Picture: Nathan Reinds (NPO/NOS/AVROTROS)

Eurovision is historically one of the most watched programmes of Belarus’ state broadcaster BTRC. In 2019, Google Trends revealed that Eurovision was the most-searched TV programme in the country. However, Eurovision 2021 is currently not listed in the television schedule of the Belarusian broadcaster.

Back in March, Belarus withdrew from Eurovision 2021 after BTRC did not manage to submit an entry in accordance with the contest’s rules. On two occasions, the proposed Belarusian entry was rejected for containing lyrics that brought the contest into dispute.

Eurovision 2021 is not listed in Belarusian TV schedules

Belarusians noted the absence of Eurovision 2021 in BTRC’s programming when several prints published the provisionary television schedule for 17 to 23 May. Although provisionary television schedules are often subject to change, it would be strange if BTRC had accidently excluded its most popular programme.

The television schedule published on BelTA, Belarus’ state press agency, also doesn’t list Eurovision. During the time slot of the Eurovision 2021 grand final, BTRC instead plans to show the first two episodes of the 2018 Russian miniseries Радуга в поднебесье.

Belarusian newspapers Komsomolskaya Pravda and Argumenty i Fakty both stated that if BTRC were to really end up not broadcasting the contest, the only way for Belarusians to watch Eurovision on television is going to be through the international version of Russia’s Channel One.

Since being disqualified from Eurovision 2021, BTRC has ceased reporting about the contest all together. The broadcaster has instead started to focus on the production of their local X Factor and on the arts festival Slavianski Bazaar. On the web site’s page dedicated to Eurovision, BTRC has placed a long statement outlining their dissatisfaction.

Belarus is not the only withdrawing country from Eurovision 2021 who will not broadcast the contest. Armenia bowed out of the contest after events in the country did not give them enough time to prepare an entry. Eurovision 2021 does not appear in the Armenian public broadcaster’s schedules either.

However, countries that withdraw from Eurovision do not always decide to abstain from broadcasting the contest. In 2019, after Ukraine withdrew from Eurovision, both of its broadcasters still decided to broadcast the show. BTRC itself started broadcasting Eurovision as early as 2001, three years before the country first took part.

What do you think? Are you sad that people in Belarus won’t be able to watch Eurovision 2021? Let us know in the comments below!

Read all our Belarus Eurovision news here

29 Comments
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Anhel
Anhel
2 years ago

When Turkey withdrew, they went from a bad reason (sore losers) to an even worse reason (too gay for them). I wonder if something similar will happen with Belarus.

Azuro
Azuro
2 years ago

Not surprised at Belarus. But odd that Armenia is not even showing it.

apollo
apollo
2 years ago
Reply to  Azuro

Armenia’s withdrawal was embarrassing for the country. The Armenian public feel defeated, especially seeing Azerbaijan compete in ESC whilst they can’t. I wouldn’t be surprised if Armenia decided not to return to Eurovision.

esc2021rotterdam
esc2021rotterdam
2 years ago

Unfortunately, I have a feeling that Belarus won’t participate for a long time because of what happened, BTRC are Lukashenkos puppets rn

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
2 years ago

What artist would want to Cooperate with the broadcaster to perform at Eurovision? Belarus might be out for a long time at this point

shin
shin
2 years ago

in benny cristo’s words : I honestly don’t care, I’m happy their NOT here.

Tobias Andersen
Tobias Andersen
2 years ago

Belaus was expected. But Armenia is shocking to me!
Does it mean they are not planning 2022 comeback. I have so many songs from Armenia I adore. It’s like missing another Turkey 🙁

esc2021rotterdam
esc2021rotterdam
2 years ago

I don’t think Armenia will be out from 2022 as well (Unless Azerbaijan wins but Mata hari is predicted as a borderline qualifier) because they’re participating in ESC and JESC every year and couldn’t take place in the most recent one because they didn’t have enough time to prepare a proper entry and also the Armenian Hod said that they will return very soon

Nils
Nils
2 years ago

I hope so, too. But wasn’t there some rule saying that you need to broadcast all three shows if you want to participate in the following edition? Or did they drop that?

esc2021rotterdam
esc2021rotterdam
2 years ago
Reply to  Nils

Actually Russia didn’t broadcast esc2017 when they withdrew but they came back in 2018

Jesper Hjellnes
Jesper Hjellnes
2 years ago
Reply to  Nils

I think they dropped that. If I’m not wrong, Italy did not broadcast in 2010, but returned in 2011.

Nils
Nils
2 years ago

Ah, okay. Good to hear.

Thanks, guys!

Sot
Sot
2 years ago

The ultimate irony would be to show a Galasy Zmesta concert

Sot
Sot
2 years ago

I’m honestly sad for all the Belarussian eurofans out there who are, not only missing their favourite show on TV (which is the unimportant part) but they’re also forced to do what the government wants them to do, other than that it was expected to not be broadcasted

Anhel
Anhel
2 years ago

I’m sorry Belarusian people have to go through all of this and I hope things will improve soon.

Colono
Colono
2 years ago

Turkey says hi. After 39 years of participation and broadcasting TRT acts like ESC is not existed. Such a shame for countries with long history with the contest.

esc1234
esc1234
2 years ago

Like Turkey and Hungary, countries with far right regimes/dictatorships once they are gone, they wont come back. Hopefully they will return when there are democratic parties in charge again.

Kas
Kas
2 years ago
Reply to  esc1234

Lol…Belarussia still has communism boy.

Dawid
Dawid
2 years ago

Are we supposed to be shocked?

Ashton Schier
Ashton Schier
2 years ago

the article states that the first two episodes of a Russian tv-show will be broadcast when the grand final is due to happen.

Ashton Schier
Ashton Schier
2 years ago

could we possibly be seeing an extended absence of Belarus from the contest???

Tobias Andersen
Tobias Andersen
2 years ago
Reply to  Ashton Schier

very likely!

pretty_polly
pretty_polly
2 years ago

Doesn’t that mean they’ll be unable to take part in the next year’s contest as well?

James
James
2 years ago
Reply to  pretty_polly

All member broadcasters who want to take part can do so by confirming to the EBU their participation so if BTRC has every intention to return next year, they’ll do so.

Sot
Sot
2 years ago
Reply to  pretty_polly

Honestly I don’t think Belarus will return any sooner than 2024, so that they forget about the ‘incident’

Sot
Sot
2 years ago
Reply to  Sot

But Montenegro and Andorra are coming back so we won’t miss them!

Sot
Sot
2 years ago
Reply to  Sot

We will, actually, because even Belarus had some kind of originality in the contest sometimes but I would prefer Montenegro and Andorra, 2 countries that always surprise us (mostly negatively but ok) than Belarus

esc2021rotterdam
esc2021rotterdam
2 years ago
Reply to  Sot

And Armenia

Jason
Jason
2 years ago

Ms.Petty been going around i see