The 50th Eurovision Song Contest

They are, as they broadcast the Junior Eurovision Song Contest. I think the EBU prefers non-commercial broadcasters though.

I thought the 2001 show was the best in recent years, hosted in the PARKEN stadium. That was good.

I thought it was a shame Germany did so badly, I thought their song was really good, but let's face it, Eurovision ain't exactly about the music is it?

I think Televoting should be scrapped and that they should bring back Juries. I feel that would go some way to helping.

Suspect this was to avoid a VERY long sponsor list which might have breached BBC Producer Guidelines. I think that this year's contest was heavily sponsored - the only way that Ukraine could afford to host it.

Yep - ITV is also an EBU member - though I don't think it is a member at the same level as the BBC.

ITV did carry JESC, and were going to host the second one (the winning country doesn't host the contest, to avoid pressurising small children to win at all costs to bring tourism etc. to their country)

However ITV pulled out (I think they realised it was a bit second rate compared to the real contest) and another country had to host it instead.

I really enjoyed Copenhagen 20001, but its not really liked in the Eurovision community. I thought the hosts were excellent as well, despite the rhyming couplets.

And I personally think it should be 50-50 between juries and televoting. I remember in the early ESC days there were many questions of bribery between judges.

I thouroughly enjoyed last night. The presenters had good chemistry (probably the best for years) and the whole production seemed to flow well. I agree, it is a shame they did'nt keep the original scoreboard.

Another good thing is the contest has been to a different country every year since 1996 in Norway. At least we're not visiting the same country over and over again i.e. Ireland

The BBC3 coverage: Eurovision... A Little Bit More was absolutely hilarious and a great way to finish a wonderful evening.

If the performers are so obviously going to be insulted, then they would be a stupid as, I don't know - you?, to go on and do it. But they still do. I'd say your remarks are the most insulting towards them, not even aknowledging their efforts.

That's what I was thinking, though they were shown on the BBC3 show on Thursday - and seemed to go on forever.

With regard to scrapping televoting, that will never happen because there would be too much revenue lost as a result. A 50:50 mix between jury and televote is far more likely. Even then, neighbourly voting will of course still feature but will be less effective.

Most EBU members are commercial based broadcasters to some extent nowadays. I imagine (though i don't know) that there must be a rapidly decreasing number of broadcasters that don't take advantage of the commercial breaks in the contest these days.

I don't know if ITV and the BBC could both submit entries to the contest and both represent the UK - I have a feeling that the BBC is a fully paid up member and that the ITV regional companies are affiliates, but I may be wrong about that.

I think it's because the programme over ran slightly. Note that the closing credits started while Greece were still singing their encore. Actually, does that normally happen??

Yes it does - though I'd prefer if they began after the song - just put the credits over some raking shots of the venue & audience.

I was absolutely furious over the safe area blunders. Whatever about the scoreboard being very tight, the logos of all the broadcasters during the satellite up-links were cut off either partially or in full! Every single one with the exception of Turkey, Bulgaria, France and Norway. Germany was borderline.
This and another thing really annoyed me - the best part of the voting is being able to see the various country's backdrops, presenters and logos. This year the Ukranians ditched the full screen mode, instead going for the half screen image and minus the logos. This is terrible - it made the voting so boring.
And I note even the BBC's logo was not positioned correctly for 14:9. This is just ridiculous considering the Eurovision is the near worldwide showcase of the best in broadcasting practice.

This was the first year Ireland had a live backdrop, and a half decent one at that - of College Green in the centre of Dublin. Usually some crappy old picture board was thrown in behind. Also the prod values were very high - beautiful lighting and not a mic in sight!
Dana giving our results was very unprofessional though - surprisingly slow and diffiuclt to work with from the presenters perspective.

Agreed about Ireland's problem beng much more than just the song selection - we're now suffering like everyone else with the Eastern bloc voting.