With the 60th anniversary of the Eurovision Song Contest right aroud the corner, France Televisions is signaling that it’s ready to take Eurovision seriously again. In the broadcaster’s annual Rentrée Bulletin, which details the coming year in programming, director of programming for France 2 Thierry Thuillier reveals that Eurovision will graduate from France 3, its network of regional stations, to France 2, the national broadcaster’s flagship channel and the second-most watched station in the country (after privately owned TF1).
France 2 previously broadcast Eurovision from 1981 until 1998, during which the French were very successful at the contest, even tying for a win. But since Eurovision changed ship to France 3 in 1999, the French have only been in the Top 10 three times. And viewing figures have steadily dropped.
France 2 is much more musical than the rest of France’s TV stations, and its team will no doubt be up to the task of finding this year’s contestant. It also signals that France is ready to put Eurovision back at the heart of national entertainment.
Do you think that France’s last-place finish in 2014 motivated the switch? Is this a good move? Let us know in the comments box below!
Image source: france2.fr
Yesss! France entering Eurovision 2015! I want Anggun or Twin Twin for France in Vienna. Thomas Pontier (the Junior Eurovision 2004 French representative) will also be a good choice.
They should gather more French audience to convince them that Eurovision is not something a joke for them anymore. This could be a start for them to slowly not lose any interest to the show per se.
thanks for the info many and congrats!
I’m very interested about the situation in each country (channel, audience…)
In Spain the final is always #1 but the semifinals… emmm…
Every year there is a reason to have hopes about France to win… It is one my favourite Eurovision countries and has been my favourite in 2007, 2008 and 2009 (three years in a row)! I really want to see Woodkid in the contest. If France 2 take it serious, why not Eurovision evolves as a real musical event? In 2014, the top three was really serious just with Western European countries. I hope 2015 will be France’s year and who knows, they’ll have the title of the only one country with six victories for a while! Go France! And… Read more »
Resend Amaury or Anggun with better song and stage presentation
Well, I hope this is indicative of a trend reversal for sure. After deux points this year, I’m glad that France isn’t just going to outright quit.
As a French guy, these are very good news for the contest.
France 3 is now seen as the channel for old people which broadcasts old-fashioned TV Games and unknown series.
For the ratings, I hope it will be much better than the past few years. The problem is that it’s been 2 years that the contest final faces the final of the #1 TV Show here, which is “The Voice”
… and maybe even in 2009!
France deserved better positions in 2005, 2010, 2012, 2014…