The organizers of MIPTV are reportedly in advanced talks to establish a new event, MIP London, in 2025, marking the potential end of an era for MIPTV in Cannes. While the upcoming 2024 edition will proceed as planned, the discussions surrounding a London relocation indicate a major shift in the television industry landscape. MIPTV and its larger sibling Mipcom, both operated by RX France, have been facing challenges in recent years, including industry belt-tightening and the emergence of successful new events. As a result, RX France is now considering a new market aligned with the London TV Screenings in February.
For over six decades, MIPTV has been a significant event in the international television industry. Industry professionals traditionally flocked to Cannes for springtime deal-making, networking, and lavish lunches. However, the event’s long-standing position has been shaken by various factors, including the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. As competitors rise and financial considerations come into play, MIPTV’s organizers have found it necessary to reassess their strategies.
The potential move to London aligns with RX France’s long-term plans for its TV events. While a final decision has not been made, plans are said to be well-developed and advanced. Multiple sources have confirmed talks about a London relocation, reflecting the organizers’ efforts to adapt to a fast-changing international TV business landscape. By exploring a new market in London, RX France aims to meet the evolving needs of the global industry.
MIPTV has seen a decline in attendance over the years, with over 5,000 attendees from 80 countries in the previous year. While still significant, this level of attendance marks less than half of the market’s heyday numbers. The emergence of successful events like Content London in November and March’s Series Mania in Lille has further intensified competition and strained travel and expenses budgets. The London TV Screenings, which started as a boutique event, has now grown into a major platform for international content companies, attracting 29 distributors this year.
The potential establishment of MIP London in February would bring even more buyers and sellers to the city, transforming it into a bustling international TV hub. The London TV Screenings, alongside a start-of-year market, would create a significant event in the television industry calendar. This would provide an opportunity for distributors to capitalize on the presence of hundreds of buyers attending the BBC Studios Showcase in the UK. London’s vibrant entertainment scene and global connectivity make it an attractive destination for industry professionals.
While discussions about MIPTV’s potential move to London are ongoing, Mipcom in October will continue to be the largest international TV event of the year. The event, which attracts major distributors and hundreds of U.S. executives, will remain unchanged. Mipcom’s significance in the industry calendar ensures its continued success and relevance.
The future of MIPTV has been the subject of debate in international circles for several years. If the 2024 edition marks the final April outing for MIPTV in Cannes, it will undoubtedly be a bittersweet moment for many industry executives. The potential move to London signifies a larger shift in the cadence of the international TV business and highlights the need for adaptability in an evolving industry. As the television landscape continues to transform, industry players must embrace change and seek new opportunities to thrive.