United Kingdom interested in Junior Eurovision 2018 and will attend Minsk meeting

Yesterday, Belarusian broadcaster BTRC revealed their plans for 2018 as the broadcaster celebrated its 62nd birthday. Among the organisation’s upcoming events is the hosting of the 2018 Junior Eurovision Song Contest. On the February 15th, a supervisory meeting will take place with several national delegations travelling to Minsk to discover BTRC’s provisional plans. Amongst these delegations will be a representative from the United Kingdom.

BBC, ITV or S4C?

Yes, BTRC states that a British representative will attend the meeting alongside representatives from Italy, Russia and The Netherlands, three regular participants at the contest. It is unknown as to which British broadcaster will be represented at the meeting.
ITV previously participated in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest between 2003 and 2005, with Cory Spedding finishing in 2nd place in 2004 with The Best is Yet to Come. The broadcaster aired the first season of The Voice Kids UK last summer which may indicate a renewed interest in children’s singing competitions.
Further reading: Why now is the perfect time for the United Kingdom to return to Junior Eurovision
The BBC has never broadcast Junior Eurovision but is the UK’s broadcaster for the adult competition. Welsh broadcaster S4C showed interest in taking part in the 2008 Junior Eurovision Song Contest in the Cypriot city of Limassol but decided against the opportunity. Nevertheless, S4C made their Eurovision debut in 2017’s Eurovision Choir of the Year. Perhaps they have struck a deal with the EBU for Wales to participate in the Junior contest too?

Jon Ola Sand to visit Minsk

Prior to February’s meeting, Executive Supervisor Jon Ola Sand will visit Minsk later this month to discuss provisional plans with BTRC. It is expected that the venue for the 2018 Junior Eurovision Song Contest will be finalised shortly.

Are you pleased that a British broadcaster is showing interest in the forthcoming 2018 Junior Eurovision Song Contest? Furthermore, do you think it is important for the so-called Big 5 to be taking part in both competitions? Let us know in the comments below!