Mipcom Cannes, the international TV conference, opened on a solemn note with market director Lucy Smith paying tribute to the “innocent victims in Israel and Gaza.”
Smith addressed the reverberations of the Israel-Hamas conflict at the market and within the industry. Out of the 70 Israeli industry executives who had registered for Mipcom, only a few were able to attend due to the devastation brought by Hamas’ attack on Oct. 7, which killed more than 1,200 Israelis.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with them and with all of the innocent victims in Israel and Gaza following last week’s horrific terrorist attack,” Smith said. She added that RX Global, the organizer of Mipcom and MipTV, is “supporting humanitarian relief across the region.”
France has raised its security alert to the highest level within the last week. Just a few days ago, the country was shaken by the murder of a teacher in the French city of Arras. The knife attack is being investigated by anti-terrorism prosecutors.
“Your security is our priority. In line with recent events, and with France elevating its national security level, we have also elevated all of our security measures at the market,” Smith said.
She pointed out extra measures include “increased checks at all entry points to the Palais and the further deployment of security agents, inside and outside the Palais, as well as reinforced security across Cannes.”
More to come…