Michał Stekla
According to information from the FlatpanelsHD portal, citing reports from Asia - Nikkei, Panasonic is considering the sale or significant reduction of its television division. This is sad news for fans of the brand, which for decades has been synonymous with innovation in the television industry. CEO Yuki Kusumi confirmed these plans during a video conference regarding the company's financial results. Panasonic (formerly Matsushita) is a legend in the television market. The company began producing televisions in 1952, becoming one of the pillars of Japanese consumer electronics.
It is worth noting that Panasonic's latest OLED TVs, despite the "growing pains" issues with the new operating system based on the Amazon Fire TV platform, still belong to the best on the market. Their excellent color reproduction, depth of black, and advanced imaging technologies make them appreciated by a certain group of fans.
Unfortunately, the quality of the products alone is not enough to stay in business. Panasonic, like Sony, faces declining market share and rising production costs. Like other Japanese companies – Toshiba, Sharp, JVC, and Hitachi – Panasonic has failed to maintain its position in the face of increasing competition from South Korean and Chinese manufacturers. Despite Panasonic's OLED TVs being repeatedly praised for their excellent picture quality, the brand has not been able to compete with giants like Samsung or LG.
Lack of Buyers and Restructuring
– “We are ready to sell this division if necessary, but for now, we have not made a final decision” – said Kusumi, referring to the future of the television segment.
President Kusumi admitted that so far no company has expressed interest in acquiring Panasonic’s television division. However, the company does not intend to wait passively. By the end of the 2026 fiscal year (i.e., March 2026), Panasonic plans to take “radical steps” in four areas: televisions, home appliances, industrial devices, and mechatronics.
This is part of a broader restructuring strategy, under which Panasonic will be divided into three independent companies. One of them, called “Smart Life,” will focus on consumer products.
What Next for Panasonic Televisions?
If Panasonic decides to exit the television market, it will mark the end of an era. Although the company still has a chance to find a buyer or strategic partner, its future in this industry is uncertain.
For consumers, this is another signal that the television market is evolving towards the dominance of a few global players. It is even more worthwhile to appreciate the products that Panasonic offers now – they may soon become collector's items.
Source: flatpanelshd.com, asia.nikkei.com
