Eurovision: A conference for Europe’s favorite show

by Fernando Méndez 106 views

The Eurovision Song Contest is celebrating its 60th edition this year. This is no news. It should be no news either that it has had an impact in many instances, but not many wish to realize that. To study this and more about one of the world’s longest-running shows, a conference will be held in London which will cover a series of topics and points about the role of the Eurovision Song Contest in a number of fields.

It is still tirelessly running, since that first time in Lugano on 24 May 1956. The Eurovision Song Contest is turning 60 years old, but age has not worn it. On the contrary, the show has grown and turned more dynamic with time. The concept is the same, but in many aspects it has evolved until becoming a show that can reach out to many audiences. Apart from its success, the Eurovision Song Contest has become a part of Europe’s culture. This is something that not many are willing to concede, but it is a fact.

Now the impact and the role of the Eurovision Song Contest will be analyzed during a conference that will be held in London on 24 April, as announced by eurovision.tv.

The event will count with academics, media professionals and fans and it will take place at BAFTA, 195 Piccadilly. The social, political and cultural aspects of the Eurovision footprint will be touched: how it has helped build national and European identities; how it promotes diversity by serving as a springboard for minority communities; how it has served as a branding platform for some countries.

The development of satellite and TV technology has been stirred by the Eurovision Song Contest, too. You do not learn to broadcast a live show to more than 40 countries overnight… The way that Eurovision has driven that development will be discussed at the conference, too.

Last year’s Eurovision winner Conchita Wurst and Eastern Europe’s first winner in 2001 Dave Benton will be attending.

The Executive Supervisor Jon Ola Sand and the Event Supervisor Sietse Bakker will also be at the conference to take part in the discussions.

You can still register to attend the event, but if you wish to follow the conference and you cannot make it to London, you can watch the webcast on eurovision.tv and participate in the debates through social media.

Get your arguments and idea ready…

Keep checking more Eurovision news here, on ESCToday.com.