A New Chapter: Adapting to the Evolving Media Landscape

The End of an Era: Brunico's Strategic Retreat from U.S. Events

Brunico Communications has made the significant decision to wind down its U.S. television events division, a portfolio that prominently featured the long-standing NATPE and Realscreen Summits. This move, according to Russell Goldstein, president and CEO of the Toronto-based company, is a direct consequence of the widespread market consolidation that continues to reshape the content production business, leading to profound structural impacts. This announcement follows the recent combination of NATPE, once a cornerstone trade show, and the Realscreen TV conferences and markets into a single Miami event for what will be their final iteration in February 2026.

The Enduring Legacy: Kidscreen and Realscreen Publications Continue

Despite the cessation of their U.S. events, Brunico confirmed that Kidscreen and Realscreen will maintain their operations as dedicated publications. Kidscreen will continue to serve the children's content sector, while Realscreen will remain a vital resource for the unscripted content industry. The closure of the U.S. events will also see the departure of several key figures, including Claire Macdonald, executive director of NATPE, and Jocelyn Christie, publisher of Kidscreen, from Brunico's ranks.

NATPE's Tumultuous Return and Industry Challenges

The 2024 return of NAPTE in Miami marked a significant moment following Brunico's acquisition of the assets of The National Association of Television Program Executives. This acquisition occurred after NATPE sought bankruptcy protection in October 2022. The organization faced severe financial challenges due to the cancellation of its 2021 and 2022 U.S. TV markets, directly impacted by the global pandemic. The timing of NATPE Global's return also coincided with a period of unprecedented upheaval in the television industry, characterized by the 2023 Hollywood strikes, the proliferation of new streaming platforms, and an accelerating trend of cable cord-cutting.

Market Disruptions and the Drive for Consolidation

These disruptive forces have triggered a new wave of industry consolidation. Major studios are grappling with the financial pressures of operating expensive streaming platforms while simultaneously trying to offset losses from traditional linear television. Before securing the operating rights for the Banff World Media Festival in 2016, Brunico had a history of managing the Realscreen Summit and Kidscreen Summit conferences, alongside other market and conference operations both within the U.S. and internationally. This latest decision reflects a broader industry trend where companies are streamlining operations and focusing on core strengths in response to a rapidly changing media landscape.