After the events that took place in Malmö and the different complaints from national broadcasters and artists, the EBU organised an independent review of the Eurovision Song Contest, which focused on organisational concerns and artists’ well-being. After releasing the results of the inquiry this summer, the EBU will publish tomorrow new guidelines to ensure artists’ well-being .
Two documents to be published tomorrow
The EBU will introduce a new Code of Conduct and a Duty of Care Protocol, “based on the existing rules and contracts”, to clarify the roles and responsibilities of all those involved in the organisation of the contest.
- The Code of Conduct will “mandate adherence to local laws, prohibit instrumentalization of the Contest and outline expectations for professional behaviour, fair competition, and responsible communication”
- The Duty of Care Protocol will be “focused on ensuring the safety, well-being, and success of all participating artists.”
Both documents will include guidelines for the EBU, the host broadcaster and organizers, as well as national broadcasters, delegations and other persons involved with the contests like accredited press. People looking to be accredited to cover the contest will have to agree to follow the rules of both documents.
Both documents have been validated by the Eurovision Reference Group.
Changes made to the contest to ensure artists’ well-being
In addition to these protocols, the EBU will also make changes to the production of the contest next year, and in years to come. These aim to create an atmosphere to boost the confidence of artists as they take the stage publicly for the first time.
Among these changes are:
- The creation of no-filming zones within key artist areas
- More closed-door rehearsals
- The optimization of rehearsal schedules, to give more free/rest time to artists
- The introduction of a Welfare Producer, as a point of contact for artists and staff on the subject of welfare in the working environment of the contest’s production
It is to be noted that most rehearsals have already gone “closed-doors” in 2023, when the 1st and 2nd individual rehearsals (which take place the week before Eurovision week) were closed to the press. The last rehearsals that could go behind closed doors would be the full, dress rehearsals of each show, hosted the day of the evening previews, in the afternoon, which are only open to the press.
The expression “more closed-door rehearsals” could also mean the addition of individual rehearsals but this seems unlikely when the schedule is already packed, especially with the EBU’s intent to optimize said schedules to free up time for artists.
Official comments from the EBU
Martin Green, the new Eurovision Song Contest director, appointed after the inquiry, made the following statement:
We are United by Music – it’s up to all of us to ensure the Eurovision Song Contest remains an event that promotes unity, diversity and inclusion.
We believe the changes we’re making for Basel 2025 make the Eurovision Song Contest the best experience it can be for our participants, our staff, and our audiences.
Martin Green, ESC Director
The changes were validated by the ESC Reference Group, whose Chairperson Bakel Walden had the following to say:
These new measures, which will be implemented for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel, are a first, important step to ensure the successful and responsible development of this iconic music event.
On behalf of all participating artists, delegations, and staff members, the Reference Group remains firmly committed to championing a positive, creative, and safe Eurovision Song Contest in an ever-changing global landscape.
Bakel Walden, Chair of the ESC Reference Group
What do you think about these new guidelines? Are they necessary? Are they enough? Tell us what you think in the comments or on social media at @escxtra !
