EBU identifies three focus areas for Eurovision following 2024 issues

This year's contest in Malmö was filled with hate, accusations between delegations, and the disqualification of the Netherland's artist Joost Klein on the day of the Grand Final.

After the contest, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) announced an "independent review" of the problematic issues of the contest. The taskforce was led by Pernille Gaardbo, Executive Producer of Eurovision 2014.

The independent review gathered feedback from Heads of Delegations, members of the ESC Reference Group, the Contest’s governing board, and the EBU/ESC core team. No artists, fans or media were heard.

New roles

The EBU has created a new role called "ESC director." The new ESC director has not yet been appointed, but will oversee the Executive Supervisor of the ESC, Martin Österdahl, as well as another new role: "Head of ESC brand and commercial."

A possible new role could be a "welfare producer" for the contest which will support the welfare of the contestants, and will also ensure that the artists, delegations and broadcasters are more aware of the rules and responsibilities when competing in Eurovision. Including the behavior towards fellow contestants:

– We have a duty of care for the artists as well but also the artists need to understand that if you participate in the Eurovision Song Contest, what are the rules you’re contracting to, says EBU’s deputy director general and media director Jean Philip De Tender to Variety.

Other recommendations include restricting backstage access and settings up a dedicated crisis management team.

Three thematic areas

Three "thematic areas" have been announced. They are based on the review to strengthen and protect next year’s contest and all future events.

EBU Governance and Participation

This area will look at: clarifying the decision-making responsibilities of the various EBU Governing Bodies as it relates to the accepted list of participants, ensuring a wide range of Member opinions are heard; the remit of the governing bodies, and the responsibilities of the ESC Core Team; and the role of the Heads of Delegations and responsibilities of Participating Artists.

Safety and Risk Management

This area will look at: improving understanding of the ESC rules across all stakeholder groups, including artists, with a focus on simplification, consolidation, and improved accessibility; strengthening the existing ESC Crisis Management Protocols; and bolstering our security and cybersecurity provisions in light of increased needs.

Audience Engagement, Fans and Media

This area will look at: increased collaboration with fan groups, influencers, and media to build broader engagement based on ESC values; and ensure that the ESC continues to be an all-audience show appealing to a broad prime-time audience of all ages.