‘A Visionary And Passionate Entrepreneur’: MIDEM Founder Bernard Chevry Dies

Exhibition producer Reed MIDEM today paid tribute to Bernard Chevry, the founder of the MIPTV and MIPCOM television markets and the MIDEM music industry tradeshow, who died on 17 May, aged 96.

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

He established the relationship with the city of Cannes, which continues to be host city to the flagship Reed MIDEM events, including MIPCOM which debuted in 1985. 

Chevry headed the Midem Organisation until 1988, then sold it to the Reed group in 1989 when it became Reed MIDEM. In 2013, Reed MIDEM honoured 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 honour 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.”

Zilk 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.”