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Eurovision Song Contest format – Just what Putin needs Geneva, 16 October 2009: The European Broadcasting Union (EBU)*, organiser of Europe’s favourite live TV show, the Eurovision Song Contest**, welcomed Russian Prime Minister Putin’s idea*** to hold a song contest with China, and Central Asia. The EBU said that it would be delighted to license Mr Putin the Eurovision Song Contest format. The EBU owns and sells the format for one of the most-watched annual television events in Europe to countries across the world. “Why not have the Song Contest in China, and Central Asia? We own the rights to an international song contest. We would be happy to sell the format to Prime Minister Putin”, said Bjoern Erichsen, Television Director, EBU “investors have already signed a deal to make a version of the contest in the Middle East and North Africa. We are close to finalising a deal for a contest called Songs of Africa in sub-Saharan Africa”. Note to editors *The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) represents Members (125 national broadcasters) and promotes the values and distinctiveness of public service media in Europe and around the world. It brings news, sports, events and music to your home through the Eurovision and Euroradio networks. The EBU develops and shares best practices, media expertise and innovation. It produces and exchanges rich and diverse programmes across all media **The Eurovision Song Contest is an annual competition for active Members of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), represented by the public broadcasters in their respective countries. The first contest was held in Lugano, Switzerland in 1956. Since then, the contest has become a true European tradition. This year's Eurovision Song Contest was won by Alexander Rybak of Norway, and watch by over 125 million TV viewers. Norway will host the 55th edition of the contest in Oslo on 25, 27 and 29 May 2010. *** In a speech at a recent meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) For further information, please contact: Mr Sietse Bakker |
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