Ukraine to be fined over its handelling of the Eurovision by the EBU
After months of speculating it has been finally revealed today how the EBU have officially reacted to the Ukrainian broadcaster UA/PBC over its handelling of the Eurovision Song Contest 2017. In a brief statement by the EBU, it has been reported by the news network Reuters that the host broadcaster UA/PBC are to be issued with a large fine. This is due to the several delays in chosing a city, venue, hosts etc, and to the the debacle that arose over Russia's participation when Julia Samoylova was refused entry into the Ukraine to sing her entry, "Flame Is Burning".
What Was The Issue Over:
The European Broadcasting Union were very unhappy with the fact the Ukraine struggled to keep to time and schedule, and were kept reliably uninformed. The host city was delayed by several months, then just 4 months until the Grand Final the core team in Ukraine resigned. There was also a delay with the venue, and it took a while before the hosts were announced. The EBU have felt at times that the contest may be delayed. The worst crisis came when Russia sent Julia Samoylova with the song, "Flame Is Burning". Ukraine declared that she was not allowed to participate as she was banned from the country, after entering Crimea through Russia and not Ukraine. The EBU proposed compromises which were blocked by Ukraine, and saw Russia withdraw, and fail to broadcast the competition. Many have seen this as using Eurovision as game of political chess, and not the music which it is supposed to be about.
What Have the EBU Said?
The EBU were not happy one bit over how the Eurovision drama unfolded, they felt their hands were tied, and felt powerless to intervene which brought politics into the competition. This is something the Broadcasting Union has always tried to prevent. They believe attention was more focussed on the political drama and not on the actual contest itself. They have also stated that a substantial fine has been given, but have not disclosed the actual amount, or agreed the total sanctions that Ukraine and Russia would face.
How has Ukraine reacted?
No official reaction has been given by the Government of Ukraine, or the host broadcaster UA/PBC yet. However the director General of the television network has said on his Facebook account that the decision by the EBU was unpleasant news, and that they are awaiting further sanctions for not allowing Julia to perform her song.
What Next For Ukraine?
Although an undisclosed fine has been issued to UA/PBC it has still not been mentioned if there are any further sanctions in this matter. There is the potential for the EBU to ban Ukraine from participating next year. It was done to Romania over unpaid fees in 2016, so there should be no reason as to why they would not do it again. However, after viewing figures dropped a lot after Russia withdrew and did not broadcast. Combined also with the threat from smaller nations not to participate in 2018, will the EBU really want a smaller competition?
We have yet to hear on Russia or the final decision on how the European Broadcasting Union has dealt with both, and final sanctions. Stay tuned to Eurovoxx to find out.
Don't forget if you liked the interviews and articles, subscribe to our YouTube channel, like us on Facebook, tweet @ on Twitter, # on Instagram, and continue to check our website out. Stay tuned for more Eurovision news, gossip and interviews. Please do not forget to like and comment on our articles below.
