Greece’s public broadcaster, ERT, has announced a significant increase in profitability following its participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. This impressive financial performance underscores the effectiveness of ERT’s strategic planning and the enduring appeal of the competition.
ERT recorded net profits amounting to €675,324.88 from this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. This figure represents a particularly notable increase compared to last year’s event, when profits hovered around €100,751.48, demonstrating a strong financial return for the broadcaster.
The positive results confirm the dynamic approach taken by ERT in its Eurovision involvement, contributing to the overall financial health and operational success of the public television service. A key factor in this success was the introduction of the national selection format, ‘Sing for Greece’, which featured two semi-finals and a Grand National Final in February 2026. This new project was well-received by both television audiences and the advertising market, generating substantial revenue.
The viewing figures for the national selection shows were particularly strong, with the Grand National Final peaking at an impressive 74% ratings share. The live broadcasts from the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna also achieved historic rating records for ERT1, with the Grand Final reaching a peak of 84% in Greece.
ERT’s official press release reads:
The organization of Eurovision brought a particularly significant increase in profitability compared to last year to ERT , confirming the dynamic and effectiveness of public television planning.
More specifically, ERT recorded profits from this year’s event that amounted to 675,324.88 euros . Last year, profits for public television ranged at 100,751.48 euros.
ERT designed and presented a comprehensive and high-level television environment around Eurovision , which included two National Semi-Finals and a National Final, which took place for the first time last February and were warmly embraced by the audience and the advertising market.
Specifically, the First National Semi-Final “Sing for Greece” recorded a viewership of up to 44%. The Second Semi-Final “Sing for Greece” recorded a viewership of up to 48% and the National Final recorded a viewership of up to 74%. The audience response to the live broadcasts of Eurovision from Vienna was also great, with the First Semi-Final recording a viewership of up to 70%, the Second Semi-Final recording a viewership of up to 54% and last Saturday’s Grand Final dominating with a viewership of up to 84%.
These results confirm that Eurovision is now a multidimensional television event for ERT with a strong footprint and great appeal to the television audience and the advertising market.
