He’s the Head of Entertainment at Germany’s broadcaster NDR. And following the recent EBU Reference Group decision, Thomas Schreiber has now commented on the decision by the EBU to require broadcasters to send new songs to Eurovision 2021. In an exclusive statement given to German Eurovision website ESC Kompakt, he expresses the disappointment that many fans — and broadcasters — have felt with the announcement.
Why has the EBU Reference Group decision led to mixed reactions?
Schreiber said that the EBU’s decision not to allow the Eurovision 2020 songs to be submitted again “wasn’t coordinated with the participating broadcasters”.
He also pointed out that the decision was made despite the fact that there’s no confirmation nor dates set for Eurovision 2021. Besides, given the fluid situation of the pandemic, it may be “wishful thinking” to even stage Eurovision next May.
“First and foremost, huge investments of the 41 participating countries have been destroyed as well as the hopes and dreams of the artists and the Eurovision family,” he said. “The decision of the Reference Group mostly takes into account the economic interests of all participating countries. Consequently, it doesn’t reflect the views of a majority of the countries.”
What will replace Eurovision on May 16?
Schreiber recently hinted at a Eurovision replacement show in May. The German broadcaster is currently figuring out what exactly that might be. Other broadcasters like the BBC have already announced replacement shows for May 16. Schreiber suggested that there could be a joint programme with Dutch colleagues.
In any case, Schreiber did confirm that there will definitely be a programme on Germany’s TV station ARD. Further details are forthcoming as the situation evolves.
What do you think about Thomas Schreiber’s statement? Do you agree with the decision not to allow this year’s songs to compete once more? Tell us your thoughts below!
The whole process seems shambolic – I’m giving up on EBU!
Oh no, in May 2021 the last thing I want to hear is a bunch of songs about Covid19
You just took the words from my mouth, I sweeear <3
Or a catchy banger going like ”Isoooo-lalalate!!” ?
A decision made to benefit only 2 countries is reckless and disrespectful not only to the artists but to the songwriters. The EBU should reverse their decision on the songs.
He’s right, there may not be a Eurovision in 2021. That’s why they should have forged ahead with a low-scale broadcast this year. It would set a precedent for next year to follow. The songs wouldn’t have gone to waste. Performers wouldn’t be so disappointed, producers and songwriters wouldn’t feel as if their efforts were completely in vain. It would have given viewers across Europe something to unite over instead of this horrible virus. The EBU were of course correct to cancel the big Eurovision production that was planned, but their subsequent decisions were unnecessarily rushed.
He has a good point about May 2021… even if Covid19 goes away in the summer it could return again in the winter and still disrupt things in early 2021…
One word… vaccine. Or cure.
Optimistically, we’ll have it at the beginning of 2021. After all, we can’t be locked in house forever.
And that’s why they shouldn’t have canceled ESC in the firstplace. Now they make some empty promises for 2021 to be the best show ever and then they will have to deal with the decision of a contest without audience or an online contest again.
Make video contest in May with voting or postpone ESC 2020 until autumn. If you destroy everything what national broadcasters made for 2020, half of them will boycott you next year.
Still better than what the BBC is planning to do.
Ana: difference is that broadcasters, artists and songwriters are involved in this issue which is unlike last year’s contest in Israel. They may boycott this as it’s a strike through their hearts. Who knows.
I get that it’s not really fair but I think it was good decision.
Especially because several countries decide to send new artist from NT festivals (which is kinda understandable because these shows are huge there)… I mean, you can’t have mix of old and new songs in a same year, it’s nonsense. After all, it’s wouldn’t be fair to new songs.
And from selfish reasons, I want new songs and festivals next year, I can’t wait 15 months only to hear live version of old songs in (semi)finals.
Just select Ben internally
And since he is one of those joyous people who already feel the need to question May 2021… Well, if you believe that, your entry would become even older until there’ll be a contest. I get that nobody knows what’s gonna happen at this point, but already being an alarmist about an event 14 months from now should be beneath someone in his position. I’m not surprised, though.
I don’t think he’d be so disappointed if a song like ‘Sister’ was competing for them. And no offence, but Germany is not Moldova, they don’t even feel whatever amount they invested in Eurovision 2020. I get that he needed this probably-would-have-been-good place because he’s mostly been so unsuccessful at his job but nobody has it easier than him to come up with something decent. They have money, no NF anymore and finally gave in and just bought everything abroad.