In a recent article in The Stage magazine, music industry professional, David Eager criticised the UK�s system for choosing its Eurovision Song Contest entry, calling it �restrictive and elitist� . Eagan went on to suggest that the cost of entry has too high, with unfair restrictions on control of the winning song.

Having attempted to enter a song for the 2004 competition, he said: �Having paid the £70 entrance fee you assign all the rights of the song including the decision on who performs it to the academy but an entry does not guarantee consideration for Eurovision. Only if you enter the contemporary pop category do you have a possible chance to be considered by the BBC. If your song fits into the ballad or pop category it won�t be considered.�

�Eurovision provides an opportunity to show off the best of UK popular music. We have failed to make an impact over recent years. Surely that calls for a different approach by the BBC. The apparent acceptance by the Corporation that the Song Search competition run by BACS provides a good basis for a source of songs for Eurovision is restrictive and elitist. I believe the BBC should actively encourage professional songwriters and performers to enter.”

�How much notice will an advert give working artists? Probably not enough! So those �in the know� in the record and music industry will grab the opportunity.�

In 2003, The BBC chose the final six entries, one of which was selected from over 900 applicants, with five commissioned for the contest. They were then put to a public vote.

Eager said he was given two alternatives for entering the competition. He could either take part in the British Academy of Songwriters and Composers Song Search 2005 competition or directly through the Corporation via a selection process.

Eager also complained the BASC process was both restrictive and costly, with little guarantee for entrants. When he enquired about the BBC direct entry scheme, Eager was told that it has not yet been decided what this process will be and was advised to look out for adverts in the trade press.

Eager suggested that the Corporation should set up a register for performers who are interested in entering the Eurovision Song Contest which will notify them of opportunities as soon as they are announced.

The UK has had a torid time at the Eurovision Song Contest since Winning in 1998 with Katrina and the Waves and a second place the following year with Imani. The nation�s 2003 entry Cry Baby by Jemini became the UK�s worst ever entry, the first time nul points has been awarded to the five-time winners. James Fox�s 2004 entry Hold on to our love scraped to 16th place out of a possible 24 with just 29 points, more than 250 behind Ukraine�s winning song.