This Monday, the directors of the entertainment department of four Nordic state broadcasters decided to proceed with the plans of a Nordic Song Contest – and perhaps realise them.

More and more, this year's voting results seem to radiate a want for changes to the ESC among Europeans. Too much comradeship certain countries in between has risen the idea of regional finals before the ESC.

»I have attended a meeting with the Nordvision* administration board, and the possibilities of a Nordic Song Contest NSC were on the agenda«, says Mr Jan Frifelt, Head of Entertainment at Danish broadcaster DR.

The ideas of an NSC arose when both Denmark and Finland found themselves relegated for 2003 and Sweden finished at what was for them a disappointing eighth position. There is European fear of the ESC turning into an 'Eastvision Song Contest'.
Mr Frifelt feels that an NSC, »would produce a feeling of continuity«, for the North. »However, nothing is definite yet.», he underlines.

A group of West European heads of delegations are working hard these days to come up with a concept suggesting that 14 of the 24 competing countries be former winner countries – 'good old ESC countries' if one wishes.
The managing director of Danish DR TV, Mr Jørgen Ramskov, is also positive about an NSC. »The Nordic countries are in a different situation than other European countries, and some Nordic countries keep flying in and out of the ESC.«

However, Mr Ramskov assures that DR TV is not going to put pressure on other broadcasters. »If there is going to be an NSC, it won't be because we pushed things«, Mr Ramskov adds. »We're not being bad losers if that is what people think.«
——
*= Nordvision: the Nordic equivalent of Eurovision, set up in the late 50s.