Silvio Berlusconi made his money in the media industry. He founded the media company Fininvest, which encompasses a wide range of businesses including television stations, publishing houses, advertising agencies, and film production companies. Berlusconi's media empire played a significant role in shaping Italian politics as he used his media outlets to promote his political agenda and gain support from the public. Despite facing numerous controversies and legal battles throughout his career, Berlusconi remains one of the wealthiest people in Italy.