10 Still Holding Ground: Big and Memorable Despite Departures MIPCOM Cannes is still the largest TV content trade show in the world, though industry insiders estimate that the actual turnout was around 8,000 rather than the official figure of 10,100. (While NAB in Las Vegas and IBC in Amsterdam boast larger attendance, those shows focus primarily on hardware.) Nevertheless, the general impression on the ground in Cannes was that well over 10,100 people were present for the event, with some reportedly opting not to purchase a badge due to high prices compared to markets like EFM, Cannes Film Fest, and AFM. Because major hotels restricted entrance to guests with room keys or MIPCOM badges, local restaurants and bars were overflowing with business meetings (pictured on page 12). In response, market organizers are reportedly considering introducing lower-cost daily registration passes especially for visitors attending single-day meetings. Not bad for a shrinking industry. This year saw Paramount and Warner Bros. operating separate stands for what may well be the last time, while All3Media transitioned to Banijay (which took over All3Media’s former stand). Inside the Palais, however, the air conditioning was still set for a much larger crowd, making the rooms uncomfortably cold, while empty spaces were noticeable throughout the market floor. Additionally, the main corridors in the Riviera section lacked traditional carpeting, leaving bare concrete floors exposed, and the usual country flags above exhibitor stands were noticeably absent. This year, the press received a larger-thanusual number of invitations to cocktails, parties, receptions, and celebrations. Even consumer press outlets got in on the action. For example, Rete Capri in Italy sent reporter Glauco Benigni to review the Cannes TV market for their television network, and TV trade reporter Omar Mendez arrived from Argentina to explore what is brewing with Latin America, among other locales. What does all this mean? Well, considering that mergers and acquisitions have shrunk exhibition space, the overall TV sector is faring reasonably well. MFE showcased a new combined pavilion alongside the Spanish, German, and Italian delegations at the former ProSieben stand on the P4 level (where it is listed under “Mediaset Group”). All3Media moved to the Banijay complex at stands C20 and P3 C10. Meanwhile, Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery, though now united, remained separated on the floor — one at stand C14 (Paramount), the other at C17 (WB). The event kicked off on Saturday, October 10, 2026, with MIPJunior, the children’s TV trade show section, which really became animated on Sunday during a major presentation from Disney led by Ayo Davis, president of Disney Kids and Family, along with her executive team. Officially, market participation for MIPJunior was slightly down from last year, with 165 registered buyers. Sunday’s schedule was packed with events: Germany’s Poorhouse Entertainment (led by Reiner Moritz) hosted a lunch for international art-program buyers; MIPJunior held a cocktail reception; Global Agency’s Izzet Pinto of Turkey screened The Greatest Duo at Cinema Olympia on Rue d’Antibes; Maria Pérez-Belliere gave an interview to VideoAge about the upcoming (Continued on Page 12) Ayo Davis, president of Disney Kids and Family Laszlo Fulop, buyer for Hungary’s AMG Global Media, visits VideoAge’s stand Separated at birth, but now united: Paramount and WB Considering that mergers and acquisitions have shrunk exhibition space, the overall TV sector is faring reasonably well. VIDEOAGE November 2026 MIPCOM 2026 Report
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