Paris, France – Marco Bassetti, the Chief Executive Officer of banijay Entertainment, is a leader who prioritizes tangible results over industry accolades. Known for his calm demeanor, polite approach, and subtle Italian accent, Bassetti has firmly established himself as a powerful figure in the global media industry.

The Rise of Banijay Under Bassetti’s Leadership

Since assuming leadership of the media powerhouse in 2013, Bassetti has orchestrated a series of transformative changes at Banijay. This included the pivotal acquisition of Endemol Shine during the height of the 2020 pandemic, and a strategic expansion into live entertainment through ventures like Balich Wonder Studio and The independents. Throughout this period, he has consistently focused on strengthening both scripted and unscripted content production, and amplifying the value of existing and new intellectual properties.

While Banijay is widely recognized for its unscripted hits like “MasterChef” and “Big Brother,” the company also boasts a portfolio of critically acclaimed series and films, including “Peaky Blinders” and “Black Mirror.” Recently, Banijay’s montmartre Films secured recognition at the Venice Film Festival for Valérie Donzelli’s “At Work.”

Focus on Financial performance

Bassetti consistently emphasizes a commitment to profitability and shareholder returns. “At the end of the day,we are very much focusing on quality and delivering good results to our shareholders,so we are much more keen to give you a very good bottom line than to win an Oscar or a Golden Lion in Venice,” he stated.

Banijay’s Strong Financial Performance

Banijay has demonstrably outperformed several competitors in recent years. Second-quarter results for 2025 revealed a 3% increase in revenue compared to the previous year, reaching €1.13 billion, with a half-year revenue totaling €1.42 billion. Adjusted EBITDA also saw a 6% rise, reaching €208 million. This success is particularly notable considering the challenges faced by other major European media groups like ITV and Fremantle.

Industry peers acknowledge Bassetti’s acumen and competitive spirit. Jane Turton, CEO of All3Media, described him as a “fierce and competitive rival and a hugely respected friend,” adding, “He is passionate about television, unbelievably knowledgeable and irritatingly prosperous!”

Tarak Ben Ammar, of Eagle Pictures, highlighted Bassetti’s managerial skills and financial prudence, noting his ability to reassure investors and navigate international markets.

From Humble beginnings to Industry Leader

Bassetti’s journey in television began unexpectedly while studying economics in Milan. A chance opportunity at Antenna 3,one of Italy’s pioneering private television channels,ignited his passion for the industry.He quickly gained experience in various roles, from studio assistant to director and producer.

A pivotal early experience came during a collaboration with steve Carlin, the creator of “The $64,000 Question,” where Bassetti honed his skills in format creation. Bassetti credits carlin with imparting valuable insights into the American television market and the importance of a strong producer’s vision.

Early Ventures and the Rise of Endemol

bassetti’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to launch La Italiana Produzioni, one of Italy’s first self-reliant production companies. This was followed by a partnership with John de Mol, leading to the creation of Endemol Italy in 1997. Together,they developed a string of global hits,including “Big Brother,” “Deal or No Deal,” and “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?”

Securing the rights to “Big brother” in Italy,despite initial resistance due to its controversial nature,showcased Bassetti’s diplomatic skills. He famously secured a blessing from a local Cardinal after presenting the show’s concept.

The Endemol Shine Integration and Future Outlook

Bassetti’s most meaningful achievement is arguably the successful integration of Endemol Shine into Banijay in 2020 – a $2.2 billion deal that established Banijay as the largest non-U.S. content producer.He views the increased scale as essential for navigating the competitive landscape and leveraging intellectual property.

While Bassetti dismissed rumors of a potential acquisition of ITV Studios, he emphasized Banijay’s focus on strategic talent partnerships. He also expressed optimism about the growing demand for film content, citing the success of Banijay’s “Diamanti” in Italy and a predicted shift away from extended television series.

Diversification into Live Events and Sports

Banijay’s diversification into live entertainment and sports has proven fruitful, with live experiences generating €173 million in revenue during the first half of 2025, a 15.4% year-over-year increase. The company’s ownership of Balich Wonder Studios, The Independents, and Lotchi positions it to capitalize on the growing demand for immersive experiences and IP-based events.

Bassetti highlighted the potential in sports-related content, pointing to the substantial investments in sports rights and the opportunity to create complementary programming.

Did You No? Banijay’s roots trace back to France with the founding of Banijay by Stéphane Courbit.

Pro Tip: Diversification is key for media companies today. Banijay’s expansion into live events and sports demonstrates a forward-thinking approach.

What strategies do you think will be most important for media companies to thrive in the next five years? And how will the rise of streaming platforms continue to reshape the industry?

Share your thoughts on Banijay’s strategy and the future of the entertainment industry in the comments below!