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!

The culmination of twelve weeks of gameplay is nearly upon us as Big Brother 27 prepares to crown a winner on Sunday night. This season has distinguished itself not through displays of sophisticated strategy, but by the raw, often messy, dynamics of its contestants, and a resulting captivating level of unpredictability.

A Season Without Clear Frontrunners

unlike past iterations of the show, which frequently enough saw dominant players orchestrating calculated maneuvers, Big Brother 27 has largely unfolded as a series of impulsive decisions and shifting allegiances. While some contestants, like Keanu Soto, demonstrated competitive prowess, and Rachel Reilly leveraged her prior experience, a clear favorite never truly emerged. The finalists are not necessarily those most deserving of the $750,000 prize,but rather those who have navigated a chaotic landscape with surprising resilience.

The Appeal of Imperfection

Despite the lack of strategic brilliance, or perhaps because of it, this season has proven remarkably engaging. The show’s producers have leaned into a campy “Hotel Mystère” theme, and the unpredictability has kept viewers hooked, outpacing the typical mid-season slowdown seen in many reality television programs. The contestants’ emotional investment, frequently enough leading to abrupt reversals and self-sabotage, has been a key source of entertainment.

Notable Personalities and Shifting Alliances

The season has been punctuated by memorable personalities and their complicated relationships. The dynamic between Keanu and Rachel, oscillating between alliance and rivalry, provided consistent intrigue, as did Cliffton “Will” Williams’ nonchalant approach to the game. Even seemingly unassuming players, like Lauren Domingue, found ways to contribute to the ever-shifting dynamics within the house.

Vince Panaro: The Season’s Central Figure

Arguably, vince Panaro has been the most talked-about contestant, though not necessarily for positive reasons. His tendency to make alliances with everyone, only to betray them, has made him a divisive figure. Adding another layer of complexity, his evolving relationship with fellow Houseguest Morgan Pope has become a central storyline, especially given his existing long-term relationship outside the house.

The Controversy and Compelling Drama

The season has not been without its controversies. The elimination of Rachel Reilly via the “White Locust” twist was criticized as unfair, echoing past grievances with disruptive game mechanics. However, these moments of frustration have been overshadowed by the consistent interpersonal drama, particularly the increasingly intimate relationship between Vince and Morgan. This advancement, fraught with ethical implications given Vince’s pre-existing relationship, has captivated audiences.

Did You Know? According to a Nielsen report released in June 2024, reality television viewership has increased by 15% year-over-year, indicating a continuing appetite for this genre.

Shifting Expectations for Reality TV

Big Brother 27 seems to suggest a potential shift in audience expectations. Perhaps viewers are increasingly prioritizing genuine emotion and messy human interactions over flawless strategic gameplay. The focus has shifted from identifying a deserving champion to simply enjoying the unfolding chaos, and the outrageous behaviors of its players. The competition, in this instance, seems secondary to the spectacle.

Pro Tip: To stay up-to-date on the latest reality television news, consider following reputable sources like The Hollywood Reporter and Variety.

Ultimately, the success of Big Brother 27 lies in its willingness to embrace imperfection. It’s a season where flawed characters and questionable decisions have created a uniquely compelling viewing experience.

What are your predictions for the winner of Big Brother 27? Do you find yourself more invested in the drama or the strategy?