A day before the deadline to submit the €12 million ($14m) security deposit to host Eurovision 2019, the EBU has given KAN an extension. As Israel’s Maariv newspaper reports, the Geneva-based body is now giving KAN until August 14 to pay the funds — and to negotiate the guarantee that was offered by the state in lieu of security funds.
In their response to KAN’s request for an extension, the EBU has indicated that the “process is critical” — implying perhaps that no more extensions will be given.
In an urgent letter dated July 30, and that was addressed to Minister of Communication Ayoob Kara, KAN’s CEO Gil Omer stated that KAN will not be able to produce Eurovision without the guarantee.
Omer also indicated that the guarantee is only a fraction of what is required to produce the show and that unless the state provides adequate funding, Israel might be at risk of losing the right to host the contest.
Mr Omer has urged the state to find a solution to allow KAN to start with their preparations. He said:
KAN believes that the importance of hosting Eurovision cannot be underestimated. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity which can dramatically improve Israel’s image in the world and allow it to be presented in a positive light. However, without state assistance, KAN will be exposed to a substantial budget deficit which cannot be allowed.
As reported previously, KAN and the Israeli government have been involved in a dispute since the new broadcaster started airing last year. Whilst KAN demands complete independence, the government aims to control its content as a public broadcaster.
This has led to battles between the two authorities with emotions constantly on show, along with bruised ego and endless drama. It appears that Eurovision is a convenient platform for such “bloody” battle.
Stay tuned for more updates regarding this thriller.
Good decision. No Kazahstan , Kosovo or more non EBU members from other continent. I hope that Australa will not invite for Eurovision 2019. Bring back to Eurovision, Turkey, Luxembourg, Monaco, Slovakia, Andorra.
Like it or not Lisbon and RTP were so much more professional. Where are now the ones who said that Portugal would fail?
Hey wiwibloggs Israeli goverment and KAN just came to an understanding and KAN payed…. like i said solved last minute (:
Ukraine was very critised for delays and incompetence, but “minimalistic” Portugal and messy Israel are still loved and excuses are find in any situation. Is fine, but admit it : you love more those countries that are attractive turism destinations, warm climate, fun parties, sea/ocean. If Israel will host in open air, you will say it was so great and appropriate for the host. Don’t worry, Israel will host anyway and you know you will love it.
Excuse me but if I’m not mistaken Ukraine had a lot of problems.(ukraine is also a tourist destanation you have far more tourist than israel.
1) The slogan was chosen only in February
2) The city of Kiev was elected only in mid-September
3) 21 production members were resigned
4) The competition hosts were selected only at the beginning of March
5) And the whole thing with Russia
If Israel haven’t participated in Minsk 2018, I’m pretty sure they’d have enough money to pay
So much drams. I can’t–
Bibi is definitely not earning any fans among the Eurovision faithful. It seems he only gave a flip if the contest if he could use it for political points among his far right base.
I don’t think Bibi wants to be closely assosiated with Eurovision. The (perceived) culture of the contest would not go over very well with his base. I think he was excited about the possibility of Jerusalem hosting, but pushing too hard for that (or any hosting arrangement) could ultimately be embarrassing.
Lisbon 2018 was so professional and low profile at the same time….no delays, everything was going so naturally
A once in a lifetime opportunity, lol, tell that to Ireland xD
Also, if Israel tries to show us as a pro-LGBTQ+ country, I will simply lose faith in them.
LGBTQ+ community here still suffers from discrimination and hatred.
But hey, we’re not being stoned to death, so yay.
The LGBT community in Israel has the same rights they would have in most western counties.
A) Who cares about other countries? I’m talking about the situation in Israel.
B) The discrimination is too real.
I honestly don’t know where you guys get your sources from… It was already published yesterday that the funding got a green light after a compromise has been reached between the two sides… But I guess it’s always easier to spread rumors and stir things up a bit…
https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-last-gasp-compromise-allows-israel-to-stage-eurovision-final-1001248037
That’s what I thought! I was very confused.
The Ma’ariv article from today is based on the letter the KAN ceo sent to the minister yesterday, however they were probably not informed of the compromise that has been reached between the sides last night (re=the link I gave above from the “globes” article published last night).
“KAN declined to comment on the report” so they might be not happy with this solution.
I really hope it isn’t that they’ll only give the money if Jerusalem hosts
EXACTLY! They didn’t comment on the Globes story…but at the same time were writing that letter (which I think is pasted in the Maariv story) saying we need money. And anyway the gov’t called the money a loan and not like an actual payment, you know?
