The internal review of the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 has taken place. Following the review and investigation, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has set out areas they will be working on in future editions of the Eurovision Song Contest.
The investigation into the Eurovision Song Contest 2024
The investigation into the EBU’s handling of Eurovision 2024 was carried out by and independent industry expert hired by the EBU. In this investigation, the EBU took into consideration feedback from Eurovision stakeholders, the members of the Eurovision Song Contest reference group, heads of delegations and other core members associated with the EBU and the Eurovision Song Contest. Variety have confirmed the investigation was carried out by Pernille Gaardbo. It has also been confirmed by Variety over 50 people were consulted in regard to this investigation.
Following the review, three areas of development have been identified. The areas of development that the EBU are going to work with Eurovision organisers on are:
- EBU Governance and Participation
- Safety and Risk Management
- Audience Engagement: Fans and the Media
- Crisis management
Jean Philip De Tender, who is the new Deputy Director for the EBU said the following about the 2024 contest to outlet Variety:
“So what we bring is a non-political event. But clearly because the event has become so big, you see that geopolitical tensions can have an impact on the event, that it can have an impact on the artists. We welcome freedom of speech. We have seen [the] demonstrations in Malmo [against the participation of Israel in the contest following the conflict in the Middle East]. As public service media, it’s very important that people can express opinions and views. But the Eurovision Song Contest is non-political and needs to remain non-political.”
“We need to look in reviewing the rules as well as how potentially we can find new ways in mitigating the impact of these external events,”
Jean Philip De Tender on politicisation of Eurovision 2024
Actions taken since Eurovision 2024
Since the 2024 edition of the contest, the EBU has employed a senior taskforce, which will oversee decision making in relation to the 2025 contest.
New roles have also been created in order to streamline how the contest is managed. These roles are
- Eurovision Song Contest Director
- European Broadcasting Union Deputy Director
- General/Media Director
These roles have been identified in order to maintain dialogue between the Executive Producer and the Heads of Delegations. This is thought that it will improve the day to day relationships of these stakeholders.
Areas of Development Identified
As mentioned earlier the three areas of development that have been identified are EBU governance and participation, safety and risk management, as well as increasing engagement with fans and the media. The way these areas will be developed have been outlined by the EBU as shows below:
EBU governance and participation
This area will look at: clarifying the decision-making responsibilities of the various EBU Governing Bodies as it relates to the accepted list of participants, ensuring a wide range of member opinions are heard; the remit of the governing bodies, and the responsibilities of the ESC Core Team; and the role of the Heads of Delegations and responsibilities of Participating Artists.
Safety and risk management
This area will look at: improving understanding of the ESC rules across all stakeholder groups, including artists, with a focus on simplification, consolidation and improved accessibility; strengthening the existing ESC Crisis Management Protocols; and bolstering our security and cybersecurity provisions in light of increased needs.
Audience Engagement, Fans and Media
This area will look at: increased collaboration with fan groups, influencers, and media to build broader engagement based on ESC values; and ensure that the ESC continues to be an all-audience show appealing to a broad prime-time audience of all ages.
Crisis Management
Other recommendations made in the report, which will now be considered by a taskforce of senior leaders across the EBU, include potentially restricting backstage access and also putting together a dedicated crisis management team.
What do you think about these changes? Are there other areas the EBU needs to look at developing? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. 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 head towards for Eurovision 2025!
News Source: Eurovision.tv/Variety
Photo Credit: EBU
Rory Gannon