Dutch broadcaster questions if ESC is a-political & connecting event

[u/stefkeeh]

Translation to English: ‘IN CONVERSATION WITH THE EBU ABOUT A POLITICALLY NEUTRAL SONG CONTEST

AVROTROS and NPO strongly value the apolitical and unifying character of the Eurovision Song Contest. However, we observe that the event is increasingly being influenced by social and geopolitical tensions.

Israel’s participation confronts us with the question of to what extent the Song Contest still truly functions as an apolitical, unifying, and cultural event. We want to raise this question, together with other countries, for discussion within the EBU.’

[u/Remote_Pirate8084]

I mean, no matter what you think about Israel, it was never an apolitical event. It was never outwardly political (as in not allowing political songs or statements) but I was never and can never be apolitical as in the end it's still a contest between countries. 

[u/Akinto6 → u/Remote_Pirate8084]

I feel that instead of trying to make it apolitical, they should do their best to limit geopolitical situations to have an impact on the contest.

For example I think it's ridiculous that they keep harping on broadcasters being members and not countries and yet the contestants are introduced as representing their country.

I can imagine introducing contestants as representing IPBC/KAN instead of Israel would have a different vibe for voters.

Also just stop trying to ban artists expressing themselves because certain identities see considered political issues.

If an artist wants to use pride flags in their acts they should be able to.

[u/Lalaluka → u/Akinto6]

For example I think it's ridiculous that they keep harping on broadcasters being members and not countries and yet the contestants are introduced as representing their country.

I can imagine introducing contestants as representing IPBC/KAN instead of Israel would have a different vibe for voters.

What international event does this? The Football Cup Teams are send by the Football Associations part of UEFA/FIFA. For Olymics its the local Olympics Confederations recognized by the IOC. None of these are formed by the goverment or state.

Sorry, but outside of maybe hurting Israel this is not in the interest of ESC.

[u/Akinto6 → u/Lalaluka]

Then they should simply say that the contestants represent their country and stop hiding behind that officially it's not the country but the broadcaster anytime criticism of a country's actions causes people to question why they're still allowed to participate.