THis afternoon, the broadcaster of Monaco, TMC, wrote to OGAE France that “it's not the intention to participate to the Eurovision Song Contest 2004”. Now, TMC came with a new statement to one of our frequent visitors.
Marjorie Thizy, spokesperson of TMC, said to James Cohen that the broadcaster is searching for a suitable entry. From this statement it can be concluded that an eventual entry will be selected internally: “If we don't find a suitable song before the EBU deadline of 1st December, we have no other option than withdrawing”. The staff of TMC had not yet been informed oficially about the Eurovision participation.
Svante Stockselius, the EBU's coordinator for the Eurovision Song Contest, said to esctoday.com: “We have a signed confirmation of participation from TMC. But this is a preliminary list and according to the rules any country can withdraw their participation before 1st of December without incurring any financial penalty. But no-one have done that so far.”
TMC asked assistance from the EBU and the French broadcaster France3. Probably we have to wait patiently until 1st December, the day of the EBU deadline. After this deadline, broadcasters cannot withdraw without financial consequences.
