Our History
What’s the common thread that links ABBA, the Animals of Farthing Wood, News, Sport, Music, Drama, Digital Radio and Television, Internet Streaming, and the Beatles? They are all part of the EBU’s long history.
As we mark our 70th anniversary on 12 February 2020, we look back at some of the highlights of the last decades. Down the years, hundreds of dedicated programme makers, engineers, lawyers and more, and scores of specialized communities of both Members and staff, have worked to help make public service media what it is today - and what it will be in the future.
Explore our history and discover some of the EBU's seminal moments through our timeline. And don't forget to take part in our Eurovision Anthem Contest.
“This year, we celebrate 70 years since the founding of the EBU. It’s a moment to pause and reflect on how far we, and public service media, have come in the intervening years and to look ahead.
The EBU played a formative role in bringing public service broadcasters together and encouraging international cooperation so that millions of viewers throughout the continent could benefit from the new broadcast technology.
Now, as we enter the new online era, the EBU’s role is just as crucial as it was 70 years ago. As the world becomes increasingly polarized, people need a media they can trust and rely upon to provide high-quality, independent and trusted news and information.
I'd urge everyone to act now to secure Europe’s digital sovereignty so the next generation can continue to benefit from strong public service media that upholds our common values and empowers our citizens.”
Noel Curran, EBU Director General
Eurovision Anthem Contest
To mark the EBU's 70th anniversary, we’re searching for inspired interpretations of Marc-Antoine Charpentier’s Te Deum - a captivating piece of music composed in the 17th century which is also the Eurovision Anthem.
Play it on spoons, do it as rap, folk, opera, grime or drum ‘n’ bass. Go solo, improvise a choir, go vocal, local or global - it’s your call. Above all, be creative, be different, be daring. We’re looking for original and entertaining entries that reflect the EBU’s public service values of:
- universality - how well does the video speak to and is inclusive of a wide audience
- diversity - how well does the video celebrate the unique cultural differences of public audiences
- excellence - quality (aesthetics) of the production of the video, the performance and the interpretation of the Eurovision Anthem
- innovation - creativity and technological innovation of the production
For inspiration, listen to the Eurovision Anthem below, and watch out for the hashtag #EBU70contest on Instagram.
The prize for the winning entry:
- Two tickets to the 2020 Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam
- Hotel accommodation on the night of the Grand Final (16 May 2020)
- Reimbursement up to CHF 800 for travel expenses (including two flights within Europe)
To enter:
Entries must be posted on Instagram in the form of a video (60 seconds or less), between 12 February and 1 April 2020, tagging it with @ebu_hq and the hashtag #EBU70contest.
The winning entry will be announced in April. The contest is open to over-18s only – check the full set of rules first.
70th Logo and Artwork
We're happy to be offering our EBU 70th anniversary logo and artwork to EBU Members who wish to take part in marking this important milestone for the EBU Community.
The EBU 70th anniversary artwork was designed by Stephen Smith, a British graphic artist, and illustrates the wide range of content produced by public service media to the benefit of society.
Note that any requests to use the logo or artwork for digital or printed media are subject to validation by EBU Communications.
For more 70th anniversary branding, broadcast quality animations or any questions regarding the use of the 70th anniversary logo and artwork, please contact our Branding and Design team.
Contact detail
Head of Communications, Marketing and Events