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- October 13, 202619°
- BIST10012,151-0.94%
- USD49.220.00%
- EUR55.21+0.28%
- GOLD4,194.50-0.52%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN82,961-0.85%
- October 13, 202619°
Eurovision Viewership Drops by 35 Million
According to data released by the European Broadcasting Union, the number of viewers watching the 70th Eurovision Song Contest held in Vienna on television decreased by 35 million compared to last year. The contest also attracted attention due to protests against Israel's participation and boycott decisions by some countries.
According to data released by the European Broadcasting Union, the number of viewers watching the 70th Eurovision Song Contest held this year in Vienna, Austria, decreased by 35 million compared to last year.
While 166 million people watched last year's contest held in Basel, Switzerland, this year the viewership dropped to 131 million. This marked a significant decline in the contest's overall television reach.
Increase in Host Country, Decline in Some Participating Countries
Viewership increased in the host country Austria. However, some participating countries experienced a decline.
It was reported that 3.8 million fewer people in Poland, 3.7 million fewer in the United Kingdom, and 3.3 million fewer in France followed Eurovision. This data showed that the overall decline was also felt on a country-by-country basis.
Protests Over Israel’s Participation Escalated
This year’s contest took place under the shadow of protests against Israel’s participation. Spain, Slovenia, Ireland, Iceland, and the Netherlands boycotted Eurovision in response to Israel’s presence in the contest.
During the first semi-final held on May 12, Israeli singer Noam Bettan was protested by some audience members with slogans such as "Stop the genocide." Spectators waving Palestinian flags expressed solidarity with the people of Gaza.
Some protesters were removed from the venue by security personnel. During the final night on May 16, Palestinian flags were again displayed while the Israeli artist was on stage.
During the announcement of the audience votes, boos directed at Israel were heard. Throughout the contest, reactions inside the venue drew attention alongside the performances on stage.
March and Alternative Event Before the Final
Hours before the Eurovision final, more than a thousand pro-Palestinian supporters held a march near the Wiener Stadthalle, where the contest was held. Protesters carried banners reading "Israel, killer of children and people" and "Don’t celebrate genocide."
The crowd also chanted slogans such as "Boycott Israel" and "No stage for genocide." International activists, artists, and civil society representatives participating in the protests called on the European Broadcasting Union to ban Israel from the contest.
Throughout Eurovision week, an alternative event titled "Song Protest - No Stage for Genocide" was held at Maria-Theresien Square in Vienna. The concert featured performances related to the war and humanitarian situation in Gaza, with many artists and activists taking part.
Speakers and artists at the event expressed solidarity with Palestine and criticized the European Broadcasting Union for allowing Israel’s participation. The contest moved beyond a music event to become the center of a political and social debate.
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