Mediaset keeps Gerry Scotti in prime time, delays Enrico Papi's new show

Mediaset confirmed that veteran presenter Gerry Scotti will continue hosting the game show “La Ruota della Fortuna” in the access‑prime‑time slot on Canale 5 throughout the summer. Network executives, including Pier Silvio Berlusconi, said the move protects a strong‑rating program and indicated they are ready to shorten access prime‑time if rival Rai does the same – “Noi siamo pronti, è una promessa. Ma la Rai deve fare il primo passo.”

The launch of Enrico Papi’s new format “Let’s Make a Deal” has been postponed. Initially slated to replace Scotti’s show for the summer, the programme will now be delayed to a later period, possibly the winter schedule, with a pilot already recorded and a December debut under consideration. As one source put it, “Alla fine ha vinto Gerry Scotti. Anzi, ha vinto Mediaset.” The decision reflects Mediaset’s strategy to retain a proven audience draw rather than risk a ratings dip during the hot months.