In the last couple of days, Monegasque broadcaster TMC has confirmed to esctoday.com that Monaco will not return to the Eurovision Song Contest next year in Israel. This will be the principality’s thirteenth consecutive year of non-participation.
Part of the French broadcasting group
Whilst no exact reasoning was given by TMC for their latest non-participation, one key reason is perhaps that the Monegasque broadcaster is no longer a public broadcaster. Indeed, whilst TMC remains an EBU member, the channel is part of the TF1 group. The TF1 group is the largest private French broadcaster and owns 80% of the channel, with the 20% belonging to the principality of Monaco. Now, TMC focuses on broadcasting French programmes for the French public.
The only micro-state to win
Monaco won the Eurovision Song Contest once, back in 1971. Parisian-born singer Séverine represented the principality with the song Un banc, un
Monaco debuted in the contest in 1959, finishing 11th and last. However, Monaco was largely successful at the contest, only placing outside the top ten on five occasions between 1959 and 1979. In 1980, TMC withdrew from the contest, not returning until 2004. Three further participations between 2004 and 2006 resulted in three non-qualifications and TMC has not participated since.
Are you disappointed by Monaco’s continued absence from the world’s biggest entertainment show? Let us know in the comments below!
ik ben boos op monaco ik hou landen die debueert of meedoen