There seems to be a whole chain of issues for the EBU after Eurovision 2024. Adding to the list of countries and delegations that have already complained, Slovenia’s RTV SLO also joins in, presenting a very long list of issues that it expects answers about from the EBU.
This year, Slovenia was represented by Raiven with the song “Veronika,” qualifying for the grand final. Yet, despite the love received for their entry, this year’s edition of the contest has left a bitter taste for the Slovenian broadcaster. In a press release, RTV Slovenija declared that this year was filled with controversies and many questions remained unanswered. They have sent a letter to the EBU seeking clarification on several issues.
“At the same time (as the other delegations), TV Slovenija wants these questions to stimulate a wider discussion about the future and development of the Eurovision Song Contest, which was unfortunately marked by many controversies this year.”
RTV SLO questions Eurovision televote results
One of the issues listed by RTV Slovenija concerns the voting process and how Slovenians voted this year. They are asking the EBU for detailed data on the voting of the Slovenian audience, including not just the number of votes, but exact information on how the Slovenian audience voted (such as the platforms used etc.).
“The total result raises some doubts, especially the large number of ‘new’ online voters, which have not been there before,” commented RTV SLO.
Although the statement does not mention any particular county, it is possible the organisation is raising eyebrows at the “voting incitement” Israel’s government has admitted to organising. David Saranga, Acting Deputy Director of Public Diplomacy at Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told Ynet: “It is true that we, as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, acted among friendly audiences to increase voting.”
The Israeli government sponsored a worldwide marketing campaign for Eden Golan and “Hurricane,” with numerous adverts on YouTube and a billboard in New York’s Times Square. They also instructed representatives in other European countries to publicise the entry and encourage people to vote for Israel. Slovenian member of parliament Anja Bah Žibert posted on X that she had never voted in Eurovision before but would be supporting Israel in 2024 and motivated others to do the same.
This year, the Slovenian public awarded Israel 10 points in the grand final — placing them second out of the 25 competing acts.
However, voting breakdowns of previous years show that the Slovenian public does not regularly award Israel many points. Since the change in 2016 that now sees the jury and televote award their points separately, the Slovenian public have not given Israel any points — though the country’s jury awarded Eden Alene one point in 2021, Netta one point in 2018, and Hovi Star two points at the 2016 grand final. Before then, when the jury and televote were combined into one set of points, Slovenia bestowed Nadav Guedj five points in the Eurovision 2015 semi-final (but no points in the grand final) and Harel Skaat six points in the 2010 grand final.
This sudden increase in the number of votes for Israel by the Slovenian public, particularly in a year filled with turmoil surrounding the Israel-Gaza war, has perhaps raised questions for RTV SLO, with the broadcaster noting “the large number of ‘new’ online voters, which have not been there before.”
Further complaints from RTV Slovenija
Yet, this is not the only issue that bothered the Slovenian broadcaster. They have further complaints about the sudden disqualification of the Netherlands, the use of the anti-booing system during Israel’s performance, and the ban on the EU flag. They also question the EBU about whether their decisions and the content of the event have been influenced by the main sponsor (Moroccanoil, an Israeli brand).
Additionally, they found the ‘Rest of the World’ vote to be bizarre.
“What is its meaning and why should citizens of countries that do not participate in the Eurovision Song Contest have an influence on the outcome of the competition? “
To conclude, RTV SLO advocates for better communication among the countries that are members of the EBU in designing the selection and making key decisions. They suggest establishing a more democratic decision-making system — at present, all decisions relating to the contest are made by the nine-member Eurovision Song Contest Reference Group, which does not include representation from every competing country. To this end, RTV Slovenija invites the EBU to engage in an open discussion.
What do you think of the complaints made by RTV SLO about the televote and more? Do you think they are justified? Let us know in the comments bellow.
The more questionable part here is that the Slovene televote apparently gave 6 points to Cyprus, which is of course a ridiculous notion
What then? So, Slovenia wanted to win ESC with that song? LMHO!! ;-D
Slovenia should be happy that they qualifed at all
So Slovenia only questions the ROTW vote after Israel won it, while it had no problem with it last year? Telling.
Israel won it in 2023 as well. Something about the power of a unicorn…
Oh, you’re right. I thought Albania had won it last year, but that’s only been a semi final.
Where’s the article about Eden Golan singing live the original version of ‘october rain’
I think this is the first time that we’ve heard more about an edition of Eurovision after it’s over than during it. And not for say good things about it. It’s as if there was a real divide between certain countries (even if we were already starting to feel that last year…); It’ll be hard to repair the feeling of injustice of some people. I wouldn’t be surprised if five or six countries competing this year refuse to return next year. (Certainly there are some who decide to come back like Luxembourg but not sure that that will compensate)
ROTW is only 1/75 of the total of votes.
