Amidst an ongoing dispute involving ERT, it has been revealed that CyBC will adopt a different approach for selecting Cyprus’ representative in the Eurovision 2024. Instead of relying on the TV reality Fame Story collaboration, CyBC will now organize a national final in January 2024 to make their choice.
Earlier this year, CyBC had announced a partnership with Star Greece to determine their Eurovision 2024 representative via Fame Story. However, a conflict has arisen due to the fact that Fame Story is being aired in Greece, which ERT perceives as a violation of Eurovision regulations.
ERT contends that the show’s organization outside Cypriot territory contradicts the principles of the competition and infringes on ERT’s rights for Eurovision in Greece.
The reported adjustments by the European Broadcasting Union includes:
“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.”
CyBC has addressed the EBU’s concerns, clarifying that Fame Story is not the official national selection method for Cyprus, but rather a part of the country’s entertainment programming. The broadcaster’s letter underscores that the 2024 Eurovision representative will now be chosen through a televised event in Nicosia, scheduled for January 2024.
Both Eurovision Fun and OGAE Cyprus have confirmed this alteration, signaling a departure from CyBC’s initial plan to use Fame Story for artist selection. Participants from Fame Story will still have a chance to compete in the January national final alongside other artists.
What do #YOU think of EBU’s new rules? And how do you think this will affect both countries voting pattern moving forward? Let us know on social media @ESCUnited, on our Discord, or on our forum page!
