The Director of TV Slovenija at RTVSLO has called on the EBU to enable discussion between its members on Eurovision participation.
Speaking at a press event organised ahead of Klemen’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest, Ksenija Horvat, Director of Televizija Slovenija, discussed her views on Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest. She told the assembled press that:
“Of course, when Eurovision is mentioned, we all become aware of the reality of today’s world, which is complex and deeply unjust. My position regarding the participants has not changed one bit since last year, and I remain firm in the appeal that I made to the European Broadcasting Union last year on behalf of Television Slovenia.
I called and I call again for clarification on why some are more equal than others. Of course, I am talking about the unequal treatment of Russia and Israel. And about the fact that member states should have the opportunity to transparently co-decide on all essential issues, including the possible exclusion of Israel.”
Ms Horvat added that this year that views have been shared by other broadcasters within the European Broadcasting Union:
“But last year, RTV Slovenija was more or less alone in this. This year, as we know, a similar appeal was addressed to the EBU by the Spanish RTE. What they wrote is exactly what I feel myself, that we in a democratic world must be concerned about the endless horror in Gaza, which is not and cannot be completely separated from the Eurovision song. The calls for a discussion among members are therefore becoming stronger. Will the EBU listen to them?
We also want to participate in this discussion, including Televiizja Slovenija. I do not know what it will lead us to, but I do know that wars and the suffering of civilians are not just and that we not only may, but must condemn them.”
The Slovenian broadcaster is one of three EBU member broadcasters to have expressed their concerns regarding Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest. RTVE of Spain raised its view regarding need for debate with the EBU earlier this month. While the Icelandic broadcaster RÚV has communicated its government’s position this week.
The European Broadcasting Union responded to RTVE’s letter stating:
“We welcome RTVE confirming their commitment to the Eurovision Song Contest and appreciate there are concerns and deeply held views around the current conflict in the Middle East.
All Members of the EBU are eligible to compete in the Eurovision Song Contest and we remain in constant contact with those participating this year, including RTVE, on all aspects of the Contest.”
Image source: Daniel Stridh | Source: RTVSLO
Slovenia was one of three countries to join the Eurovision Song Contest in 1993. The country qualified through a specially organised selection round called “Kvalifikacija za Millstreet” which was hosted in Slovenia, seven countries competed for three spots in Eurovision 1993. The country has participated in 22 editions of the Eurovision Song Contest. Their best result came in 1995 when Darja Švajger finished 7th scoring a total of 84 points. She is closely followed by Nuša Derenda who finished 7th in the 2001 contest with 70 points.
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