Each neighbor country can influence with 2/37.
For each neighbor country that’s 4/75.
So when you have 3 neighbor countries 12/75.
Without neighbor/support voting Slovenia would get only 3 points this year.
The rest came from Croatia (20 points..), Serbia and Albania.
The rest of Europe didn’t give any points.
Well said, it looks like feeling “sore losers”. Nothing against Slovenia or the song (I liked it a lot, especially the live performance). My comment goes for RTVSLO.
These campaigns are nothing new, they already happen among diaspora communities (I personally have been bombarded on IG with adverts to vote for Baltic entries from the UK and Ireland) but, of course, the moment Israel joins in it is when it suddenly becomes a problem. Smh.
True. I always receive ads for voting certain countries every year in Eurovision.
RTV SLO raised very good questions, and they’re advocating very good causes within the EBU. I hope they become a good counterweight to Sweden’s lead.
Should Slovenians never vote to Israel because they didn’t vote to Israel in the previous years? Is that the rule now? Should countries only vote for the same handful of countries that they vote every year because otherwise it becomes suspicious? Is that the direction they want to go?
I don’t think that’s what they mean here. That’s what you want to understand. They’re not saying they should always vote for the same countries, they just found it really weird of it happened this year. Nothing more, nothing less.
And to be honest I ask myself the same questions with my country which gave Israel 12 points. I have talked with like 20 persons who watched and voted, only 1 of them actually voted for Israel. 20 is of course not representative of a whole country but it’s a bit strange. And I don’t live in an anti-Israel sphere.
That’s your bubble…
In my bubble, family, neighbors, colleagues,
many people loved Israel’s song, because of the melody, meaning, dancers, beautiful staging.. and voted for it.
And some of them also gave extra points for support, because fed up by the booos and protests. That’s the counter effect that your bubble probably didn’t expect.
You really consider this year as a regular year? Pretty much everyone had something to say about the Israeli entry this year and it for sure put a very abnormal spotlight on it. So why do you expect an average result? Don’t you consider that the insane attention this entry got affected the results?
I think Slovenia needs to add some more questions like:
All are legitimate questions. They are also very general, not directed towards any specific country or population.
Thanks Slovenia for raising these important questions! A huge change is needed, and the 1st priority must be to axe Moroccan Oil as the main sponsor, as they being in that position makes it very hard for EBU to decide anything that goes against Israel.
The best campaign for the Israeli entry was created by the EBU for making Israel to re write the song 3 times, the hateful crowds that draw attention to this entry and the hateful delegations that only draw more drama and attention to the Israeli entry. If there’s anyone to thank for the abnormal attention that the Israeli entry got this year you should all look at the nearest mirror.
These campaigns should be forbidden. It’s not fair to countries with less resources. Some countries already have problems paying the participation fees. If this trend continues more small countries will abandon the contest.
EBU needs to enter 2024. Can’t hide anymore behind secrecy and opaqueness.
The majority of people can see right through their double standards and appalling behaviour regarding the contestants.
Issue an apology and a statement for the unsafe work environment created by the EBU. Take responsibility
Slovenia asks some very good questions, I hope they get answered…
Who was in the reference group this year?
found it:
https://eurovision.tv/about/organisers/reference-group
This reference group is old. The current one is different.
and where did you get your information from? how does it look like now?
I think Slovenia needs to add some more questions like:
All are legitimate questions. They are also very general, not directed towards any specific country or population.
I mean Edens Team did amazing with their marketing campaign so their good televote result should not surprise anyone & the ROTW Vote is important to make Eurovision bigger I mean the ROTW Vote is really not changing anything regarding the outcome so that complain really does not make any sense for the rest maybe they can bring some changes
When the right wing govt of Israel get involved, it should worry everyone.
Many valid questions. I especially like that someone finally brings up the rest of the world vote. Why? Why let countries who dont even take part have a say in the outcome?
We dont get to vote in American Idol, why should Americans or Canadians decide ours?
Money?
all theses news lately…srly
could just be summarized into “everybody is complaining about everything”
I mean Slovenia’s complaints are really unnecessary
Well Said and to the point!
EBU = corruption
I’m expecting many countries to possibly withdraw next year.
Why should these broadcasters pay exorbitant fees to participate only for Israel to manipulate the votes politically and create an unfair advantage.
Make no mistake, Israel will do this every year moving forward and suck the life out of this contest unless something is done about them.
“unless something is done about them.”
