Thirty-nine public broadcasters have confirmed their participation in the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest, which will take place in Malmö, Sweden, on 14, 16 and 18 May. “Despite the challenging economic situation in Europe, a healthy number of public broadcasters have committed to the long-standing tradition that the Contest has become,” said Jon Ola Sand, the executive supervisor of the Song Contest at the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). Every year since 2004 between 36 and 43 broadcasters have taken part in the Song Contest, with 39 taking to the stage in Oslo 2010. The following broadcasters have signed up this year: Albania (RTSH), Austria (ORF), Armenia (AMPTV), Azerbaijan (Ictimai TV), Belarus (BTRC), Belgium (RTBF), Bulgaria (BNT), Croatia (HRT), Cyprus (CyBC), Denmark (DR), Estonia (ERR), Finland (YLE), France (France3), Georgia (GPB), Germany (NDR), Greece (ERT), Hungary (MTV), Iceland (RÚV), Ireland (RTÉ), Israel (IBA), Italy (RAI), Latvia (LTV), Lithuania (LRT), FYR Macedonia (MKRTV), Malta (PBS), Moldova (TRM), Montenegro (RTCG), the Netherlands (TROS), Norway (NRK), Romania (TVR), Russia (C1R), San Marino (SMTV), Serbia (RTS), Slovenia (RTVSLO), Spain (TVE), Sweden (SVT), Switzerland (SRG SSR), Ukraine (NTU) and United Kingdom (BBC). Bosnia & Herzegovina (BHRT), Portugal (RTP), Slovakia (STV) and Turkey (TRT) will not come to Malmö, while Armenia (AMPTV) will return to the contest after a one-year absence. “We regret the withdrawal of Bosnia & Herzegovina, Portugal and Slovakia, which have all cited economic reasons,” Sand added. Turkish broadcaster TRT has decided to withdraw, blaming amendments to the rules. Sand said: “We are surprised by this decision. These changes were made in 2009, and this is the first time TRT has raised an objection. We are keen to pursue a dialogue with the Turkish broadcaster to seek a viable solution.” The EBU is sensitive to the economic pressures facing its Members. Contest organizers are seeking ways to cut costs for both participating broadcasters as well as the host broadcaster, and to find ways to make hosting the competition more affordable. Initiatives range from reducing time spent in the host city to negotiating special hotel rates for delegations. Other measures are being looked into for the years to come. The 58th Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Malmö after Loreen won the 2012 contest with the song Euphoria. The winning entry enjoyed chart success right across Europe, and has become one of the most successful Eurovision Song Contest winners ever. www.ebu.chwww.eurovision.tv
