Host broadcaster NTU revealed more information about their services for the press and the fans of the contest. Meanwhile, the hosts have been chosen and preparations for the official reception started. Things are speeding up in Kiev!

Accreditation
Though several national broadcasters already started with pre-accreditation, accreditation itself through NTU has not yet started. The current plan is to kick off with the accreditation procedure on 23rd of March. We advise journalists to contact their national public broadcaster to obtain accreditation. If you have already done so, there is nothing to worry about.

NTU's website
A Ukrainian and English website focussed on the 2005 Eurovision Song Contest will be launched on 21st of March by NTU. The website will be produced by NTU and exists next to the EBU's official Eurovision Song Contest website eurovision.tv.

Press facilities
The press centre will, like last year, most likely be a special tent within a 30-second walking distance of the Palats Sportu. “This tent will have all the facilities modern journalists need in it”, 2005 Eurovision Song Contest press officer Marko Markovic said.

The hosts
The hosts of the Eurovision Song Contest have been chosen! You will find out their names on 23rd of March!

Official reception
In a formal request to President Yushchenko, the organisation of the 2005 Eurovision Song Contest requested permission to use Marijins'kyj Palats and its territory for the official reception, scheduled on 16th of May. Marijins'kyj Palats is one of the most beautiful historical buildings in Kiev, dating from 18th century, and is being used by the Ukrainian government for the reception of foreign delegations and meetings on an international level. Last year's Eurovision Song Contest winner Ruslana Lyzhychko is supporting this idea and personally asked President Yushchenko about this issue.