TURKEY / The Discop Istanbul market cancelled for security reasons

The 2017 Istanbul Discop market for television programmes has been officially cancelled by its organizer Basic Lead.

In a statement on the event’s website, Basic Lead, head-quartered in Los Angeles, says the decision is due to the “constant geopolitical tensions” which, at the previous market in early March, had “a very negative impact on attendance”.

“Four months into the preparations for next year’s edition, we still don’t have a clear indication that the overall perception of these tensions and security issues will improve in the coming months,” says General Manager Patrick Zuchowicki.

During the last 12 months more than 200 people have been killed in terrorist attacks in Istanbul and Ankara.

Believing it would be impossible “to organize an effective and good quality market” in these conditions, Basic Lead hopes Istanbul Discop will return in 2018.

So far there have been 6 Istanbul Discops, each hosting 1,500 professionals from Turkey, Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and North Asia.

Earlier this month, Basic Lead announced the creation of a new market for television programmes in the United Arab Emirates: Dubai Discop, intended primarily for television programmes from North Africa, the Middle East, Gulf countries and Asia. The first market will take place from January 29^th to 31^st 2017.

Sources: communiqué, Variety