Myrta Merlino, a journalist known for her work on La7, recently spoke about her experience on the talk show Pomeriggio Cinque, which marked her transition to Mediaset. In an interview with Repubblica, Merlino expressed satisfaction with her new role but also mentioned the unnecessary criticism she has faced.
Merlino shared that hosting Pomeriggio Cinque has been a revolution for her, requiring a drastic change in her television approach. She had previously been comfortable hosting L'aria che tira on La7, but she has always been curious about new challenges and believes that being on a more mainstream channel like Mediaset appeals to a broader audience.
When asked about the show's performance, Merlino acknowledged that her main competitor is La vita in diretta, which has a well-established history and ad revenue. Pomeriggio Cinque has been receiving a 15-16% share of the ratings, which she considers a success given that she started with only two million viewers. She finds it puzzling that there has been so much unnecessary criticism and speculation about her replacement before she even had a chance to settle in.
Merlino dismissed rumors of any rivalry with Barbara D'Urso, her predecessor on Canale 5. She mentioned that Pier Silvio Berlusconi, Mediaset's publisher, has been supportive since the beginning, sending her flowers. She doesn't believe that someone as intelligent as D'Urso would hold any ill will towards her.
When asked about her adjustment to the new environment, Merlino denied any snobbishness and emphasized her curiosity and adaptability. She finds covering crime stories to be engaging, and she has embraced the larger team at Mediaset. She believes that her presence on the channel has been a success, especially considering the increased interest from younger audiences. Merlino also mentioned that she takes feedback from the public into account, realizing that it's important to listen to what the viewers want.
In her previous role on La7, Merlino focused on politics. When asked what she would ask Giorgia Meloni, the leader of the right-wing political party Fratelli d'Italia, she praised Meloni's recent concert at the Senate and expressed her curiosity about the politician's personal experiences and struggles. She believes that an interview where Meloni reveals her vulnerabilities and discusses the price she has paid for her political rise would be a groundbreaking moment.
Throughout the interview, it becomes evident that Merlino has felt a greater need for support and protection since joining Mediaset. She emphasizes the importance of the support she receives from her partner, Marco Tardelli, and mentions that these three months on Pomeriggio Cinque have been incredibly rewarding and valuable for her career.