The European Broadcasting Union has announced the cancellation of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
The event was due to take place in Rotterdam, Netherlands, on 12th-16th May.
In a statement, the EBU said: “Over the past few weeks we have explored many alternative options to allow the Eurovision Song Contest to go ahead. However the uncertainty created by the spread of COVID-19 throughout Europe – and the restrictions put in place by the governments of the participating broadcasters and the Dutch authorities – means the EBU has taken the difficult decision that it is impossible to continue with the live event as planned.”
It added it will continue a conversation with broadcasters NPO, NOS, AVROTROS and the City of Rotterdam regarding the hosting of the Eurovision Song Contest in 2021.
“We would ask people to bear with us while we work through the ramifications of this unprecedented decision and patiently await any further news in the coming days and weeks,” added the statement.
Christian Bockskopf, head of marketing and communications at Riedel, which supplies all the network communications for the live shows, tells TVBEurope, “Through the postponement, cancellation and suspension of major events, trade shows and sporting events such as Formula 1, the ESC or the German football league, the corona crisis is already having an impact on Riedel.
“Our primary concern is the protection of our employees and society at large. That is why we have taken all measures at our disposal to slow down the spread of the coronavirus.”
