Russian delegation approached to be member of the Big 5
In an interview given to “Humans of Eurovision” former Executive Supervisor Jon Ola Sand has revealed that Russia would not want to become a member of the Big Five. It was part of a broader discussion about the Big Five and their importance in the contest. Jon Ola Sand gave his opinion :
“We could not really imagine having the Eurovision Song Contest without Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Spain. (If we lost them) we would lose traction, audience…it gives the contest a broad reach.“
Commenting on the rumors regarding the possibility to grant membership of a Big “Six”, he added :
“Russia it’s two broadcasters (RTR & Channel One) that are alternating, they see a lot of benefits from being in the semi-finals. I have spoken to the Heads of Delegation from Russia and they say we think it is super to have this attention span throughout the week of the contest.”
Russia would thus be satisfied with the semi-final system which would allow it to better prepare for the final and create a momentum around its song.
The Big Five
This system was introduced in 1999 to exempt France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Spain from being relegated from the competition in the era before the semi-finals. Since 2004 onwards the rule has meant these countries do not compete in the semi-finals.
These countries are the five largest financial contributors to the European Broadcasting Union, which helps to fund the Eurovision Song Contest. Since 2011 the Big Four has been expanded to the Big Five with Italy’s return to the Eurovision.
There remains some debate around whether this status prejudices the countries’ results in the contest, based on reported antipathy over their automatic qualification, as well as the potential disadvantage of having performed less on stage because they have not had to compete in the semi-finals.
PHOTO: C1R
What do you guys think of the Big Five status? Does that guide your perception of songs from these countries? Let us know what you think in the comments!
One Response
hi guys, I’m from Germany. There are pro’s and con’s about to have the “BIG 5”. It is true that the BIG 5 pay the most part of fees for the contest and to loose one of those countries would reduce or harm the contest. The 2nd part is the huge viewer ratings those countries create when it comes to the contest. Germany has about 83 million citizens and over 10 million people watch the show every year. It would be a big loss for the contest.
Is it fair to all the other countries which have to face the Semi-Final? I say no, it is not fair but there is no other way to solve that problem.
If the BIG 5 would be in the Semi-Finals they would put more power and money into their song and in staging. In an interview Thomas Schreiber (former HOD NDR) mentioned, that the 350,000 € fee for the ESC is a very low-cost investment for a 3,5 – 4 hour show at prime time. A Helene Fischer show with 3 hours would cost the NDR 1.5 Million Euro.
Like Jon Ola Sand and the TV guy from Russia said – for the quality of the song, the artist and the staging it is better to go through the semi-finals.