellery. Beuster considers it an appropriate time for Weimer to make his previously expressed concerns about the takeover 'loud and clear' at the decisive point. The DJV's sharp reaction to the change of course by the CEO Bert Habets and the ProSiebenSat.1 supervisory board is not surprising, given their concerns about the potential alignment of ProSiebenSat.1 with Berlusconi's populist line. The German private broadcaster association also fears the potential for Berlusconi's majority in the association. ProSiebenSat.1 has announced plans to reduce costs through synergies after a potential takeover by Media for Europe. However, the DJV remains sceptical, fearing that these synergies could come at the expense of media diversity and critical journalism. As the negotiations continue, the DJV and other media industry stakeholders will be closely monitoring the situation to ensure that the interests of media diversity and critical journalism are protected.