The first semi final of the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest was followed by 260,000 viewers from Germany. Although the market share of 1,0% can be seen as a success for the channel broadcasting it, a dramatical loss in interest can be seen.
The speciality channel Phoenix, usually known for news programmes and documentaries, broadcast the semi final for the first time. Considering that Phoenix has an average market share of about 0,5-0,7%, 1% market share (and 1,4% market share among the younger viewers) can be seen as a success for the channel. On the other hand, last year the first semi final, where Germany had voting rights, was watched by more than 400,000 people although (unlike Phoenix) the channel NDR could not be followed by cable or DVB-T in Southern Germany. Curiously enough, a documentary about the Eurovision Song Contest that was aired at 20:00 CET before the show attracted even more viewers yesterday, although it had already been filmed in 2005 and had already been rebroadcast various times.
The viewing figures of the grand final have been declining over the last three years, although the Eurovision Song Contest has remained one of the most popular non-sport live events of the year beating popular shows like Pop Idol, Popstarsand Germany's Next Top Model.
Germany will be represented by Alex Swings! Oscar Sings! at number 17 in the grand final of the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest this Saturday, 16th May with the song Miss kiss kiss bang.
