In Memoriam: Avril MacRory
Former IMZ President, Head of BBC Music Programmes, and founder of Silverapples Media has passed away on 14 July at the age 69.
MacRory began her career in 1979 as a trainee producer at RTÉ, Ireland’s national broadcaster. Her first major breakthrough came when she was chosen to direct the first 34 episodes of the new Irish drama Glenroe.
She then served as commissioning editor for music at Channel 4 for four years, followed by five years as head of music programmes at the BBC. There, she managed projects like the BBC’s global Millennium Event, a 28-hour live broadcast watched by over 2.7 billion people in 125 countries. During this time MacRory served as IMZ President for two consecutive terms, from 1992 to 1998. Subsequently, she took on the role of co-executive producer of the Global Broadcaster Consortium from 1998 to 2000.
Music was a lifelong companion in MacRory’s career and personal life. A skilled harpist, cellist, and pianist, she toured in the 1970s with artists such as Rory Gallagher, Clannad, and Paul Brady, later producing programmes with many of them.
She will be remembered as a trailblazer who not only shaped the industry but also paved the way for those who followed.
YOU MIGHT ALSO BE INTERESTED IN...

Thank You for Your Submissions!
TVP – Polish Television
We’re reviewing your projects and getting ready for an inspiring Heart of Europe Festival & Forum this September!

Avant Première Is Coming Back to Berlin
IMZ International Music + Media Centre
Avant Première returns, from 14 to 18 February 2026! Save the date and join us next year at Hotel Scandic Potsdamer Platz for four days of music + dance screenings, conference, and networking.

International Emmy® Awards Semi-Final Round of Judging
IMZ International Music + Media Centre
IMZ Members and TV professionals gathered last month in Vienna to evaluate the Semi-Final Round of the International Emmy® Awards in the “Arts Programming” category.

Classicals 2.0 - Virtuoso & Viral
sounding images
Hayato Sumino, Anna Lapwood and Marcin are revolutionizing the classical music world with musical freedom, charisma, and digital communities.