In a response to the ERT letter against the use of “Fame Story” by CyBC, the EBU clarified the relevant national selection rules. The Greek broadcaster spoke out last week in question of the ability for Cypriot broadcasters decision to use the Greek show to select their competitor for the Eurovision Song Contest 2024.
“Fame Story” is a reality television singing contest broadcast in Greece, won by Kalomira in 2004, that was announced to be returning as well as serving as the national selection for Cyprus. Seeing his as possibly against the rules, ERT sent a letter to the EBU claiming their broadcasting rights for Eurovision were being violated by this. CyBC recieved a request for information.
The EBU ultimately expanded the rules concerning the organizing of national selections by participating broadcasters, first reported by PARON Newspaper. Each participating broadcaster must now produce their own selection that airs in their own country.
“The organisation of the national selection of each EBU member must not violate the exclusivity of the rights of the participants of the other participating broadcasters of the other countries. Each national selection of a representative for Eurovision should be undertaken and organised under the exclusive control of each participating broadcaster. The organisation and production may not be subcontracted, except with the prior approval of the EBU. The national selections must be organised and televised nationally in the participating broadcaster’s country and on the participating broadcaster’s own EBU member channel.”
PARON Newspaper (2023, August 6)
The rule expansion applies to all participating broadcasters and could be further expanded in future contests. The new national selection for Cyprus will be filmed in Nicosia and air in January through RiK. Greece has not confirmed their participation for Malmö 2024.
