Pierre Lescure

Pierre Lescure, born on July 2, 1945, is a prominent French journalist and television executive whose contributions have significantly shaped the media landscape in France. He is best recognized for founding the influential French music television program Les Enfants du rock, which aired on public television from 1981 to 1988. Lescure played a pivotal role in establishing Canal+, France's first premium television channel, serving as its director from its inception in 1984 until 2002. His leadership helped revolutionize the broadcasting industry in France.

Lescure hails from a family with a rich history in journalism and activism; he is the son of François Lescure, a member of the French Resistance and journalist for L'Humanité, and the grandson of Pierre de Lescure, who established the esteemed publishing house Les Éditions de Minuit. Raised in Choisy-le-Roi, he pursued his journalism studies at the Centre de formation des journalistes de Paris.

His career began at RTL as a reporter and news anchor from 1965 to 1968, followed by a stint at RMC until 1972. He later transitioned to television as a news anchor for Antenne 2's evening broadcast. In addition to his media achievements, Lescure supported François Hollande's presidential campaign in 2012 and has undertaken significant cultural and media initiatives under the French government. In 2014, he was appointed president of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, further solidifying his influence in the cultural sector.