The European Broadcasting Union expressed its disappointment about the overall viewing figures for the first ever Eurovision Song Contest semi final that took place on 12th May. Only 20.7 million tuned in to see which 10 countries would qualify for the final, three days later.

Just 20.7 million people tuned in to watch the semi final of the Eurovision Song Contest on Wednesday evening, 12th May. Compared to the final on Saturday which reached 76.6 million viewers, the semi final viewing figures are a big disappointment for the European Broadcasting Union.

Part of the reason for the low semi final viewing figures is the fact that Russia, France and Poland refused to broadcast the semi final and that some countries broadcasted the show on minority channels. Viewing figures collapsed on Saturday in almost every country that failed to progress from the semi final to the final, something all broadcasters want to avoid to happen again in 2005.

The broadcasters who decided not to show the 2004 semi final on their main channels, fearing low viewing figures, probably won't change their mind and policy in 2005. A difficult task is now waiting the European Broadcasting Union who currently considers various options for the 2005 Eurovision Song Contest.