Although it is only Day One of MIPCOM 2026, an early assessment is already possible (a more in-depth report will be published this coming Thursday in VideoAge‘s Water Cooler feature). For now, we can highlight an unusual level of media interest from most exhibitors.
This year, the press received a larger-than-usual number of invitations to cocktails, parties, receptions, and celebrations. Even the consumer press 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 reporter Omar Mendez arrived from Argentina to explore what is brewing with Latin America, among others.
To kickstart MIPCOM, yesterday (Sunday), Germany’s Poorhouse Entertainment hosted a lunch for international art-program buyers; MIPCOM Jr. staged its cocktail lunch; Turkey-based Global Agency featured a special screening of its new format The Greatest Duo; Maria Pérez-Belliere gave an interview to VideoAge about the upcoming MIP Cancun; and Banijay hosted a reception at the Carlton.
Today, the market will feature several events, starting with a press breakfast from ITV Studios and a MIP Cancun morning presentation. At 5 p.m., following the traditional floor-based buying and selling time, at least six major recreational events will take place (including those hosted by A+E, NBCU, and Fox), along with the Opening Party and the ATV dinner.
So, what does all this mean? Well, considering that mergers and acquisitions have shrunk exhibition space, the TV sector overall is not faring that poorly. MFE is now showcasing its new combined pavilion alongside the Spanish, German, and Italian delegations, gathering at the former ProSieben stand on the P4 level (where it is listed under “Mediaset Group”). All3Media has moved to the Banijay complex at stands C20 and P3 C10. Meanwhile, Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery, though now united, remain separated on the floor — one at stand C14 (Paramount), the other at C17 (WBD).
Tomorrow’s (Tuesday) VideoAge Daily (print and online) will report on the deals concluded today, as well as additional floor activities.
Pictured above from left: MipJunior’s Disney Conference and Cocktail Lunch; lunch with buyers at Reinier Moritz’s place; MIP Cancun’s Maria Pérez-Belliere going over the Mexican event for VideoAge‘s Tuesday Daily; Global Agency’s Izzet Pinto screening The Greatest Duo at Cinema Olympia.
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