11 former employees of NRK, the broadcaster responsible for Norway’s Eurovision participation, have signed an open letter urging their former employer to boycott Eurovision 2026 over the inclusion of Israel.
Former radio presenters & filmmakers amongst signatories
In a letter publicised in Aftenposten, 11 former employees of the Norwegian Public broadcaster wrote to NRK director-general Vibeke Fürst Haugen, urging her to pull Norway out of next year’s competition over Israel’s inclusion, with the letter stating:
NRK can, and should, say no to inviting the official Israeli entry to Europe’s biggest entertainment stage: the Eurovision Song Contest.
Ireland, the Netherlands and Spain have now put their foot down. They will not come to Vienna and the 70th ESC final as long as Israel is invited. Iceland and Slovenia are in the thinking stage . While your NRK, Vibeke, is sitting on the fence and waiting for what the European Broadcasting Union decides.
The letter was signed by Agnes Moxnes, Annette Groth, Christian Borch, Erling Borgen, Edvard Hambro, Joar Hoel Larsen, Morten Jentoft, Odd Karsten Tveit, Ole Torp, Synne Skouen and Sigrun Slapgard. You can read the full open letter here.
Norway’s Eurovision Journey
The Scandinavian nation made its debut in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1960, with Nora Brockstedt and the song “Voi Voi”, which placed 4th. Since their debut, they have participated 62 times, and made the Grand Final 59 of these. In addition, Norway has won the competition three times – in 1985, 1995, and 2009.
Norway’s latest Eurovision participation saw them being represented by Kyle Alessandro with the song “Lighter”. After qualifying for the final, Norway placed 18th in the Grand Final, receiving 89 points, 22 of which from the jury and 67 from televoters.
Do you think the letter will influence NRK? 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 2026!
News Source: Aftenposten
Photo Credit: Alma Bengtsson / EBU
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