NATPE's Closure Marks End of an Era in Television Industry Events

The National Association of Television Programming Executives (NATPE), a pivotal convention in the television industry since its inception in 1963, is ceasing operations in the United States. Brunico Communications, a Canada-based publisher that acquired NATPE's assets in 2023, announced the discontinuation of its U.S. events, including NATPE Global, Realscreen Summit, and Kidscreen Summit, effective next year. This decision follows a period of significant market change and consolidation within the television industry, which Brunico cited as a primary reason for the shutdown.

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Brunico's president and CEO, Russell Goldstein, described the decision as "difficult, but necessary," emphasizing that it stemmed from ongoing structural impacts on the content production business. The company will, however, continue to host the Banff World Media Festival and publish its trade magazines, including Realscreen and Kidscreen.

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NATPE was once the largest syndication sales marketplace in the United States, peaking in the 1990s and early 2000s when major companies like Warner Bros., Universal, and Paramount showcased their offerings on a grand scale. However, the rise of television consolidation and a shrinking syndication market led to NATPE's decline in relevance throughout the 2010s. Despite attempts to pivot towards international markets and the creator economy, NATPE struggled to adapt to the evolving media landscape.

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The organization faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, which culminated in its bankruptcy and the cancellation of its 2023 event. Although NATPE returned in 2024, it was paired with Brunico's Realscreen Summit in subsequent years, indicating a shift in focus and resources.

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The closure of NATPE and its associated events represents a significant loss for the television industry, particularly for the unscripted and children's content sectors. Brunico noted that the Realscreen and Kidscreen Summits had served as vital platforms for networking and opportunity for media executives over the past three decades. The decision to end these events has raised concerns about the future of such gatherings in an industry increasingly dominated by consolidation.

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In a statement, Russell Goldstein acknowledged the contributions of NATPE executive director Claire Macdonald and Kidscreen publisher Jocelyn Christie, who will exit Brunico as part of the restructuring. He expressed gratitude for their dedication to the communities served by NATPE and its associated brands.

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The decision to discontinue these long-standing events has drawn criticism from industry insiders who argue that the loss of NATPE and its associated summits diminishes opportunities for networking and collaboration in an already challenging media environment. Critics emphasize the need for platforms that foster innovation and connection among media professionals.

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• “This decision was deeply considered and stemmed from the market consolidation that continues to progress and have structural impacts on the content production business,” — Russell Goldstein, President/CEO of Brunico Communications

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• “have served as the heartbeat of the international unscripted and kids content communities for the past 30 years and have proudly been a seminal catalyst of opportunity for an entire generation of media executives and their companies,” — Brunico Communications

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The closure of NATPE marks a significant transition in the television industry, reflecting broader trends of consolidation and changing market dynamics.

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