The organisation of next year's Eurovision Song Contest promises to be a big achievement for Ukraine. But what about that other big television event, the 2004 Olympics?
Suddenly, newspapers spoke about a miracle last week. An Olympic miracle! Against all expectations, Athens is ready to host the 2004 Olympics, just like they did in ancient times. For years, the media and the audience were worried about the planning and �suddenly�, roads are finished, the new subway is ready to use and the streets look clean and friendly thanks to the colourful decorations. Friday, an expected number of one billion people will see the opening act. �All this unnecessary panic, while everything is ready in time�, many intend to say now. But is it really unnecessary?
Those who are closely involved with the organisation of the Eurovision Song Contest, recognise a pattern here. Estonia, Latvia, Turkey and even Ukraine are victims of the panic. Months before the contest, fans, media and critics come up with the possibility that the preparations might not be finished before the deadline. In 2003, the executive producer of the contest was replaced because not all necessary contracts were signed. Everything to make sure they�d made it! After all, everything was finished when the first delegations arrived in Riga.
