With only a few weeks until the first ever Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026, reported production changes and budget cuts have plunged the event into jeopardy.
Production and budget changes to Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026
Swedish outlet Aftonbladet has reported that the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026 faces major changes to its staffing, production and budget ahead of the live show on November 14. Originally, a budget of $4.5 million was allocated for the running costs of the latest addition to the Eurovision brand. However, this has now been reduced by $1 million. Almost a quarter of the budget, which was agreed by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
Of course the effect of this has seen changes within the production and organisation of the broadcast. Most of the international production team expected in Thailand are now unable to travel. Instead the local Thai broadcaster, its production partner S20 and Media Vision will now oversee the staging, lighting, sound, pyrotechnics and television broadcast. Christer Björkman remains the Head of Contest and he, alongside a smaller international contingent will still travel to Bangkok.
This news comes in the wake of recent changes at Voxovation, the production parter and holder of the license for the Eurovision Song Contest Asia format. Earlier in the Summer, CEO Peter Settman stepped down from his role. Reports suggest business mogul RJ Phillips who owns the sponsor partner Zoop, is now the majority stakeholder. Voxovation were in charge of the American Song Contest which was held in 2022.
Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026 goes ahead as planned
Following the news, Martin Green the Director of Eurovision responded to Aftonbladet assuring that the contest will go ahead in just under three weeks time. He also respected the commitment and ambition of the Thai team and acknowledged the budget costs.
“Asia has a very strong tradition of hosting major events and Eurovision Asia producers Voxovation are proud to be working with a large and experienced local team. We feel confident that the budget matches the level of ambition for the first Asian competition and we look forward to its continued growth.”
Martin Green CBE, (Director of Eurovision)
“The inaugural Eurovision Song Contest Asia show will take place as planned in Bangkok on 14 November, with artists from 11 countries competing in the Grand Final. There are no plans to cancel or postpone the event.
Extensive work has gone into preparing the contest, and our production team and partners are focused on delivering a high-quality live show. We have full confidence in our local team, whose wealth of experience producing world-class entertainment events underpins that commitment.
We’re proud to be creating jobs and opportunities for local and regional talent and businesses, contributing to the local economy and showcasing the region’s creative and production expertise. We look forward to welcoming audiences to Bangkok for a celebration of Asia’s artists, songs and talent.”
Eurovision Song Contest Asia
Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026
Taking up the hosting honours for the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026 is Thailand and its broadcaster Channel 3. The venue of choice is One Bangkok Forum in Bangkok. This entertainment space has a capacity of over 6,000 seated guests. In total eleven broadcasters will participate:
- Thailand – Channel 3 – (Host)
- South Korea – ENA (SK Telecom / KT Group)
- Malaysia – Media Prima (TV3)
- Philippines – ABS-CBN
- Vietnam – Vietnam Television (VTV3)
- Cambodia – TV5 Cambodia
- Laos – Vientiane Capital Television (VTE9)
- Bangladesh – NTV
- Bhutan – Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS)
- Nepal – Himalaya TV
- Mongolia – MNC
Similarly to the Junior Eurovision Song Contest format, the winning broadcaster is not automatically forced to host the following edition. Instead a bidding process will take place after the 2026 contest concludes to decide who will host the Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2027.
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