The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has unveiled the latest changes to the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) Reference Group, the executive committee that plays a pivotal role in steering the contest’s future. This body, which meets multiple times a year, is responsible for ensuring the ESC remains a dynamic and well-organized event, representing the interests of all participating broadcasters.
Key Changes
In a recent reshuffle, Moritz Stadler from Switzerland’s SSR SRG has joined the Reference Group, marking a significant addition as the Swiss broadcaster prepares to host the 2025 contest in Basel. His expertise is expected to contribute significantly to the planning and execution of next year’s event.
Meanwhile, the group bids farewell to two long-standing members from Italy’s RAI, Claudio Fasulo and Simona Martorelli, who played crucial roles during Italy’s hosting of Eurovision in 2022. Their departure aligns with the regular rotation policy of the group, which sees members from host broadcasters leaving after their tenure concludes.
Composition and Responsibilities
The Eurovision Reference Group, established by the EBU’s Television Committee, is tasked with several key responsibilities:
- Strategic Oversight: Approving the development and future format of the Eurovision Song Contest.
- Financial Management: Ensuring the contest is well-funded and financially secure.
- Brand Modernization: Working to modernize and raise the global profile of Eurovision.
- Host Coordination: Supervising the preparations of the host broadcaster to deliver a high-quality event each year.
The group includes a diverse range of members, from chairpersons to executive producers from previous and upcoming host countries, as well as experts invited based on their competence and experience. This year’s lineup reflects the contest’s broad reach and varied experience:
- Chairperson: Bakel Walden (SSR SRG, Switzerland)
- Members:
- Ebba Adielsson (SVT, Sweden)
- Rachel Ashdown (BBC, United Kingdom)
- Felix Bergsson (RÚV, Iceland)
- Ana Maria Bordas (RTVE, Spain)
- Carla Bugalho (RTP, Portugal)
- Moritz Stadler (SSR SRG, Switzerland)
- Tomislav Stengl (HRT, Croatia)
- Alexandra Wolfslast (NDR, Germany)
- Martin Österdahl (Executive Supervisor).
Looking Forward
With the addition of Stadler and the upcoming Eurovision in Switzerland, the Reference Group is well-positioned to guide the contest through another successful year. The group’s role is crucial not only for the yearly preparation but also for adapting to the evolving media landscape and viewer expectations.
Basel is set to host the 69th Eurovision Song Contest from May 13 to 17, 2025. Following Switzerland’s victory in Malmö in 2024, the preparations are in full swing, with Basel and Geneva being shortlisted before Basel was chosen as the host city.