…
I am very pleased that the Croatian people, as well as the jury, awarded Israel with 0 points, along with Ukraine. Everything was strange this year and that the EBU should evaluate ESC 2024 well about all the problems that happened. From the jury’s strange assessment, but also to the very very strange televoting results. I am afraid that if they do not change something, we will be left without this precious event. Support for Slovenian requests.
proof that all that supposed televote bots are fake news. Croats have voted strategic and Ukraine still hating anyone related to Russia even their own people.
Exactly. I was surprised a whole country can vote strategically but they really do that. Finland did it to Sweden last year in both jury and televoting. I was surprised a whole country can organize like that but if Finland can, so can Croatia. And Eden is heavily associated with Russia. Ukraine puts people on watch lists for less.
Agree. I, from Ukrainian parents, know that Ukrainians are very shallow-minded on that point.
?
The televoting 12s and 10s for Israel are ‘very very strange’?
But about the 0 televotes from Croatia and Ukraine for Israel you are happy, and accept them?
It’s also very disappointing that an entry like Rainen can only hope to barely make the final and end up at the bottom. It was more original than most, had one of the most captivating performances with excellent use of the stage and amazing camera angles and yet … nothing. This is why I find juries useless.
Then again… I just saw Raiven was a juror in 2018 and gave Sweden first place. Well, maybe then she would have put herself as low as those jurors of 2024 have.
Omg that’s cursed
Definitely, entries like Veronika or Sentimentai have ended up doing better with the televote than the juries, which debunks the premise of the jury being more appreciative to artistry. I don’t think getting rid of juries is a good idea, but their current state is appalling.
Not really
Raiven:
15 jury points
12 televote
Raiven received only 12 televoting points…
And 15 jury points
The argument that one country doesn’t typically send another country votes is so bad. Are they just supposed to vote for the same countries every time? “Slovenian member of parliament Anja Bah Žibert posted on X that she had never voted in Eurovision before but would be supporting Israel in 2024 and motivated others to do the same.” Looks you have your answer. Many cases like that. The complaint about the rest of the world vote is very true, though.
Toy was televote winner and got 0 points that tells something
That’s still no proof. Small country, maybe a small televote, low interest. Toy wasn’t a huge televote winner. A clear one. But not unanimous. 4 countries gave it 1 point. Not much difference between 1 and 0.
The eurovision is becoming a more and more political and corrupt event and now different sides are blaming each other for using whatever means to promote their positions. This is the solution to a more fair and unpolitical eurovision: – No more songs that deal with politics: No Jamala 1944, No border policies Promotion “Europapa” or anything that has to do with politics – Only Flags of countries participating at eurovision or UN flags allowed – NO JURRIES ANYMORE ! – No worldwide voting as it’s a European event – Only safe votings allowed and only 1-3 phone calls instead… Read more »
And keep songs, rehearsals, secret until the tv live show. No more betting odds, overhyped songs.
No more gravity…
I m ok with all this
But Jamala S song îs one of my favorites entries.
You ll make a censorship chart?
Raiven song îs also political you know?
Search Veronika of Desenice
Are you for real? What is political about Veronika Deseniška?
Sorry, juries are needed. Otherwise will go to the dark ages of the contest. Less variety and less quality songs. But I agree that juries need some restructuring.
Ban israel!!!
Easier said than done they would most likely have to ban Ukraine as well putting a blanket ban on countries at war stating that it’s a non political show – unlikely.
Why should Ukraine be banned? It’s not their fault they’re in a war rn.
Because it’s Israel fault now what is happening… Do people have a brain here ?
Clearly you don’t..
I still believe all countries at war should not be allowed to enter that’s my Opinion – Ukraine winning 2 years ago was political Israel placing 2nd in the public vote this year also Political 2 out of 3 Eurovision’s not great !
You could say the Same for Israel as they were attacked first. I don’t support Israel but it becomes a difficult question not so easy as just banning even though I definitely think they should be.
They were the victim of a t3rro1st attack just like France and Belgium in 2016, United Kingdom on 7/7. Population centers were not levelled as a result. The response of these countries was proportional to the attack they received. No excuse for the disproportionate response to the entire population of G@z@, who cannot even flee in the way Ukrainians could, as G@z@ has been under Israeli blockade since 2006, and has been an open air prison. It’s completely different. What’s happening now is collective punishment, we have Israeli officials openly calling for their removal, referring to them all as “sub… Read more »
True, they didn’t attack first in this war… but it is part of the bigger conflict Israel started against PLE roughly 70 years ago.
Ukraine and Israel are not comparable cases. One is the victim, the other one is the aggressor.
