Media set 2023 opened with a shift in leadership that follows a recent departure, as Paolo Vasile stepped aside and a fresh executive outlook began to take shape. With the arrival of a new CEO, the organization signaled its intention to redefine the strategic agenda from the top, while Alessandro Salem settled into his expanding responsibilities. In recent years, Salem has been the General Manager of Content for RTI, the media group that oversees several television brands under the Italian audio-visual umbrella. This move marks a pivotal moment in the group’s governance as it recalibrates its executive bench after a notable leadership transition.
As observers weigh the early implications of this leadership reorganization, some anticipate swift, sweeping changes. Yet the approach described by insiders suggests a steady hand at the helm, in line with prior expectations that the group would execute a measured evolution rather than a dramatic overhaul. In this context, Manuel Villanueva, the General Manager of Content, is expected to continue his duties. Industry chatter notes that Villanueva’s stewardship has been central to maintaining continuity in programming and content strategy as the company navigates this transitional period.
The Galician executive began his career in regional media, launching in Galician radio and television during the 1980s. His early years laid a strong foundation in programming and production, culminating a decade later in a leadership role. He moved to Telecinco in the 1990s as Programming Director, then broadened his scope with stints at Canal+ and Antena 3. These experiences helped him build a durable track record in content creation, scheduling, and audience engagement across multiple markets.
By 2002, Villanueva returned to the Mediaset family, taking on the role of Managing Director of Content. For more than twenty years, he has steered the content strategy across several networks, overseeing a portfolio that balances popular drama, reality, and news with high-stakes production decisions. His enduring tenure has provided the group with a steady hand in content development and a clear, consistent approach to audience needs. As the season unfolds, the organizational team appears prepared to maintain this continuity while exploring targeted innovations to keep pace with shifting viewer preferences and competitive dynamics.
Reports from industry portals indicate that the group is preparing changes to middle management in the coming weeks. The expected adjustments are anticipated not only within the corporate tier but also within the communications department, an area repeatedly identified as ripe for modernization. These shifts are framed as a natural part of the institution’s evolution, aimed at strengthening governance, aligning internal functions with strategic goals, and improving cross-department collaboration. While the exact scope remains a topic of discussion, the direction points to a more integrated leadership model that can respond quickly to market changes and audience signals while preserving the core strengths of the RTI brand portfolio.