Eurovision investigation complete: Fans fury

– Svada, Eurovision expert Johan Patrick Bredesen tells Dagbladet.

Because this year's Eurovision final was full of scandals. The Israeli participation set the tone, and it came to a head on the final day itself. As if the expulsion of Joost Klein (26 years old) and the Netherlands wasn't enough, several countries are said to have also threatened to withdraw, with Israel shockingly coming in second place among the people.

Dagbladet was previously able to reveal that TV producers took action ahead of Israel and Eden Golan's (20) performance, creating fake cheers to drown out the pipe concert and the boos in the hall.

Numerous demonstrations, protests and incidents during the contest led the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and Eurovision to choose to launch an independent investigation of their own.

Now, a month and a half after Switzerland and Nemo (24) emerged victorious from the competition, the EBU has published the conclusion – and it's got fans reacting strongly..

“We recognise that there are a number of challenges in implementing an event on a global scale,” the EBU wrote on its own pages.

Jury breaks silence

In a statement, the European Broadcasting Union wrote that extensive feedback had been collected from, among others, heads of delegations, members of the Eurovision Reference Group and the Competition Board.

The investigation found three key points that they will work on moving forward, to protect the future of the competition and ensure the competition continues to unite the public.

Among the things highlighted is that they should do better at explaining the choices made, and that members’ opinions should be heard. They should also make the rules easier to understand for other participating countries. The EBU also wants to strengthen cooperation with fan groups and influencers, to ensure that Eurovision attracts a wider audience in the future as well.

Eurovision expert Johan Patrik Bredesen was not impressed with the result.

creates anger

– To me, it seems like a lot of gossip, plain and simple. There is so little self-insight and self-criticism in this press release, which I find very strange. If they had, for example, a very short sentence admitting that this year's Eurovision was the most scandalous event they've ever seen, I think people would have accepted it more. In the current situation, they're just rambling on about gruel without trying to get into trouble.

Bredesen also says he fears no changes will be made in next year's competition.

– You just have to trust that they see their own mistakes. I think the EBU takes this year's drama seriously, but I don't think their communication skills, both internally and externally, are good. So many people feel that they don't take this year's drama seriously.

The expert pays special attention to the last point in the conclusion, which deals with working more closely with other influencers. Bredesen is basically positive about this, but:

Damn the radio union

– I hope there will be no attempt to divert attention from what happened during Eurovision this year. Because we must not forget that. I hope that the EBU's desire to cooperate with the powerful will not turn into an attempt at propaganda.

He still believes it is good for the regulator to increase security and risk assessments.

– They now want to clarify the regulations further, make them clearer, and perhaps also reduce them as much as possible. Because as was the case this year, the EBU itself does not seem to know what the regulations actually are.

Some countries were allowed to cross the line, while others were expelled simply for crossing the line.

– It is likely to be intense meetings.

Another Eurovision Dagbladet expert, Anders Tangen, says everything the EBU says is just “obvious stuff”.

– The need for the EBU to improve rules and standards of participation, safety and risk management, and to contribute to a healthier debate in fan environments is natural. The question is how they will solve this problem, not what they will solve. But hopefully there will be more concrete measures later. The measure so far has been more managers and directors. Tangen believes that there is rarely a recipe for success in organisations per se.

Norway's head of delegation and MGP chairman Stig Carlsen says he and NRK do not have all the answers today, but they feel the EBU is taking NRK's ​​input seriously.

Strong reactions: – Never happened before

– We have obtained a broader and more detailed basis than is being shared publicly. The information we have gained makes us confident that the EBU will take the necessary steps for a safe way forward. We are concerned that the EBU is actively working to ensure that an event that better protects the non-political idea is held. We also want greater openness and more transparent communication, as well as enhanced preparedness for crisis management. Measures must also be taken to protect and improve safety and working conditions.