The planned closer cooperation between the ProSiebenSat.1 broadcasting chain and its major Italian shareholder MFE-Mediaforeurope has been criticized by the trade union.

The German Association of Journalists warned of the growing influence of the holding company of the family of former Italian head of government Silvio Berlusconi. "Closer cooperation between MFE and ProSiebenSat.1 threatens a creeping Berlusconization," said DJV Federal Chairman Frank Überall on Tuesday. "There is nothing to suggest that MFE would change its political agenda after the death of Silvio Berlusconi." A European alliance of "right-wing national populism on television" is an attack on Europe's fundamental rights and freedoms.

The Bavarian television group rejected this. The warnings of an alleged "Berlusconization" were completely unfounded, explained ProSiebenSat.1 CEO Bert Habets. "It goes without saying that we are talking to our major shareholder MFE - just as we do with others - about economic cooperation opportunities." This concerns marketing, the technical area or the joint international film and series acquisition with regard to license rights. "But at no time has it been about a realignment of the content of our channels," emphasized Habets. MFE had neither demanded this, nor was the management of ProSiebenSat.1 available for this. It was also not in line with ProSieben's orientation as a liberal, cosmopolitan and non-partisan media group.

The background to the criticism of the union is Habets' recent comments. He had told the "Financial Times" that in recent weeks, employees from both groups had begun a "meaningful cooperation" in advertising, technology and even content. This brings the Bavarian television group closer to the ideas of MFE boss Pier Silvio Berlusconi, who is aiming for a pan-European television alliance.

The DJV chairman called on the responsible media supervisory authority in Bavaria to follow the events at ProSiebenSat.1 very closely. The exploitation of synergy effects and the expansion of spheres of influence could have serious consequences. "This must be prevented," said Überall. The Bavarian Regulatory Authority for New Media (BLM) is currently scrutinizing MFE's involvement in ProSiebenSat.1 and would not comment on the ongoing review. However, BLM President Thorsten Schmiege had stated in July that MFE CEO Pier Silvio Berlusconi had assured him in a letter that MFE was committed to the "independence and information diversity of local media offerings".

Pier Silvio Berlusconi and his sister Marina have controlled MFE - the former Mediaset - since the death of their father. MFE has now secured a 28.9 percent stake in ProSiebenSat.1, including derivatives. The package was recently transferred to the two heirs. Katharina Behrends, the German trustee, recently told the "Süddeutsche Zeitung" that MFE does not want to increase its stake at present. A takeover bid to the remaining shareholders would be due if the stake exceeded 30 percent.

(Report by Klaus Lauer, edited by Ralf Banser - If you have any questions, please contact our editorial team at berlin.newsroom@thomsonreuters.com (for politics and the economy) or frankfurt.newsroom@thomsonreuters.com (for companies and markets)).