8
Dutch broadcaster pulls out of Eurovision over Israel 'sensitivities' (www.rfi.fr)
submitted 1 week ago by to c/Eurovision@europe.pub
comment fedilink hide all child comments
 

Crossposted from https://lemmy.zip/c/globalnews

The Hague (AFP) – The Netherlands will not participate in next year's Eurovision Song Contest, its public broadcaster NPO said Tuesday, citing "sensitivities" over Israel's participation.

The Dutch withdrawal is the latest in a series of boycotts from countries unhappy at Israel's inclusion in the annual music festival, given its military campaign in Gaza sparked by the October 7 Hamas attacks.

"We have known for some time that Israel's participation elicits various reactions in society and causes discussion and division," said Jurre Bosman, NPO's media director, in a statement.

"Therefore, after consultation with the Board of Broadcasters, the NPO has decided to forgo participation in 2027," added Bosman.

The Dutch decision brings to an end a series of flip-flops over its participation, highlighting the divisive nature of the debate in the country and more broadly.

In August, the AVROTROS broadcaster, which selects the Dutch entry and broadcasts the show, had pulled out, saying the event can "no longer be considered neutral" given divisions over the Gaza war.

But a month later, NPO stepped in to replace AVROTROS, saying it would take on the responsibility, only to reverse course with its decision on Tuesday.

Jet de Ranitz, NPO's executive chairman, acknowledged their decision would disappoint many Dutch Eurovision fans and stressed that the contest would still be aired on the public channels.

However, De Ranitz said: "We must conclude that it is currently too early to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027."

"Due to the sensitivities surrounding the themes currently at play, we have decided to take a step back for the time being," added De Ranitz.

...

other discussions
26
Dutch broadcaster pulls out of Eurovision over Israel 'sensitivities' (www.rfi.fr)
submitted 1 week ago by to c/globalnews@lemmy.zip
4 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

The Hague (AFP) – The Netherlands will not participate in next year's Eurovision Song Contest, its public broadcaster NPO said Tuesday, citing "sensitivities" over Israel's participation.

The Dutch withdrawal is the latest in a series of boycotts from countries unhappy at Israel's inclusion in the annual music festival, given its military campaign in Gaza [...].

"We have known for some time that Israel's participation elicits various reactions in society and causes discussion and division," said Jurre Bosman, NPO's media director, in a statement.

"Therefore, after consultation with the Board of Broadcasters, the NPO has decided to forgo participation in 2027," added Bosman.

The Dutch decision brings to an end a series of flip-flops over its participation, highlighting the divisive nature of the debate in the country and more broadly.

In August, the AVROTROS broadcaster, which selects the Dutch entry and broadcasts the show, had pulled out, saying the event can "no longer be considered neutral" given divisions over the Gaza war.

But a month later, NPO stepped in to replace AVROTROS, saying it would take on the responsibility, only to reverse course with its decision on Tuesday.

Jet de Ranitz, NPO's executive chairman, acknowledged their decision would disappoint many Dutch Eurovision fans and stressed that the contest would still be aired on the public channels.

However, De Ranitz said: "We must conclude that it is currently too early to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027."

"Due to the sensitivities surrounding the themes currently at play, we have decided to take a step back for the time being," added De Ranitz.

...