MIP Founder Bernard Chevry Passes Away

Bernard Chevry, the founder of MIPTV, MIPCOM and MIDEM markets, has passed away at the age of 96.

Chevry created MIPTV in 1963, then the world’s first international market for TV rights trading. In 1965, he launched MIDEM, the international market for music, and founded his company, the Midem Organisation.

Chevry led the Midem Organisation until 1988, then sold it to the Reed group in 1989, when it became Reed MIDEM. In 2013, Reed MIDEM honored Bernard Chevry with a MIPTV Jubilee Award to commemorate the 50th anniversary of MIPTV.

Paul Zilk, chief executive of Reed MIDEM, said: “We are deeply saddened by the death of Bernard Chevry. He was a visionary and passionate entrepreneur whom we are proud to honor both for his legacy to Reed MIDEM and for his contributions to the development of the international television and music markets. Bernard was fond of the television and music events he created and stayed in touch with many former colleagues and clients in recent years.”

He added: “On behalf of the entire Reed MIDEM family, including former CEO Xavier Roy, past employees and long-time representatives, we express our condolences to Mr. Chevry’s family, and our gratitude for his accomplishments, which laid the foundations of our company.”