Realscreen and NATPE, two decades-old TV trade shows, have been shuttered by their owner, Brunico, which blamed “ongoing industry consolidation.”
Kidscreen, an event focused on children’s entertainment, is also being discontinued.
In an announcement, Brunico called the decision “difficult, but necessary.” The Toronto-based company noted that it marks a withdrawal from U.S.-based events, but it will convene the 47th annual Banff World Media Festival in the mountains of Western Canada in June.
The news was accompanied by another sign of the times, as global TV trade publication World Screen said Tuesday it would be ceasing publication after 40 years. The news was relayed to readers in a brief farewell note by President and Publisher Ricardo Guise.
Broadcasting & Cable and Multichannel News, two other media brands that also chronicled the television business for decades, folded in 2024.
Brunico acquired NATPE out of bankruptcy in 2023, reviving the event in 2023 in Miami. In 2025, it was paired with Realscreen and held in the same week in an effort to streamline and reduce costs for the producers as well as attendees. One missing element lately for NATPE, whose origins date to the 1960s, has been the syndication business. The dramatic shrinkage of that sector, which NBCUniversal recently exited completely, left NATPE with a less-lucrative mix of constituents, mainly streaming vendors, production companies and Hispanic media specialists based in Miami.
For Realscreen, the ongoing headwinds for unscripted producers and the meltdown of the pay-TV bundle that long sustained unscripted hits across a range of networks, became an insurmountable problem. Major streamers like Netflix also have been consolidating their influence in a buyer’s market of late and haven’t felt compelled to invest time or resources in events like Realscreen.
“This decision was deeply considered and stemmed from the market consolidation that continues to progress and have structural impacts on the content production business,” Brunico CEO Russell Goldstein said.
After the pullback, Brunico will focus on its stable of publishing brands, including Realscreen, Kidscreen, Playback and Strategy. NATPE was a freestanding show and was not affiliated with a Brunico publishing brand.
Kidscreen and Realscreen will continue covering daily news and providing analysis to subscribers, Brunco emphasized. Both will continue handing out annual awards recognizing talent and programming.
Goldstein called the outlets “more vital than ever to the communities we serve,” adding that he antitipates being able to “open new avenues for growth rooted in our mission.”
As part of the revamp, Claire Macdonald, NATPE’s executive director, and Jocelyn Christie, Kidscreen’s publisher, will both be leaving Brunico to pursue other opportunities, the company said. Goldstein extended his thanks to the execs for “their significant contributions.”
Brunico Chief Content Officer Mary Maddever expressed appreciation to the company’s ongoing business partners.
“As the market evolves, Kidscreen and Realscreen will continue to provide a forum for thought leadership, benchmark best in class content, and deliver the dedicated daily intel needed to stay informed,” she said. “We also look forward to developing more ways to connect our audiences with emerging opportunities, new partners and the innovation that will be essential for building businesses and navigating change in the evolving media, entertainment and content economy.”