The Globes article says that the government will “loan” Kan the money…but Kan is saying in the letter that it wants the government to pay for it (as oppose to a loan) and more generally fund the show.
Isn’t Ayoub The same wo.an who said Jerusalem or nothing? This isnt looking too good imo.
It was Miriam Regev, Minister of culture. And sports.
well it is clearly a game of who breaks first, the ebu knows the funds will be transferred but and that is why the exteded the deadling, Kan has th funds but it is the government that shoulld pay for the guarentee. the government already agreed to take responsibility for the costs of production. our government would not allow for th great publicity and income the contest brings to be lost so i am sure the mney will be there and the cntest would take place in israel. hope to see you all with us here.
Pretty sure when a country signs up to Eurovision they have to guarantee that they have the funds to host the contest.
So clearly Israel wasn’t prepared to win the contest and is clearly struggling.
Funny how when Ukraine have a few budget problems eurovision fans attacked them saying someone else should host but now that Israel has extended the final deadline (Which the whole point of a deadline is that it’s the limit on the amount of time allowed) and doesn’t have the money able to host eurovision fans don’t seem that upset.
Hypocrisy eurovision style!
Well… I don’t think the two scenarios are completely similar as Ukraine had difficulties with the financial cost of the pruduction, and in Israel its very much of bureaucracy (and pride/cheapness if you want), you’re right but at least you get some drama until ESC finally returnes.
I think the people that wanted Eurovision 2017 to fail in Ukraine were the same people upset with Jamala’s victory. Basically because their songs didn’t fare better, people wanted to see the contest fail and started criticizing every little single detail of production. It happens almost every year (people who disliked “Amar Pelos Dois” also wanted Portugal to fail, remember people criticising and throwing sh*t at RTP because of the LED situation or how they wanted to keep it less expensive).
It’s awful but let me tell you that’s not the spirit of a true Eurovision fan.
Do you really think Israel doesn’t have the money and Ukraine did? Google the GDP of both countries and tell me who’s doing better financially. What’s happening here is beyond the understanding of the average, non Israeli ESC fan, because it’s pure inside politics and interests. There is nothing to do with actual lack of finances.
It’s not the first time I see a reference to GDP in here. Let me tell you, that obviously Israel is a richer country than Ukraine. But what matters is the financial burden on nation of organizing the ESC and its impact in the GNI. Malta for example has a high GDP but the impact of organizing the ESC would be much higher because the GNI is very small as it is a micro state.
Kan has a budget of $ 200 million dollars. They can pay it by themselves. they will get the money after the competition.In addition the government can not transfer them money without further legislation
This is an unplanned additional expense. This will put Kan in a huge debt. Just like Netanyahu wants it.
The government can collect all the profits from hosting eurovision (tourism, hospitality, free publicity) but cannot help produce it? The government can sponsor the Netanyahu family extravagant lifestyle but cannot sponsor an international cultural event?
Bibi will be very pleased with your rediculous comment.
oohhh so now i get it. it is not the eurovision . it’s the prime minister.Speak content and not titles!!!
I believe it is kind of a ” Who breaks first” Game between the government and KAN. Both clearly have sufficient budget for the event, but no one wants to raise the glove and get hurt subsequently . KAN who just broadcasted the Fifa world cup, has spent a lot of its yearly budget already and needs more funding for events to come, and the government that is unwilling to help, as they think KAN has enough, and aren’t very fond of it overall and wants it to close. Tbh I think that eventually this issue will come to a… Read more »
Remember that April fools day prank wiwibloggs did about all countries applying to host the 2019 contest? Doesn’t seem like a prank anymore does it? Wiwibloggs is psychic ?
Didn’t they already reach a compromise and get the money?
Eurovision 2019 in Jerusalem <3
Benjamin Netanyahu is trying to get Kan closed for years now (since before they ever went on the air)
He wants to see Kan in debt and then gone. And since the EBU does not want him or his wife in the event, AND it looks like it won’t be held in Jerusalem, he is actively working on ruining the event.
Netanyahu is the worst. All Eurovision 2019 problems are deliberately caused by him.
BS, Netanyahu Great Prime Minister, the Eurovision 2019 in Israel will be Amazing I guarantee
being delusional doesnt really help anyone
Aha Shlomi, THE BEST prime minister. The one that NEVER cares about the interest of the country but his own.