Passing of Visionary French Producer Claude Berda
Claude Berda, the notable French producer and a key figure in the formation of the European media conglomerate Mediawan through his company AB Groupe, has passed away at the age of 78.
While Berda may not have been widely recognized internationally, his impact on the French television industry and his forward-thinking approach as a media executive were influential domestically.
In 1977, Berda, alongside Jean-Luc Azoulay, established AB Productions. The venture was named using the initials from their last names. This collaboration marked the beginning of a significant era in French media.
Evolution from Music to Multimedia
Originally started as a record label, AB Productions ventured into television production in the late 1980s. This shift occurred after they secured a deal with TF1 to produce Le Club Dorothée, a program inspired by the children’s entertainer Frédérique Hoschedé, known by her stage name Dorothée, who was signed to their label.
The program gained immense popularity, becoming a staple for young audiences across France. Following this success, AB Productions expanded its reach into television, creating popular sitcoms such as Salut les Musclés and Hélène et Les Garcons.
Expansion into Broadcasting
By the mid-1990s, the parent company, AB Groupe, had begun to establish its presence in the broadcasting sector, launching its first channel, AB Channel 1. Concurrently, AB Productions was growing its production capabilities and content library through acquisitions such as Hamster Productions. This move led to a merger forming France’s largest TV production company.
In July 1999, Berda and Azoulay decided to part ways professionally, though they maintained their friendship. Azoulay continued with most of the production assets under JLA Holding, while Berda kept the AB Groupe name, focusing on expanding its television networks under the Absat brand and continuing production efforts.
Integration into Mediawan
In 2017, AB Groupe was acquired by Mediawan and was subsequently rebranded as Mediawan Thematics. This acquisition integrated its channels, production operations, and international distribution into what has become a major force in European media, now comprising over 80 production labels.
Following Berda’s death, Mediawan released a statement honoring him as “a visionary and passionate entrepreneur.”
The company highlighted Berda’s contributions over more than three decades, citing his influence through iconic shows like Hélène et les Garçons and Le Club Dorothée, the creation of beloved thematic channels such as AB1 and RTL9, and his pioneering investments in digital terrestrial television with channels like NT1 and TMC.
Mediawan’s management expressed their deepest condolences to Berda’s family, friends, and colleagues, recognizing his profound and lasting impact on the group and the French broadcasting landscape overall.
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