«NDR Retains Control Over Germany’s Eurovision 2025 Journey Amid Speculation»

The German broadcasting corporation ARD has confirmed that NDR will continue to handle Germany’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, which will take place in Switzerland. Despite earlier discussions about transferring Eurovision responsibilities to another German channel, NDR will remain in its role, ensuring consistency in the selection process for Germany’s next Eurovision entry.

Continued Leadership by NDR

Norddeutscher Rundfunk (NDR) has held the responsibility for Germany’s Eurovision entries since 1996. Recently, there were rumours suggesting that this responsibility might shift to another ARD channel, such as MDR. These speculations arose from Germany’s less-than-stellar performances lately, alongside criticism of NDR’s management of the national selection show «Das deutsche Finale 2024.»

In September 2023, industry magazine DWDL reported on the potential transfer, and half a year later, BILD also suggested that MDR was likely to take over. However, these rumours were debunked by industry service MEEDIA, which confirmed that MDR had no plans to assume the role. Now, NDR has officially confirmed its continued involvement to ESC kompakt, putting to rest any doubts about its future with Eurovision.

Germany’s Eurovision Performance

Germany’s results in Eurovision have been disappointing recently, contributing to the speculation about changing the responsible broadcaster. However, in 2024, Germany achieved a surprising 12th place with Isaak’s «Always On The Run.» This marked a significant improvement and became Germany’s second-best result in the past decade. The positive outcome likely influenced NDR’s decision to retain its Eurovision responsibilities, as the broadcaster aims to build on this success.

Ongoing Criticism and Plans

Despite the improved result, NDR faced criticism for various aspects of the national selection process, including Barbara Schöneberger’s hosting, the late broadcast time, the choice of guest stars, and the voting system. These issues have been part of the broader discussion on how to enhance Germany’s performance in Eurovision.

In the midst of this, television producer and Germany’s Eurovision 2000 representative Stefan Raab, along with director Daniel Rosemann, is working on a new method for selecting Germany’s Eurovision entries. This initiative aims to maintain and improve Germany’s achievements in the competition.

Future Uncertainties and Preparations

While preparations for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 are already underway, it remains uncertain whether the national selection show «Das deutsche Finale 2025» will take place or if any of the aforementioned figures, like Raab or Jan Böhmermann, who have publicly expressed interest in organizing the selection, will be involved. NDR has stated that further details will be released once the plans are finalised.

Germany’s participation in Eurovision 2025 will mark its 68th entry since the contest began in 1956. As one of the founding countries, Germany has won the competition twice, with the last victory in 2010 with Lena Meyer-Landrut’s «Satellite.»

As the preparations continue, the Eurovision community will be watching closely to see how NDR navigates the challenges and opportunities ahead, aiming to bring Germany back to the top of the Eurovision leaderboard.