Ingrid Deltenre has been the Director General of the EBU for the last eight years. She has guided the EBU through both the good and the bad times, included the massive 2017 controversy surrounding Russia’s participation. Now, Ingrid has stepped down from her post, and her successor is Noel Curran.
Who is Noel Curran?
Noel Curran is the former Director General of the Irish broadcaster, RTÉ. He is also the husband of the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 1996, Eimarr Quinn!
As Director General of RTÉ, he helped to restructure the broadcaster through the financial crisis. He also developed RTÉ into a robust digital media organization.
He has won awards for his investigative journalism as well as for his work as a producer, and has plenty of experience in public service media. One of the shows that he has worked on include the Eurovision Song Contest 1997!
In a press statement, Curran said:
“I am delighted to take the helm of the world’s leading alliance of public service media (PSM).
This is a challenging time for everyone working in PSM but, it is also an incredibly exciting time. We have new technology presenting a slew of new opportunities! The role of public service broadcasters as trusted sources of news and information has never been more important than it is today.
For nearly 70 years, the EBU has been there to support PSM and champion the values we all hold in common. I am honoured to continue this fine tradition. I look forward to meeting as many Members as possible in the forthcoming months. We will harness their ideas and passion to drive our organization forward.”
Why did Ingrid step down?
The official reason given for Ingrid Deltenre’s resignation is that she would like to focus her attention on board responsibilities.
However, as we previously reported, a Russian media outlet leaked a phone call between Ingrid and two Russian pranksters (who lied that they were calling “on behalf of the Ukrainian Prime Minister”) in April. The phone call shows Deltenre revealing information that she probably would’ve preferred to not have publicly broadcast:
“We have everything reserved in Berlin to move the contest if Ukraine does not comply.”
“If I had known earlier about the politicism of 1944, I wouldn’t have allowed it to compete.”
“Both the BBC and ARD are considering withdrawing from the contest due to the controversy.”
There is no doubt, this leak must have called a massive amount of stress for Ingrid. This could have influenced her decision to step down as Director General.
What do you think? Are you excited to see how Noel will do as the new Director General? Do you think the contest might become even better with his guidance? Get involved in the comments below, and tell us your thoughts!
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