MIPCOM Increases Security, Expresses Sympathy for “Innocent Victims in Israel and Gaza”
International television market MIPCOM has increased security in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war, following the lead of the French government, which has stepped up security measures amid fears of attacks against members of the Jewish community.
“Your security is our priority as always, and in line with the recent events with France, elevating their national security levels. We have also elevated all of our security measures throughout the market and they have been heightened throughout Cannes,” said Lucy Smith, director of the entertainment division at MIPCOM Cannes organizer RX France. “Our aim is always to do so with the minimum of inconvenience to you. And we really do appreciate your cooperation.”
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The heightened security measures did not cause noticeable disruptions or delays on the ground, with no major increase in waiting times to enter MIPCOM events.
The Israel-Hamas war seems a world away from Cannes, where hundreds of international television executives have gathered to discuss the future of the global TV business. MIPCOM Cannes runs through Thursday, Oct. 19. But Smith did note that many of the around 70 Israeli executives who had planned to attend this year canceled in the wake of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attacks.
“Due to the devastating conflict in Israel and Gaza, the majority [of Israeli attendees] have been unable to join us,” Smith said. “We are very heartened that there are several Israeli exhibitors here today, and others who are continuing to exhibit with the support of their international teams.”
On behalf of MIPCOM, Smith also expressed her sympathy with “all of the innocent victims in Israel and Gaza following last week’s horrific terrorist attacks” and noted that RX France parent company RX Global was supporting humanitarian relief across the region.
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