Just three weeks ago, Switzerland earned its third Eurovision win in Malmö. However, the work for broadcaster SRG SSR has begun, as bid books are sent to interested host cities for next year’s show.
SRG SSR looks to “Swissisise” host city bids
In a press release published by the Swiss broadcasting association, SRG SSR revealed that a twelve-person strong team has already been working to secure core aspects of the show. However, with time already running out to organise the show, the station is looking to secure its host city before the end of the summer.
For SRG SSR, this involved the so-called “Swissisisation” of the requirements for the host city. These requirements have been collated into the bid books that are sent to interested venues. As with previous years, strict criteria must be met to ensure that the quality of the Contest is maintained. This includes a suitable arena, with ample accommodation for both fans and journalists alike. However, the exact list of requirements has not been publicised.
Final decision to be made at the end of August
The broadcaster confirmed that cities that have expressed interest in hosting the Contest have one month to prepare their bids for the show. The deadline for the dossiers to be returned to the association has been set to the end of June. In the four-week period, cities will have to work with arenas and local canton governments to prepare their submissions, to be reviewed by the broadcaster over the summer.
SRG SSR has not publicised which cities have formally expressed an interest in hosting the Contest. However, the association confirmed that a host city will be selected by the end of August, with an announcement made at the same time.
Meanwhile, SRG SSR has already begun to form its core team for next year’s Contest. This includes an Executive Producer and a Head of Security, as well as content and show producers – among other roles. The broadcaster added that members from the EBU are also working together with the company to ensure a tight timescale. External members will also be brought in at a later stage.
Switzerland’s Eurovision journey
Switzerland both hosted and debuted in the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest in 1956. Their first participation was successful, as they won with Lys Assia’s “Refrain”. Since then, they have participated on 63 occasions, making the Grand Final 52 times.
Switzerland’s most recent participation saw them being represented by Nemo with their song “The Code”. Performing in the second semi-final, they qualified for the Grand Final for a fifth consecutive participation. At the end of voting in the final, it was revealed Switzerland had won the Contest. Nemo scored 365 points with the national juries, as well as 226 points with the televote. The overall winning score for “The Code” was 591 points. This win marks Switzerland’s third win in the contest following on from Lys Assia in 1956 and Celine Dion in 1988.
What do you think of SRG SSR and the broadcaster’s rules for Eurovision? Which city do you think will get to play host to Eurovision next year? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads and Bluesky as we start our preparations for Eurovision 2025!
News Source: SRG SSR
Photo Credit: SRG SSR
Giwrgos Oiko