Russia: VGTRK, Channel One and the Ostankino radio house withdraw from the EBU (Updated)

Saturday, 26 February 2022

• All-Russian State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company (VGTRK), Channel One and the Ostankino radio house have announced their withdrawal from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). 

  Following yesterday's EBU statement which expelled Russia from the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 after the escalation of violance and the Russian invasion in Ukraine, the Russian broadcaster released today a counter-statement through which they declare their withdrawal from the EBU. 

  Precisely the Russian broadcasters of Channel One, VGTRK and Ostankino radio house in a joint press release stated: 

  "Channel One, VGTRK and Ostankino radio house announce their withdrawal from the European Broadcasting Union in response to Russia's exclusion from the Eurovision Song Contest 2022, which we regard as an inappropriate political sacrifice at a music forum that has always emphasized its non-political status."

  The statement of the broadcasters further on says 

  "The removal of the Russian Federation from the contest is far from the first example associated with Eurovision and confirming this non-political status. For example, the song "1944" by Ukrainian singer Jamala, which won the contest in 2016, was an "open political manifesto"

  The text also mentions the case with the disqualification of participants from Belarus with the song "I will teach you" in 2021. "These are just two examples from a long series of similar ones, when the organizers of the competition approached the interpretation of the term "politics" biased and selectively. 

  And concludes: 

  "Unfortunately, the EBU has turned into a club whose members are in unequal conditions. And we consider it impossible for us to remain in it further."

   

  Previously an upgrowing wave of reactions among the other participating broadcasters created a tensed and explosive atmposhere three months before the next contest. Namely, the following broadcasters openly asked Russia's suspension from the contest with some of them ready to withdraw if Russia participated:

  UA:PBC(Ukraine),NRK(Norway),YLE(Finland),DR(Denmark),SVT(Sweden),LRT(Lithuania),AVROTROS(Netherland), ERR(Estonia), RUV(Iceland).

  After Russia's suspension the number of competing countries goes down to 40 which will be taking part in the competition in Turin, on May 10,12 and 14. 

   

  Latest Update!!

  Following the reports that want the Russian broadcasters having taken the decision to withdraw from EBU, the organization has released a statement according to which they haven't received any official formal documents indicating such development. 

  

   Meanwhile on Monday the European Broadcasting Union will discuss the suspension of Russian member broadcasters on Monday. Tinatin Berdzenishvili, member of the Media Committee has revealed to Publika.ge that a board meeting has been set for Monday, February 28 in order to look into the matter.

   

  News Source: TASS /Publika.ge

  Image: EBU