Despite making a headstart in its Eurovision 2024 preparations, Cyprus is facing problems in its organisation of its national selection due to objections from Greek broadcaster ERT.
No relations between ERT and CyBC
In the run-up to the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 in Liverpool, CyBC – in collaboration with record label Panik Records – announced a national selection was in the works for 2024. This would be the first national selection that Cyprus would hold since 2015.
In mid-July, the submissions window for the national selection, titled “Fame Story”, was opened. This meant that singers from across Cyprus could try their luck at representing their nation. The show would be filmed in Greece and simulcast on CyBC and Greek commercial broadcaster Star Greece.
However, Greek public broadcaster ERT has called on the EBU to demand changes to Cyprus’ national selection. The most major point of concern for ERT was the broadcast of a Cypriot selection for the Contest on Greek soil.
CyBC in jeopardy?
In addition to the diplomatic incident between both Greece and Cyprus, CyBC could risk being banned from the EBU if ERT does not withdraw its complaint. The Cypriot broadcaster could also face being removed from the Contest if it refuses to back down from using the show as its national selection.
CyBC has received a letter from the EBU asking for clarification on the matter before the organisation makes a decision. Should the talent show be struck down, CyBC would need to resort back to an internal selection process. This has been the preferred method for Cyprus’ broadcaster since 2016.
It comes as relations between ERT and CyBC continue to sour. After initially good co-operation between the two broadcasters, Greece and Cyprus’ member stations fell out following the final of Eurovision 2023. In the final, the Greek jury awarded Cyprus 4 points, far below the traditionally high positions in previous years. CyBC requested a reasoning from ERT, but has yet to receive an answer.
Cyprus’ Eurovision journey
The Mediterranean nation made its debut in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1981, where Island participated with the song “Monika” and place 6th. Since then, Cyprus has participated 39 times (32 of which where they qualified for the Grand Final).
In 2023, CyBC internally selected Andrew Lambrou to represent them in Liverpool with the song “Break A Broken Heart”. During their participation in Liverpool, Andrew qualified for the final, before going on to finish in 12th place with a total of 126 points. The juries gave Cyprus 68 points, whilst the televote awarded Andrew 58 points.
What do you think of ERT’s concerns? Should Cyprus be hosting its own national selection on its own soil? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Tiktok as we look ahead to Eurovision 2024!
News Source: Politis.com.cy
Photo Credit: Fame Story
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