June 11, 2024
Brussels-based distributor Be-Entertainment, part of DPG Media, has secured distribution rights to a Belgian television format called “The Political Assembly.” Locally titled “Het Conclaaf,” the show airs weekly on DPG-owned broadcaster VTM in the lead-up to the Belgian parliamentary elections. It brings together the country’s top politicians in a castle for a weekend of debates, one-on-one duels, and personal confessions, promising an unfiltered view of political discourse.
Belgian - Be-Entertainment has the distribution rights to the
most striking format of Belgium’s current television season: ‘The Political
Assembly’ (local title: Het Conclaaf). On air in the run up to the
Belgian parliamentary elections to be held this week, the format challenges the
biggest politicians in the country to convene for a full weekend of group
debates, one-on-one duels and personal confessions. All masks are guaranteed to
come off on ‘The Political Assembly’.
Over the course of
four weekly episodes aired in primetime on VTM on Thursday evenings, Flemish
viewers are being treated to a huge dose of verbal fireworks, resulting in a
phenomenal 48% market share (18-44, consolidated) for the three episodes that
have already aired. This is more than double the channel’s average market
share.
The format received
media attention in the run-up to the elections, as it featured all key
politicians in an entirely new and unusual setting. They gather at a scenic
castle for the weekend, to discuss their political viewpoints and confront each
other on opposing opinions and policy. Without the presence of spin doctors, the
format gets beyond the political one-liners and watch the politicians show
their true colors, both as passionate professionals, but also as real people.
‘The Political
Assembly’ offers a rare peek beyond the layers of public speech and
political dogmas. Spending the weekend together under one roof means there’s no
escape from getting up close and personal, and sometimes getting to the bottom
of long-lasting feuds. Will the politicians manage to find common ground and
understanding in the face of the upcoming government elections and who will
manage to win over the votes of the general public?
The Political
Assembly is created and
produced by Bargoens, led by well-known and renowned TV-maker Eric Goens.