Vivendi Chief For MIDEM Keynote

Vivendi chief exec Jean-Bernard Lévy is confirmed to make one of the keynote speeches at MidemNet Forum, the section of MIDEM dedicated to music technology and new economic models.

Also on the bill is Bob Ezrin, the legendary producer who’s also chairman of Live Nation Recordings.

Creating value around music will be the main theme of the ninth edition of MidemNet, which takes place at Cannes’ Palais des Festivals January 26-27.

More than 1,300 key players from the global music industry will come together to discuss two key questions: Where is the value in music now that the disc is no longer the pillar of the industry, and how can the industry identify and capitalise on new revenue streams?

The other speakers and panelists confirmed so far include famous live music promoter Harvey Goldsmith, Public Enemy co-founder and SLAMjamz Records chairman Chuck D, Edge Group (U.K.) co-founder David Glick, S-Curve Records (USA) chief exec Steve Greenberg, and FNAC retail group chief Denis Olivennes.

Olivennes is the author of new proposals that suggest Internet users in France who persistently download music and films without paying for them should have their Web access shut down by the government.

Also on the list is Nettwerk Music Group chief exec Terry McBride, who, along with partners Ric Arboit, Dan Fraser and Mark Jowett, recently agreed to sell 20 percent of the company to the U.K.’s MAMA Music Group for a US$6 million down payment and the promise of another US$8 million if performance figures for the next two years are up to scratch.