Seems the EBU are offering Russia a satellite input into the contest now.
Seems a good way of increasing the pressure on Ukraine - after all, it doesn't look good to introduce a remote act on the basis that they are banned from the country. But if it actually comes to pass, I think it could set an unfortunate precedent, as satellite acts wouldn't be good for the atmosphere of the contest.
Official Statement on Russian participation in 2017 Eurovision Song Contest:
"On 22 March the Ukrainian authorities issued a travel ban on the artist chosen as the Russian entrant to the Eurovision Song Contest, Julia Samoylova.
Taking into consideration that this ban might be upheld by the Ukrainian authorities, and in order to maintain the non-political nature of the Eurovision Song Contest, the EBU has been working hard to find a solution to this situation and has taken the unprecedented move to offer Channel One Russia the opportunity for Julia to still participate in this year’s Contest by performing live in the 2nd Semi Final via satellite.
Should the Russian entry qualify for the Grand Final the same solution would apply.
This is something that has never been done before in the Contest’s 60 year history but, in the spirit of Eurovision’s values of inclusivity and this year’s theme of Celebrate Diversity, the decision has been taken to ensure that all 43 entrants are given the opportunity to participate.
Eurovision Song Contest Executive Supervisor, Jon Ola Sand said: “We are continuing our dialogue with the Ukrainian authorities with the ambition to have all artists present to perform in host city, Kyiv, which is, of course, our preferred option. It is imperative that the Eurovision Song Contest remains free from politics and as such, due to the circumstances surrounding Julia’s travel ban, we have felt it important to propose a solution that transcends such issues. We have offered Channel One Russia the opportunity for Julia to perform live via satellite as it is the EBU’s intention that every broadcaster that has chosen to take part in the Eurovision Song Contest does so, as has been the case for all previous events in the contest’s history.”
ESC Reference Group chairman Frank-Dieter Freiling expressed his hope though, that the political leadership of Ukraine will not implement the travel ban and find a solution in line with the contest's slogan 'Celebrate Diversity'".
Interesting. I was actually going to post wondering if the EBU might offer a satellite link but then decided that was ridiculous so didn't post it!!
It's understandable that the EBU would offer this option, as to ensure the contest stays as un-political as possible.
However the singer will not experience performing in the arena in front of thousands of people and presumably will just be beamed live from a studio. That surely would give them an unfair advantage? Yes she still will be performing in front of a TV audience of millions but nerves won't be probably as bad as doing it in front of millions on TV and also the thousands at the arena.
This is unfortunate news, the Eurovision Song Contest is supposed to be above this kind of stuff. I hope a solution is found, though it's obvious that Russia's participation has been less warmly received in recent years, for many reasons. I still have some doubts that the contest will go ahead in Ukraine, but I'm sure the EBU will do all it can to ensure it does. Any standby country taking over would be the first to do so since NOS did in 1980 following a second Israeli win on the trot.
Who would take on the hosting responsibility at such short notice anyway, should Ukraine be forced give it up? They can't just go to the runner up from last year - that was Australia!
This whole muck up could have so easily been resolved 12 months ago, Sand and his team should have declared ineligible Ukraine's entry, albeit framed cunningly to appear otherwise, as breaking the rules concerning being overtly political.
Rule 1.2.2.h (according to this years event) could so easily have been used for this.
What's also interesting is the point that NTU can't actually broadcast any footage of Julia singing, period. So they couldn't air their own production in full locally.
The only way I can see a repeat of this being avoided is if the EBU ban countries with disputes with other participating nations, therfore rendering them unable to win, and consequently host.
Also it was so nice of them to offer Armenia this concession in 2012. Has Putin got compromising pictures of JOS?
What's also interesting is the point that NTU can't actually broadcast any footage of Julia singing, period. So they couldn't air their own production in full locally.
If that were the case Ukraine wouldn't be allowed to broadcast the show - or presumably host it. A rule of taking part in the contest is that all entries must be shown. Lebanon were going to send an entry a few years ago, but it became clear they couldn't show Israel's entry, so they were not allowed to continue with their participation.
This feels like Ukraine playing right into Russia's hands if I'm honest...