2009 Junior Eurovision Song Contest in Kyiv
"The show will go on!"

Geneva, 6 November 2009 - The preparations for the 2009 Junior Eurovision Song Contest are proceeding as planned.  Further to a comprehensive review of the current situation in Ukraine and discussions between the European Broadcasting Union* (EBU), Host Broadcaster NTU and the Ukrainian Ministry of Health, a decision has been reached that the Junior Eurovision Song Contest**, will take place on 21 November at the Palats Sportu in Kyiv, Ukraine.

"The health of the young contestants from 13 countries and the production crew is our absolute priority. The EBU has received reassurances from the Host Broadcaster NTU and the Ukrainian Ministry of Health that appropriate action will be taken to reduce the risk of infection by the H1N1 flu virus. In addition, the health of all involved in the event will be monitored closely," says Bjørn Erichsen, TV Director at the EBU.
 
The Ukrainian Ministry of Health assured, amongst other measures, to provide daily health check-ups of those who are working and participating at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, additional hygiene facilities at official event locations and flu information points, staffed with medical experts. The EBU already distributed the Ministry of Health's hygiene recommendations to all participating delegations.
 
The WHO continues to recommend no closing of borders and no restrictions on international travel, including to Ukraine. Experience shows that such measures will not stop the further spread of the virus, the WHO states on its website (source: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/).

The EBU looks forward to a great live show and wishes all the young contestants a wonderful experience with the Eurovision Family.

For more information and updates, please visit www.junioreurovision.tv.
 
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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. For more information, visit www.ebu.ch

**The Junior 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 Copenhagen, Denmark, in 2003, following the success of the Eurovision Song Contest. For more information about the Junior Eurovision Song Contest please visit www.junioreurovision.tv.

For further information, please contact: 

Mr Sietse Bakker 
Manager Communications & PR Eurovision Family of Events 
Tel: +372 712 0020, 
Email: press@eurovision.tv