The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) is to introduce a number of measures to protect the well-being of artists for Eurovision 2025. This includes a Code of Conduct that all accredited members will have to follow.
Code of Conduct introduced for the first time
In a statement released by the EBU on Tuesday (December 10th), a wave of reforms will be brought in for next year’s Contest. This includes the consolidation of a Code of Conduct that all members will abide by.
According to the EBU, all accredited members – including delegations, artists, staff and journalists – will be required to accept the Code of Conduct. On top of this, a Duty of Care Protocol is to be adopted, with current rules being used as a guide. Both the Code of Conduct and the Duty of Care Protocol will be released on Wednesday (December 11th).
In an interview with Variety magazine, ESC Director Martin Green said the new rules are a codification of existing rules. He added that following accusations of “politicisation” of the Contest during Malmö 2024, artists, fans and media can suspend their views on the world “ever so slightly” for the sake of the show.
Restrictions on rehearsals
This is not the only shift in the EBU’s policy for the Contest this year, however. Organisers also announced the changing of some elements of production to account for artists’ well-being. This includes no-film zones, that allow artists to prepare privately before their performance.
As well as this, press will be more restricted in their coverage of rehearsals, with delegations holding entirely closed rehearsals. This has been done in order to allow for delegations to focus on their presentation without distractions. Rehearsals will also be “optimised” so that delegations can have time off from their Eurovision schedule and see the host city.
“An important step”
The reforms come in the wake of accusations of harassment from delegations and members of the media towards journalists and artists alike. This also followed the disqualification of Joost Klein, who was accused of making a threatening gesture to a member of staff behind the scenes of the Contest.
In a statement released to the media, the EBU’s new ESC Director Martin Green said:
In 2024, 163 million viewers saw the ESC on TV. Our digital platforms also experienced exponential growth. These successes reinforce the need to continually adapt the show’s structure to meet the evolving demands of both participants and audiences.
We are ‘United by Music’ – it’s up to all of us to ensure the Eurovision Song Contest remains an event that promotes unity, diversity and inclusion. We believe the changes we’re making for Basel 2025 make the Eurovision Song Contest the best experience it can be for our participants, our staff and our audiences.
Similarly, Bakel Walden – who became the chairperson of the Contest’s Reference Group – added:
These new measures, which will be implemented for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel, are a first, and important step to ensure the successful and responsible development of this iconic music event.
On behalf of all participating artists, delegations, and staff members, the Reference Group remains firmly committed to championing a positive, creative and safe Eurovision Song Contest in an ever-changing global landscape.
All about Eurovision 2025
Switzerland will be hosting the 69th edition of the competition following Nemo’s historic win at Eurovision 2024 in Malmö. A few weeks after their win, Reto Peritz, and Moritz Stadler, was announced as the Executive Producers, with the other roles revealed in July 2024.
Basel, Bern & Biel/Bienne, Geneva, and Zurich submitted bids to host next year’s competition, with Basel and Geneva being shortlisted as the final two cities. After the shortlist, it was revealed that Basel will host Eurovision 2025, at St. Jakobshalle with the shows taking place on May 13, 15 and 17.
What do you make of the new rules introduced by the EBU? Do you think the Code of Conduct will address concerns? As always, please let us know what you think by getting involved in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Threads, tumblr, and Bluesky for more information about Eurovision 2025!
News Source: EBU
Photo Credit: Corinne Cumming / EBU
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