RTVE received more than 100 complaints relating to Eurovision 2026 and the decision to withdraw from the Contest. The report from the Spanish Audience Ombudswoman’s Office revealed that Eurovision related complaints were the most prominent in the second quarter of 2026.
RTVE receives over 100 complaints over Eurovision decision
The Spanish broadcaster RTVE has received over 100 Eurovision-related complaints, according to the report for the second quarter of 2026 from the Office of the Spanish Audience Ombudswoman. The Ombudswoman’s Report, which compiles the viewer’s complaints and questions, showed that complaints about the Eurovision Song Contest and related programming were the most common in the 3 month period of the Report.
Of the complaints and comments made, 96 formal complaints were made criticising RTVE’s decision not to participate or broadcast the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 from Vienna. This made Eurovision the most complained about issue during the 3 month period the Report covers. The Spanish broadcaster decided to boycott Eurovision by both not participating in, and not broadcasting the Contest in Austria, due to the participation of Israel.
Several viewers criticised RTVE for not broadcasting the Contest in 2026 while simultaneously broadcasting sports competitions in which Israel also participates, raising comparisons between both decisions.
Many comments of praise had been detailed in the 2025 Ombudswoman’s Report for the broadcaster, however. A large amount of viewers supported RTVE’s decision and proposed alternatives such as a contest with Ibero-American countries or inviting the other boycotting broadcasters (Slovenia, Ireland, Iceland and the Netherlands) to appear at Benidorm Fest 2026.
Other comments and queries for RTVE to answer
The Ombudswoman’s Report also details a variety of other questions that have been raised to RTVE. Included in her Report was a request from some viewers for alternative programming on the night of the Eurovision Grand Final in May. It was suggested that the broadcaster could show the film “The Voice of Hind”, directed by Kaouther Ben Hania. The film is inspired by the true story of Hind Rajab, a Palestinian girl who was trapped in a vehicle in Gaza on January 29, 2024 after an attack in which several members of her family died.
Instead, RTVE broadcast the message “The Eurovision Song Contest is a contest, but human rights are not. There is no room for indifference. Peace and Justice for Palestine” as the Grand Final began. This was followed by a special edition of “La casa de la música”, instead of the Contest from Vienna.
Other viewers also contacted the broadcaster to enquire about Spain’s participation in the Junior Eurovision, due to be held in Malta later this year. RTVE recently confirmed they will be taking part in the Junior Contest, with Lucas Paulano due to represent the nation.
Spain’s Eurovision journey
Spain debuted at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1961 with Conchita Bautista’s “Estando Contigo”. The country earned its first win in 1968 with Massiel’s “La La La”, and won again in 1969 with Salome’s “Vivo Cantando” in an infamous four-way tie. Although they have yet to win again, Spain earned several 2nd place finishes, most famously with Mocedades’ “Eres tu” in 1973 and Anabel Conde’s “Vuelve conmigo” in 1996.
In 2025, Spain selected Melody. As part of the Big 5, she did not need to qualify for the Grand Final from the semi-finals. At the close of voting, her song “Esa Diva” finished 24th, with a total of 37 points. Of these, 27 points came from the jury, whilst 10 came from the televote. Spanish broadcaster RTVE withdrew from the 2026 Contest due to the continued participation of Israel.
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News source: RTVE / Office of the Ombudswoman of RTVE
Image credits: RTVE