Israeli newspaper, Ma'ariv, reports today on the changes planned for the Eurovision Song Contest, as of 2004. Almost by coincidence, the report refers to the possible return of Italy.

Israeli daily newspaper,Ma'ariv, reports today of the changes the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has in store for the Eurovision Song Contest as of 2004, which were already revealed last week by international media.

On the other hand, Ma'ariv's innovation in today's report is, that the group of automatic qualifying countries grew, from 4 to 5 countries- Italy will join France, Spain, Germany and the United Kingdom, and all of them will have a secured place in every contest, from 2004 onwards. Italy's possible participation in the 2004 contest, means that the 2003 contest must be broadcasted in the country, according to EBU's own regulations.

Italy's broadcaster (RAI), have not yet made any comment or statement regarding a possible return to the contest, which had been won by them twice in the past. Italy's last appearance in the song contest was back in 1997 in Dublin, where they reached 4th place.