In the wake of Eurovision 2024, Norway’s Head of Delegation – Stig Karlsen – has confirmed the EBU is in discussions with broadcasters.
Stig “speaks for the fans”
Stig, who has been the Head of Delegation for Norway for a number of years, confirmed to TV2 that an evaluation of how Eurovision 2024 went was sent to the EBU. He added that the EBU is currently going through the evaluation, with NRK expecting to receive feedback in due course.
NRK was one of many broadcasters that expressed their discontent at the organisation of Eurovision 2024. As a result, NRK – who regularly confirms their participation shortly after the previous year – is yet to greenlight participation for 2025.
Speaking on the prospect of taking part, Stig said:
Først og fremst er det viktig å få sagt at EBU i en årrekke har gjort et fantastisk arbeid for å bringe Europa og verden sammen med Eurovision. NRK ønsker fortsatt å være en del av dette fellesskapet og dets gode verdier. Det er hva vi jobber for.
First of all, it is important to say that the EBU has done fantastic work for a number of years to bring Europe and the world together with Eurovision. NRK still wants to be part of this community and its good values. That is what we work for.
Stig Karlsen, Norwegian Head of Delegation
As well as this, Stig was one of the first Heads of Delegation to criticise the EBU on its handling of this year’s edition. He appealed to the EBU to “stop blaming the artists” for the scandals that dominated the show.
En rekke kringkastere har uttrykt at de er opprørt etter at årets Eurovision ble preget av splittelse og støy, manglende kommunikasjon og krisehåndtering. Det er mange som har mye å melde tilbake til EBU etter årets Eurovision, men det meste skjer i lukkede fora.
NRK ønsker åpenhet og en transparent prosess, men vi har forståelse for at EBU trenger tid og ro til å først gjøre en god intern utredning. Vi bidrar for øyeblikket konstruktivt til denne prosessen.
A number of broadcasters have expressed that they are upset after this year’s Eurovision was characterized by division and noise, a lack of communication and crisis management. There are many people who have a lot to report back to the EBU after this year’s Eurovision, but most of it happens in closed forums.
NRK wants openness and a transparent process, but we understand that the EBU needs time and calm to first carry out a good internal investigation. We are currently contributing constructively to this process.
Stig Karlsen, Norwegian Head of Delegation
The story of Eurovision 2024
The Nordic country hosted the 68th edition of the competition. This is after Loreen’s historic win at Eurovision 2023 in Liverpool.
In July 2023, after a shortlist of four cities, the EBU announced that Malmö would host Eurovision 2024. The city spent up to €2.5 million for the contest, as well as having 600 volunteers work on the show.
In total, 37 countries participated in the Contest. Luxembourg returned, whilst Romania withdrew. ‘United By Music’ became the permanent slogan for the Contest. The show had ‘The Eurovision Lights’ as the theme art. Florian Wieder and Fredrik Stormby designed the stage.
Nemo who represented Switzerland in Malmö, won this year’s competition with their entry “The Code” after receiving the most points from the jury and televoters combined.
What do you think of what Stig said? Do you think that changes to the EBU will be implemented in time for Eurovision 2025? 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: TV2
Photo Credit: NRK
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