Fuji TV’s Budget Cut Negotiations Leave Talent Agencies on Edge

Even summer events are facing cuts

Fuji TV has been under criticism following the revelation of a scandal involving Masahiro Nakai (52). According to the February 13 issue of “Shukan Bunshun,” Fuji Media Holdings, the parent company, has already received notifications from two individual shareholders regarding a representative lawsuit. These notifications are aimed at pursuing the liability of Fuji TV executives for damages, and the station’s auditors have also been informed.

The ongoing turmoil surrounding Fuji TV is also affecting talent agencies. Among their greatest concerns is the negotiation of reduced appearance fees for talents. A representative from a talent agency revealed the current situation:

“Compared to other key stations, Fuji TV has many comedy-centered programs, such as ‘Zenryoku! Datsuryoku Times’ hosted by Teppei Arita (54) of Cream Stew, ‘Netapare’ featuring Kiyotaka Nanbara (60) of Ucchan Nanchan and Tomonori Jinnai (50), and ‘Atarashii Kagi,’ where Shimofuri Myojo, Chocolate Planet, and Hanako are regulars. Talent agencies are growing increasingly anxious that fee reduction proposals and negotiations will inevitably come as a result of the current turmoil.”

For the April programming revisions, agencies have been informed that appearance fees will remain unchanged, meaning there is little immediate risk of fee reductions. However, the real concern lies in the summer revisions scheduled for July.

“No one can predict how much fees will be cut in the summer revisions, leaving agencies deeply worried. While April won’t see changes, the continued decline in advertising revenue makes it almost certain that, by the July revision period, Fuji will start saying, ‘This is the new fee; if you can’t accept it, you won’t be on the show.'”

Additionally, summer includes major events such as the “FNS 27-Hour TV” special and the large-scale summer festival “Odaiba Boken-O,” both of which traditionally offer substantial appearance fees. If these events proceed this summer, their fees are also likely to be reviewed. This poses a serious issue for talents and agencies that rely heavily on Fuji TV appearances.

Will the impact of the fee reduction negotiations be felt by comedians?

Talent agencies fear a reduction in appearance fees. An entertainment production insider who manages many comedians sighs, saying, “Comedians’ fees are often taken advantage of.”

“I don’t think there will be an immediate drastic reduction in fees during the July programming revision. However, since comedians are relatively replaceable, negotiations will likely be tough. For example, in Sanma no Owarai Kōjō Iinkai, I’ve heard that the host, Akashiya Sanma (69), understands the financial constraints of production and has already lowered his own appearance fee. Compared to other networks, his fee is probably 20-30% lower. When they bring that up, saying, ‘Even a big-name star is accepting this rate,’ it becomes difficult for us to refuse.”

On the other hand, fee negotiations could pose risks for Fuji TV as well. A production company insider explains:

“There’s a possibility that agencies will start rejecting appearance offers one after another. Naturally, if there are no performers, a program cannot be made. If this situation continues, some insiders believe that Fuji TV will rely more on relatively low-budget news and informational programs while filling the rest of the schedule with reruns of Fuji-produced movies and dramas.”

Since the scandal erupted at the end of last year, the atmosphere within the network has remained gloomy. At this point, all we can do is watch and see what happens to Fuji TV next.

The Fuji TV controversy continues to spread throughout the industry in various ways.