Format

FRAPA (the Format Recognition and Protection Association) has unveiled early findings from a comprehensive industry consultation, signaling a strategic pivot to address the rapid evolution of the global media landscape. As the association celebrates 25 years, its new leadership team—Co-Chairs André Renaud and Nick Smith, alongside Treasurer Richard Ager (Fremantle’s EVP of Legal and Business Affairs)—is calling for broader engagement from creators, industry bodies, and rights holders to redefine format protection for the next quarter-century.
Since the leadership transition at MIPCOM last October, FRAPA has been in active dialogue with stakeholders to identify the most pressing challenges facing the industry. The consensus is clear: the rise of AI, the creator economy, and the explosion of micro-dramas and short-form content have made IP protection more complex and urgent than ever.

“In just six months, we’ve seen the ground shift beneath us—from AI putting its own spin on formats like Love Island to new models constantly setting the pace of a new direction,” says André Renaud. “The urgency to come together to support, promote, and protect these stories has never been more acute.”

Beyond Traditional Broadcast
FRAPA’s influence is expanding beyond traditional television. A prime example of this cross-sector shift is Tennis Australia Limited, which recently registered the format for its 1-Point Slam event. The high-stakes knockout tournament, where matches are decided by a single point, recently made headlines in 2026 when amateur player Jordan Smith secured a $1 million AUD grand prize. To reflect this diversity, FRAPA is intensifying its engagement with: Individual Creators and independent producers; national Industry Bodies across multiple international territories; niche Rights Holders entering the format space from sports and digital backgrounds.

In response to these findings, FRAPA will launch a revamped newsletter and interactive platform this summer. Designed to be a community-driven resource, it will provide: IP Law Developments staying ahead of legal precedents; market Intelligence, including insights into format deals and commissioning trends; expert perspectives, including attributed insights from key industry figures and members.
FRAPA invites both long-standing and new members to join this "open, honest dialogue" to ensure the industry leads the conversation on sustainability and IP integrity.