Geneva, 19 June, 2012 – The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) announced today that 64 million television viewers tuned in for the 2012 Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest ; 19.4 million for the first Semi-Final and 19.6 million for the second Semi-Final making it once again the most watched entertainment programme on television screens in Europe.

The 57th Eurovision Song Contest, organized by the EBU and hosted by EBU Member Ictimai TV was broadcast live from Baku, Azerbaijan on 22, 24 and 26 May.  Contestants from 42 countries in and around Europe performed during the live shows. The contest was won by Loreen representing Sweden with the song Euphoria.

Jon Ola Sand, Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest expressed: “We are happy that the Eurovision Song Contest unites European countries through music and entertainment like no other show and that its popularity remains strong.”

He continues: “We would also like to thank the host broadcaster, Ictimai TV for putting on three spectacular shows.”

Audience share for most participating countries was considerably higher than for the 2011 Grand Final.  The average European ratings share was 37% and public service broadcasters saw their average market share soaring for a Saturday night.

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Note to editors:

About the Eurovision Song Contest

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 in Switzerland in 1956. Since then, the contest has become a true European tradition. News and information about the Eurovision Song Contest is available on: www.eurovision.tv

About the European Broadcasting Union (EBU)

The EBU serves 74 Members in 56 countries in and around Europe. It represents its Members and promotes the values and distinctiveness of public service media in Europe and around the world. The Eurovision and Euroradio networks deliver news, sports, events and music to EBU Members and other media organizations. Services to Members range from legal advice, technical standardization and development to coproduction and exchange of quality European content.  For more information about the EBU: www.ebu.ch and www.eurovision.net/