esctoday.com has received a further explanation to the changed rule for the Junior Eurovision Song Contest regarding a live broadcast from Svante Stockselius. He has explained why the rule change was agreed, and also confirms that at this stage, all participating broadcasters plan to broadcast the show live.
“The reason behind allowing the participating members the option of broadcasting the show deferred, is from a demand from some members that asked the for the possibility to air it on Sunday afternoon, despite the fact that the result then would be known. However, it looks as all participating broadcasters this year also will broadcast live.”
esctoday.com also asked Mr. Stockselius whether a back-up jury would become the main jury to decide the results of countries that do not broadcast live, and whether the jury would be made up of a traditional mix or children. We were told:“Should one decide to defer, we will use the result of the regular back up jury for that country. The decision must be made before the Head of Delegation meeting on 29th October.”
Many broadcasters find it difficult to give a show primarily aimed at children a prime time Saturday night slot for advertising and business reasons. Advertising fees for children’s television is worth far less than advertising targeting a 18-35 audience and Saturday night delivers the highest number of this audience. Traditionally, childrens’ television times are set to late afternoons and weekend mornings.
It is hoped that this move will allow some countries to return to the competition and make it easier for current countries to compete.
