Myrta Merlin’s Farewell to Mediaset’s Afternoon Five: A Look at a Historic Program Transition

Shake-Up at Mediaset? Myrta Merlino’s future on “Afternoon Five” in Question

March 25, 2025

Is Myrta Merlino nearing the end of her run on “Afternoon Five”? Speculation is swirling in the Italian media landscape, hinting at potential changes at Mediaset, particularly within the afternoon lineup on Canale 5. The latest buzz suggests Merlino might be leaving her hosting duties at “Afternoon Five,” a show she took over last season after Barbara D’Urso’s departure. This potential shift echoes the kind of on-air personality musical chairs familiar to U.S. audiences following network news and talk show ratings.

Rumors of a New Direction: “Forum” in Myrta merlino’s Sights?

fueling the rumors is gossip expert Deianira Marzano, who has shared details through social media channels suggesting that Merlino is eyeing another long-standing Mediaset program: “Forum.” This courtroom-style show is a staple of Italian daytime television. A move to “Forum” woudl have notable implications for Barbara Palombelli, the show’s current host, whose position might be less secure than previously thought.

It truly seems that Myrta Merlin is aiming for forum for a quiet exit from afternoons five. The Palombelli already trembles in Mediaset.

This situation parallels scenarios in the U.S.,where shifts in network priorities and audience preferences often lead to changes in hosting roles. Think of the frequent turnover in morning news shows or the constant re-evaluation of daytime talk show hosts.

Mounting Discontent and Holiday Requests

The murmurs of discontent within Mediaset’s headquarters aren’t new.For months, whispers have circulated that network executives haven’t been entirely satisfied with merlino’s performance. The initial goal was to revitalize “Afternoon Five” with a more journalistic and serious approach. However, while the ratings have been respectable, they haven’t reached the heights the network had hoped for. “Afternoon Five” has reportedly lost some of the widespread appeal it enjoyed under D’Urso, leading Mediaset to consider a change in leadership.

Adding to the speculation is a request for a twelve-day vacation by Merlino, which was allegedly met with less-than-enthusiastic approval from Mediaset. this detail has further ignited rumors of a potential split between Merlino and the afternoon show. Such situations are common in the high-pressure world of television, where even minor disagreements can amplify existing tensions.

Factor	Details	U.S. Equivalent
Ratings	“Afternoon Five” ratings are considered decent but not stellar.	Comparable to a cable news show with steady but not breakout numbers.
Content Shift	Mediaset aimed for a more journalistic approach.	Similar to a network trying to rebrand a morning show with a focus on “hard news.”
Host Request	Merlino’s vacation request reportedly caused friction.	Analogous to a host’s contract negotiations causing behind-the-scenes drama.

Deja vu: A potential Departure Revisited

This isn’t the first time talk of Merlino’s possible departure has surfaced. At the end of 2024, many insiders considered her exit from “Afternoon Five” likely. Although the rumors subsided,they have resurfaced,focusing on Merlino’s reported interest in “Forum.” she may view this format as better suited to her style. Though, Barbara Palombelli’s position at “Forum” is officially secure, any potential move by Merlino could shake things up.

The idea of entrusting “Forum” to a new face with a potentially more modern approach could attract Mediaset executives,particularly if the program needs fresh momentum. In this scenario,Palombelli could be forced to leave a format she has successfully led for years.

The Waiting Game: Silence and Speculation

For now, everything remains in the realm of speculation. there has been no confirmation from Mediaset or the individuals involved. This silence from the network is fueling public curiosity and media speculation. It mirrors similar situations in the U.S. entertainment industry, where carefully orchestrated leaks and strategic silence are used to manage public perception and negotiate behind closed doors.

how will the potential changes to “Afternoon Five” impact Mediaset’s audience and programming?

Archyde Interview: Navigating the Italian TV Landscape with Media Analyst, Giulia Rossi, on the Myrta Merlino “Afternoon Five” Rumors

March 26, 2025

Welcome, Giulia, to Archyde. We’re hearing a lot of buzz about potential changes at Mediaset, specifically around Myrta Merlino and “Afternoon Five.” As a media analyst, what’s your initial assessment of the situation?

Giulia Rossi: Decoding the Mediaset Rumors

Thank you for having me.The rumors surrounding Myrta Merlino’s future and “Afternoon Five” are definitely intriguing. Based on the data circulating, including the whispers of discontent and the potential shift towards “Forum,” it seems Mediaset is considering a important shake-up. The move mirrors patterns we often see in U.S. television, where audience preferences and network goals drive host changes and program evaluations. Its all about ratings, content strategy, and overall brand alignment.

The “Afternoon Five” Equation: Ratings and Rebranding

You mentioned ratings.The article highlights that the show’s ratings, while respectable, haven’t hit the heights Mediaset hoped for. Can you elaborate on the implications of this, and the journalistic approach Mediset was aiming for?

Certainly. Mediaset’s initial strategy with Merlino involved a purposeful shift to a more serious, journalistic approach. This was a departure from the style of her predecessor, aiming for a more substantial news focus. Though, while the viewership remained stable, the audience that followed Barbara D’Urso’s lighthearted approach may have been unwilling to shift.The network likely wanted to find a balance between attracting viewers and maintaining a certain level of credibility. The ratings ultimately influence everything. It is the success and failure of a show. when they fail to meet expectations, it fuels reevaluation and potential changes in command.

“Forum” and Potential Shifts: Is Barbara Palombelli’s Position at Risk?

One of the most interesting aspects of the rumors is the possible move to “Forum,” and the potential impact on Barbara palombelli. How does this long-standing show factor into this equation?

The “Forum” angle adds a fascinating layer of complexity. “Forum” is a daytime television staple, a format that appeals to a particularly loyal demographic. If mediaset is considering Merlino for the program, it suggests a strategic move to refresh its “brand” with a new face. This would mean, perhaps, that Palombelli may have to find other work. This is typical scenario in the competitive TV world, something we also see in the US.

Vacation Requests and Behind-the-Scenes Drama

The article mentions a vacation request that reportedly didn’t sit well with Mediaset. How significant are these behind-the-scenes details?

These details are crucial. In high-pressure environments like network television, even seemingly minor things like a host’s vacation request can amplify underlying tensions. It could suggest a divergence in vision,or a difficulty in negotiations,all of which can contribute to the perception of a strained relationship. It offers us some insight into the dynamics at play within the network.

The Waiting Game: Strategic Silence or Genuine Uncertainty?

Mediaset has remained silent on this, which is a commonplace tactic. What strategic implications does this silence hold?

silence is definitely a strategy in these situations. It provides Mediaset with the flexibility to manage public perception and negotiate behind closed doors. It allows them to gauge the reaction of the media and the public before committing to a decision. This strategic ambiguity builds anticipation and leaves room for multiple outcomes, from a simple contract renegotiation to a more drastic shift, such as a host replacement. It mirrors the strategic silence frequently enough employed in the U.S. entertainment market,fostering speculation and maintaining audience interest.

A Question for Our Viewers

Giulia, thank you for your insights. what impact do you think this eventual change will have on Mediaset’s audience and programming? What developments would you like to see in Italian TV?

That’s a fantastic question. The changes signal greater innovation in the upcoming TV lineup.I believe the network will have to choose whether to continue with a more serious journalistic show or go back to something lighter. italian TV needs to find its balance between entertainment and informative content as public demand remains constant. I urge viewers to tell me their thoughts!