ITV Studios vs TSUBURAYA FIELDS HOLDINGS

Banijay Eyes Further Acquisitions, Executives Signal

Banijay, now the world's largest independent production company after acquiring All3Media, held its first major joint appearance by CEO Marco Bassetti and Chairman Jeff Zucker at MIPCOM. They emphasized that Banijay is more than a producer, positioning as a global entertainment group across digital, live, and sports. While focusing on the completed integration, they openly stated further acquisitions are not excluded. The strategy centers on scale, IP retention, and expanding formats like The Traitors into more markets. They see US scripted as a new opportunity, but caution on talent and IP. Key execs noted small producers may seek refuge with larger players.

• Banijay acquired All3Media, becoming the world's largest independent production company.
• At MIPCOM 2026, CEO Marco Bassetti and Chairman Jeff Zucker hinted at possible further acquisitions.
• Banijay is active in 25 countries with numerous subsidiaries.

ITV Studios Germany CEO Warns Against TV Repetition

In a podcast interview, Christiane Ruff, Managing Director of ITV Studios Germany, offers a sobering outlook for the German TV production industry. She no longer expects cyclical recovery but a plateau, anticipating flat order volumes over the next five years. Ruff criticizes broadcasters for favoring tried-and-tested formats, warning that a lack of innovation drives audiences elsewhere. She notes that production companies increasingly bear the financial risk of development, with broadcasters rarely funding it. She also highlights competition from creators and the need for agility, while seeing growth potential in reality TV. Ruff will step down in 2027, succeeded by Fabian Tobias, and predicts the demise of her own role in TV but the persistence of linear television.

• ITV Studios Germany CEO Christiane Ruff predicts a flat order situation over the next five years.
• Ruff criticizes broadcasters for relying on established formats instead of new ideas.
• ITV Studios Germany has been developing a project at its own expense for 3.5 months without an order.

Fabian Tobias to Lead ITV Studios Germany

Fabian Tobias, currently CEO of Endemol Shine Germany, has been appointed CEO of ITV Studios Germany and will assume the role in spring 2027, succeeding long-time head Christiane Ruff who will retire after 13 years. Tobias will report to Lisa Perrin, Managing Director International Production at ITV Studios, and is charged with the strategic and creative development of ITV Studios Germany. His previous credits include bringing formats such as The Masked Singer to Germany and producing long-running shows. The announcement was published by DWDL.de on 2026-08-04.

• Fabian Tobias has been appointed CEO (Geschäftsführer) of ITV Studios Germany and will take the position in spring 2027.
• Tobias was most recently CEO of Endemol Shine Germany.
• He will report to Lisa Perrin, Managing Director International Production at ITV Studios.

TSUBURAYA FIELDS HOLDINGS Announces New Pachi-Slot 'L Assault Lily' and Pachi-Slot 'e Godzilla vs Evangelion ~WIND BURST~' Launches

The company's consolidated subsidiary Fields Co., Ltd. announced the release of new pachislot machines 'L Assault Lily' on September 15, 2026, and 'e Godzilla vs Evangelion ~WIND BURST~' on September 1, 2026. Additionally, Tsuburaya Productions announced the opening of official shops 'ULTRAMAN STORE' in Ikebukuro and Umeda in 2026, and Fields announced a partnership with IG Port group for global merchandise development.