🇷🇺 EBU permanently suspends Russian broadcasters’ memberships

Following the war in Ukraine, the EBU has moved to permanently suspend Russian broadcasters’ memberships. As a result, Russia will no longer be present in any future Eurovision-related events.

Opportunities for appeal from the Russian broadcasters

All three Russian members of the EBU received confirmation of their expulsion on Saturday (May 28th, 2022). The suspended members include Channel One Russia, RTR and Ostankino Radio House. However the three Russian broadcasters do have the opportunity to appeal the decision.

In a statement, Eric Campbell, EBU’s governing bodies’ secretary said that all the group followed all procedures.

On behalf of the Executive Committee, I would like to inform [participating broadcasters] of the decision taken by the Committee on three Russian members of the EBU (RTR, Channel One and Ostankino Radio House) at its meeting yesterday.

Based on the measures taken by the Executive Council at its last meeting on April 7, when it launched the suspension procedure, the Council unanimously decided to immediately suspend the three Russian members of the EBU indefinitely, which the Executive Board will review regularly.

Eric Campbell, Secretary of EBU’s governance

Russia’s member stations will be allowed to appeal the decision. However, until a final decision is made, the indefinite suspension will remain in place.

Russian broadcasters journey to Eurovision 2022

Before the war in Ukraine began, both Russia and Ukraine were due to participate. However, following the invasion of Ukraine on February 24th, Russia’s participation was called into question. Many countries from across Europe called on the EBU to remove Russia from the participants list. Some countries, including Estonia and Finland said that they would boycott the show if Russia continued to take part.

On February 25th, 2022 – the EBU released a statement saying that no Russian artist would perform in Turin. Russia was allocated to perform in the second half of the first semi-final on May 10th. However, following the statement, all Russian broadcasters announced they would withdraw from the EBU over mistreatment.

“A fight against the civilised world”

Speaking on the decision, Mykola Chernotytskyi – Managing Director of UA:PBC – welcomed the move by the EBU. In a statement, he said:

UA:PBC welcomes the single position of the Executive Council of the European Broadcasting Union on the suspension of the membership of the Russian media in the [EBU]. Because, violating journalistic standards, spreading hate speech and misinformation, these broadcasters are waging an information war not only against Ukraine, but also against the entire civilised world.

Mykola Chernotytskiy, Managing Director of UA:PBC

Preparations are now in full swing as Ukraine hopes to host the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest. UA:PBC indicated that it will be held in Ukraine, but other options including a co-host operation are being considered.

Russia’s Eurovision journey

Russia has taken part in the Eurovision Song Contest 23 times, with their first participation taking place in 1994. Their first entrant – Youddiph’s “Vechny strannik” – finished in 9th place, garnering 70 points. Since then, Russia has become a powerhouse at the Contest, culminating in eight top 3 places in the past 20 years. Russia won the competition in 2008, with Dima Bilan singing “Believe”.

Russia’s most recent participation was in 2021, when Manizha performed “Russian Woman” in Rotterdam. Performing in the first semi-final, Russia qualified in third place. At the close of voting in the Grand Final, Russia finished in 9th place with a total of 204 points.

What do you think of the EBU’s decision to suspend Russia indefinitely? Is it the right choice or should another arrangement be made? Will we ever see Russia return to the Contest? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for all information regarding Russia at Eurovision.

News Source: Director Media

Photo Credit: EBU