Norwegian Broadcaster Criticizes EBU’s Handling of Eurovision 2024 and Calls for Urgent Solutions

After the most tense and controversial days in Eurovision history, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has yet to take responsibility for the conflicts that erupted during the 2024 edition. Discontent is growing, particularly concerning Israel’s contentious participation and the intimidating behavior of its press and delegation, which affected other delegations during their stay in Malmö, Sweden.

Stig Karlsen, head of Norway’s NRK delegation, is one of the latest to speak out. Karlsen, whose representative group Gåte nearly withdrew from the contest, has urged the EBU to meet with the teams from all participating countries to address and improve the poor management this year. In statements to the British specialized media outlet Wiwibloggs, Karlsen said: “There is no doubt that Eurovision’s reputation has been significantly damaged this year, and it is now crucial for the EBU to act swiftly. The EBU must stop blaming the delegations and artists for the scandals surrounding Eurovision 2024 and acknowledge the core problem. They need to be more humble and take responsibility for the harm caused.”

The EBU, to date, has shifted responsibility onto the public broadcasters that constitute it, both before and after the festival. Initially, this was due to the decision to accept Israel’s participation and, subsequently, to the protests from some participants against Israel’s actions in Palestine. In a statement, the EBU mentioned: “We regret that some delegations at Eurovision did not respect the spirit of the rules and the competition.”

Karlsen, in his call to action, emphasized: “They should return to the office and start communicating with both the broadcasters and the public and fans. I believe everyone wants a constructive dialogue and to find ways to get the festival back on track. We owe it to the millions of people who believe in unity, diversity, peace, love, and the celebration of life and music. We owe it to everyone!”

EBU, on a Tight Schedule to Restore the Festival’s Reputation

Despite the current crisis, Karlsen believes the EBU still has the opportunity to make amends. “If the EBU takes wise and necessary steps to ensure the values of the concept, it should be possible to resolve this situation and start the healing process,” he noted.

“Eurovision’s reputation goes hand in hand with that of MGP [the Melodi Grand Prix, the Norwegian preselection] and all other national finals. What the EBU does now is crucial for the future of Eurovision and also for the national selections,” Karlsen reflected. However, he warned that they must act quickly: “Broadcasters conducting national selections are running out of time. At this moment, it is a challenging task to get artists, composers, partners, and team members involved and committed to the project.”

Karlsen concluded by informing the EBU that NRK is holding “internal meetings” and that “the next step will be to bring these discussions to the EBU.” The coming weeks will be decisive for the future of Eurovision, a festival that has always symbolized unity and diversity, values that have been compromised this year. The EBU faces the challenge of rebuilding trust and ensuring that the spirit of the festival prevails in future editions.