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

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.