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.
