EBU officials released today the rules for the forthcoming 2014 Eurovision Song Contest featuring some interesting changes. These changes focus on the jury, hence they do not  affect the voting procedure fundamentals.

A tweet by the Executive Suprevisor of the Eurovision Song Contest, Jon Ola Sand, was enough to alert everyone regarding the forthcoming changes in the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest.

An exciting day ahead: Tomorrow (Friday) we will release the 2014 #Eurovision Song Contest Rules, ft. some important changes

— Jon Ola Sand (@jonolasand) September 19, 2013

 

Tightened jury rules

2013 has been pivotal  for the contest, bringing with itself a mediatic storm throughout the continent due to the vote rigging and vote buying allegations reported in the European press and media. This has led the EBU to make a decision regarding this issue and introduce some important changes: after  a unanimous vote by the Reference Group, it has been decided to tighten the jury rules by publicising the jurors names one week before the first show (that is May 1st). The jury members must be professionals (radio DJ, artist, composer, author of lyrics or music producer) of the music industry and should have not been in the jury during one of the previous two editions of the contest.

EBU’s answer to the allegations that it  has  been covering  up any wrongdoings is to publish the split results (jury and televoting) just after the Grand final, on 8 May.

“Tighter rules and increased openness are important for the Eurovision Song Contest to build on its success,[…] to make sure participants, viewers and fans know that we have done and will always do our utmost to secure a fair result. These changes show that the Eurovision Song Contest is an ever evolving tradition, which continues to adapt to the spirit of time.” Jon Ola Sand, the Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest.

Additional information

As of 2014 Eurovision, EBU will establish a platform where jury members and viewers at home can report voting irregularities. The reports will be examined by the officials to detect any wrongdoing.

esctoday.com is following closely all the news regarding changes in the rules of the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest. Stay tuned!