Concerns are mounting in Germany regarding the potential impact on journalistic independence at ProSiebenSat.1, a major German media company, as it becomes the focus of a high-stakes acquisition battle. Kulturstaatsminister (State Minister for Culture) Wolfram Weimer has expressed anxieties about the possibility of diminished independence should the company fall under the complete control of the Italian holding company MFE, significantly influenced by Pier Silvio Berlusconi.
MFE currently holds approximately 30% of ProSiebenSat.1 and is now engaged in a competitive bidding process with the Czech investment group PPF to gain full control. This competition, with parallel offers to shareholders running until August 13th, has triggered the government’s apprehension.
Minister Weimer has scheduled a meeting with Berlusconi at the Chancellery in September to address these concerns. He emphasized the importance of transparency during this acquisition process and the need for a thorough assessment of potential consequences. The discussions will center on the nature of potential political influence from new foreign ownership, safeguarding journalistic quality and independence and the implications for Germany’s television landscape.
Weimer stressed the critical relevance of preserving media freedom in Germany and stated his intention to investigate the background and connections of potential investors. He alluded to the past associations of Berlusconi’s father, the former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, with Russian President Vladimir Putin, underscoring the need for careful scrutiny in such a significant acquisition involving a key institution of public opinion formation. The minister’s goal is to ensure that any change in ownership does not compromise the integrity and independence of German media.
