The head of the Eurovision Song Contest has previously stated that no participating EBU member has publicly opposed the Israeli company Kan's participation, reports BBC. But RTÉ's CEO Kevin Bakhurst wants to have a discussion "despite the fact that the criterion for participation" is membership in EBU.
Bakhurst says he is aware of RTÉ's obligations to maintain objectivity regarding the war in Gaza, but says that they are also "very aware of the hard political pressure on Israel's public service company, Kan, from the Israeli government.
Ireland's journalist union recently demanded that the public service company protest against Israel's participation.
We believe that this is RTÉ listening to its staff, but even more importantly, listening to the public here in Ireland, who are shocked over Israel's actions in Gaza, says the union's Emma O'Kelley.
EBU's CEO Martin Öörn said in a statement that the organizers are not "immune" to world events but urges all members to ensure that the contest becomes a "universal event that promotes contacts, diversity, and inclusion through music."
The final of ESC takes place in Basel on May.
