Canal+ founder Rousselet dies

André Rousselet, the founder of French film and pay television network Canal+, has died aged 93.

Rousselet passed away peacefully at his home in Paris on Sunday, his son Philippe confirmed to news outlets.

Rousselet, who became president of advertising giant Havas in 1982, established France’s first pay TV network in 1984 alongside friend and then prime minister François Mitterrand.

Known as the ‘fourth channel,’ Canal+ found immediate success and shook up the French TV landscape with its emphasis on movies and sports.

Rousselet stepped down as chairman of Canal+ in 1994, when Havas, water utilities company Compagnie Generale des Eaux and the Societé General bank took control of the company.

His son Philippe is the founder of Vendôme Pictures, the prodco behind movies Source Code and Bastille Day.