Martin Green, Eurovision’s Director, recently engaged in a comprehensive interview with Variety, shedding light on several key topics. He addressed the ongoing discussion surrounding Israel’s participation in the contest and firmly refuted claims of financial struggles for the 70-year-old song contest, also touching on the potential for new countries like Canada to join.
Martin Green Discusses Israel’s Participation at Eurovision
In a recent interview with Variety, Eurovision Song Contest Director, Martin Green, provided significant updates on the competition’s current landscape. A central point of discussion was Israel’s continued involvement in the contest. Green clarified that the matter of Israel’s participation is considered closed, following a conclusive decision by the EBU’s members.
He indicated that nearly 70% of members supported the principle that public service broadcasters should not be held accountable for the actions of their governments, thus allowing Israeli broadcaster KAN to participate. This statement aims to offer clarity amidst ongoing debates and calls for review or exclusion, reaffirming the EBU’s democratic process and commitment to its member broadcasters.
Martin Green (Eurovision Director) was asked by Variety if another vote would take place regarding Israel’s participation at the ESC, to which he answered:
No, that’s done. The membership spoke conclusively. Almost 70% made their decision that they believe that public service broadcasters are not responsible for the actions of their government, and that [Israeli broadcaster] Kan should be allowed to participate.
Dismissing Financial Struggle Claims as ‘Bollocks’
Furthermore, Green unequivocally dismissed reports circulating about the Eurovision Song Contest facing financial difficulties. He described these claims as ‘bollocks’, asserting that the contest operates with a strong and stable financial model that has successfully endured for decades.
His comments serve to reassure the public and stakeholders about the event’s economic health, particularly as the competition reached its 70th edition. Green also touched upon the prospect of international expansion, including Canada joining the Eurovision family come 2027, showcasing the contest’s enduring global appeal and ambitions.
Martin Green (Eurovision Director) regarding the rumours about Eurovisionwas facing financial difficulties due to the boycott of five countries this year (Spain, Slovenia, The Netherlands, Ireland and Iceland) to which he answered:
Let me dispel those [rumors]. I’ll use the technical term first, which is: it’s bollocks. Eurovision has a really robust model and it has over the 70 years weathered what the world tried to throw at it. So we’ll be around for many, many, many, many, many years to come. I understand why it’s an inevitable question, but no, Canada have been talking for a while about joining the EBU, knowing that that gave them a right to [join Eurovision]. We had 35 countries in Eurovision last year, I expect there to be a few more next year. As everyone can see it makes for a fantastic show, so our doors remain open. And again, the purpose of Eurovision is to bring the world together, and we’re delighted to see Canada joining us.
When asked if any new countries outside Europe would be the competiton in the near future, maybe the USA:
I don’t know the detail on that, because I don’t run member services. But I think what I would say is that, again, because public service broadcasting is in such a precarious time, I think more and more people around the world are seeing the value of being together and having a more powerful, combined voice.
