Tel Aviv 2019

EBU respond to TRT claims

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has responded to Turkish broadcaster Turkish Radio and Television Corporation’s (TRT) claims that the Eurovision Song Contest needs to be “fixed” in order for them to return.

What did TRT say?

Previously reported by us that Ibrahim Eren, who was last year appointed as the general for the broadcaster was asked a question about the future of Turkey’s participation of the contest. Well it wasn’t positive at all.

You can read what was said below.

TRT break Eurovision silence – “If they can fix it, Turkey will join Eurovision again”

What did the EBU say?

A spokesperson to the European Broadcasting Union had this to say in response.

“The Eurovision Song Contest’s values are of universality and inclusivity and our proud tradition of celebrating diversity through music,”

The Spokesperson then followed on to say this.

“TRT has made a huge contribution to the contest in the past, including hosting the event in Istanbul in 2004, and we would very much welcome them back should they decide to participate again,”

LGBT rights on the decline in Turkey.

Musa Igrek, a Turkish journalist told reuters.com that LGBT issues are being poorly dealt with in Turkey as he said this.

“First they banned Pride in 2015, then the film festival in Ankara and now Eurovision. It’s an attempt to erase the LGBT community within Turkey.”

This is in contrast to their historical views of LGBT rights that go as far back to the days of the Ottoman Empire. This is due to the fact that gay sex was legalised as far back in the mid nineteenth century. 1858 to be precise. 

However relations between the LGBT community and Turkey have soured. Same Sex marriage is not recognised in Turkey and Lesbians do not have access to IVF in contrast to their Straight counterparts. While protesting against the Pride ban in Istanbul, the capital of Turkey and the host city of the Eurovision Song Contest in 2004. Turkish riot police used rubber bullets and tear gas.

Turkey in the Eurovision Song Contest.

Turkey has participated in Eurovision 34 times. Debuting in 1975 with Semiha Yankı with the song “Seninle Bir Dakika”. It finished 19th and last with 3 points.

Turkey’s history in the contest is highlighted by placing  in the “Top 5” in the Final a total of six times. That includes. Fourth Places with Athena and “For Real” in 2004, Kenan Doğulu with “Shake It Up Şekerim” in 2007 and Hadise with “Düm Tek Tek” in 2009. A Third Place in 1997 when Sebnem Parker ft Grup Etnik with the song “Dinle”. A Second Place in 2010 with maNga with “We Could Be The Same”.

Turkey’s greatest achievement came in 2003 held in Riga, Latvia. Sertab Erener won the contest with the song “Every Way That I Can” with 167 points. Due to this they hosted the contest in 2004. It was held in Istanbul.

What do you think of the EBU’s response? Tell us in the comments below or contact us on @escxtra on twitter. 

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