Home HomeSwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

Eurovision Chief: "Has Obviously Failed"

The EBU is setting up a new crisis management group after this year's chaotic competition in Malmö. The Swedish Eurovision chief Martin Österdahl welcomes the news. These reinforcements are needed, says Martin Österdahl.

» Updated: 16 July 2024, 14:23

» Published: 02 July 2024

Eurovision Chief: "Has Obviously Failed"
Photo: Jessica Gow/TT

EBU is setting up a new crisis management group after this year's chaotic competition in Malmö. The Swedish Eurovision chief, Martin Österdahl, welcomes the decision.

These reinforcements are needed, says Martin Österdahl.

A new role will oversee Martin Österdahl's work and take over some of his more long-term tasks. But Österdahl doesn't see it as stepping aside. His leadership role will also involve participating in the new working group that will focus on crisis management and crisis communication.

The Eurovision Song Contest has grown explosively, not least over the past four years, and the event has in many ways outgrown our organization, says Martin Österdahl.

If we compare ourselves to a larger sporting event with similar media pressure, we've probably been a bit naive from Eurovision's side and haven't really had the resources we need.

Booed by the audience

The Eurovision in Malmö 2024 was marked by protests against Israel's participation, threats of withdrawal, and disqualification of the Netherlands' entry during Eurovision week. EBU chief Martin Österdahl was booed by a frustrated audience in the arena during the final evening.

My focus was on getting through these changes, that they would be flawless and that everyone would come out unscathed. If there needed to be an outlet for frustration and disappointment, then booing is okay for my part. The main thing was that no one got hurt, he says.

"Complex issue"

Martin Österdahl is proud that Eurovision 2024 had high viewing figures and that the competition generated great engagement. He notes that Eurovision has lived with "geopolitical tensions" throughout the years, but that it became extra difficult in Malmö.

The Middle East issue is complex. They're struggling with it in the White House and at 10 Downing Street, so it's clear that it's difficult for an organization like EBU as well. I have no concrete answers on how we'll solve it in the future, but that decision-making mandates will become clearer and communication will improve, that's what we'll focus on.

Some artists threatened to withdraw. Will the new working group work to prevent such things?

During the summer and autumn, we'll review how communication within the member organization works and ensure that all information gets through all the way. From the highest delegation to the delegation leaders to the artists. There, it's clearly broken, says Martin Österdahl.

Tags
TTT
By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

More news

They Can Be the Thriller of the Year
1 MIN READ

They Can Be the Thriller of the Year

Liam Payne flies home to England
1 MIN READ

Liam Payne flies home to England

They will be hosting Melodifestivalen
2 MIN READ

They will be hosting Melodifestivalen

Emotional when Hans dies in "Wahlgren's World"
2 MIN READ

Emotional when Hans dies in "Wahlgren's World"

The TV series about The Pirate Bay doesn't take sides
3 MIN READ

The TV series about The Pirate Bay doesn't take sides

Kimmel after Trump's victory: "Good evening for Putin"
1 MIN READ

Kimmel after Trump's victory: "Good evening for Putin"

The Turnaround: SR Takes Over Threatened Library
1 MIN READ

The Turnaround: SR Takes Over Threatened Library

Up to 400 may be laid off from Finnish Yle
1 MIN READ

Up to 400 may be laid off from Finnish Yle

The Swedish songs that count towards the EU's songbook
1 MIN READ

The Swedish songs that count towards the EU's songbook

Oasis Expands World Tour
1 MIN READ

Oasis Expands World Tour

Kristofer Hivju is Santa's unknown brother
3 MIN READ

Kristofer Hivju is Santa's unknown brother

Celebrities react to the election result
2 MIN READ

Celebrities react to the election result

The State Wins Against Secretly Filmed Vaccine Opponent
2 MIN READ

The State Wins Against Secretly Filmed Vaccine Opponent

St. Goran Hospital becomes a reality TV show
1 MIN READ

St. Goran Hospital becomes a reality TV show

"Michael" to Premiere in Fall 2025
1 MIN READ

"Michael" to Premiere in Fall 2025

Million Support to Malmö Art Hall
1 MIN READ

Million Support to Malmö Art Hall

Jens Lapidus makes TV about famous violent crimes
2 MIN READ

Jens Lapidus makes TV about famous violent crimes

Million Grant to Malmö Art Hall
1 MIN READ

Million Grant to Malmö Art Hall

This week's film and series
2 MIN READ

This week's film and series

Dr. Phil: I'm not supporting Trump
1 MIN READ

Dr. Phil: I'm not supporting Trump