If they could ban The Netherlands for some bogus reasons, they could’ve banned Israel too, for their delegation’s behaviour towards the others.
Absolutely justified well done to all of the countries raising complaints. The EBU needs to work with the delegations collectively to resolve and look at how things can be improved going forward.
And what about the biased jury vote ?
And what about the politically organised televote?
Jury saved Eurovision.
What I find astonishing is EBUs silence. This is a complete PR disaster and it needs to be managed, just from the perspective of the survival of the contest. Basically, not only the general public, but your own member broadcasters are accusing you of double standards, corruption, preferential treatment, nepotism, mistreatment of artists, power grab, gaslighting, even glorifying war crimes through music… and so far your only response is blaming delegations? Have you lost your minds?
Yes they have. I hope that the sixteen complaining countries will put a lot of pressure on the EBU so that they withdraw if nothing changes.
There are internal procedures to deal with this and it will be dealt with. There’s no need to make them public.
95% of the viewers had a normal Eurovision this year, they don’t follow this drama or care about it and losing the toxic side of fandom perhaps isn’t something EBU is too worried about anyway.
Broadcaster’s concerns will be addressed at the EBU level, via EBU decision making processes, not in media.
There are only two possible issues here.
1. Do you agree that 7 months after the attacks and murders of 1,200 Jews, including children, innocent Palestinians who have nothing to do with H@m@x continue to be murdered, with more than 36,000 murdered, including more than 20,000 innocent children?
2. Do you agree to dialogue and find a political solution to this nonsense?
Only one option. Which is yours? Extermination or dialogue?
These number are totally falsed. UN have officially recognize it and it’s not even half of it.
Even if it is half, will it change the conclusion?
No they aren’t. They were reviewed from 35000 to 25000. But the people under the ruble aren’t accounted for.
Have you ever wondered why iZrael doesn’t allow Western press into the conflict? Would 15,000 dead children seem small to you? Why don’t you demonstrate against the radical Hebrew groups that do not allow the entry of humanitarian aid like the Israeli army? It’s all so disgusting that I vomit just thinking that there are people who support this.
Totally agree!
Isn’t it politicizing for the government of a country to run an advertising campaign and influence voting? Isn’t that rigging votes as supposedly happened in 2022 with several countries? What will the EBU and the Israeli government want us to believe next? Aren’t they committing g3/nozide? Eurovision must take drastic measures and judge all countries by the same measure or this festival will be dead.
As of now this contest is on life support, mainly due to the fans keeping it alive, calling for change.
If nothing happens, it will most definitely die.
The manipulation of the running order by producers seriously needs to go back to random draw. I don’t believe the setting up of props etc and free flowing of songs. And how come the producers know who finished were in the semi’s to always place the winners towards the end of each section (or now producers choice). All wrong.
That’s really not the main concern rn at all.
That’s way down the list of issues the EBU needs to address after this years debacle.
EBU will not change the rules on maximum phone calls since these calls bring money (20 per number): introducing 1 vote per phone will cause a significant financial issues for EBU.
I would like them to reduce to 5 votes maximum. If not, they should stop people voting for the same country twice. The same way we can’t like a comment twice on wiwibloggs!
Slovenia has raised many valid points. I hope the EBU listens. And I want mass withdrawal next year if they don’t .
Doesn’t the money from voting go to the national tv-station? The price of voting definitely differs from country to country, so that is really unfair if some countries have to pay more to the EBU than others. So I don’t think it is all that important to EBU how many max votings there is, more the national tv-stations.
There’s an interview with Raiven on YouTube by an overzealous Israeli “reporter” harassing her asking “Have you heard the Israeli entry and what do you think about it?”.
Raiven looks visibly uncomfortable and answers “No, I have not”.
This is a trend Ive noticed by Israeli’s interviewing contesants. They dont want to ask the contestants about their own songs but only about Israels song. They need to buzz off.
I expect no less from a right wing facist regime, with a superiority complex.
Facts!
You’re lying, I saw the interview – the first three questions were about Raiven’s song, what is the massage in the song and such. Only the last question was about the Israeli song, wouldn’t that makes sence for Israeli reporter in Israeli media to ask about Israel? You’re blaming Israel for things taken for granted in other countries
It would be ideal to vote with a personal ID card via APP. Voting for your nationality, regardless of your location, should be banned. Voting for a neighboring country, or a country with the same official language should amount to 50% of the other votes. All votes should be counted in and amount to points, not only top 10. But, of course, it will never happen.
They just wanted to win like Azeri in 2011. They wanted to have the worst winner ever. They better stop the war. So simple…
There’s three scenarios I can see happening:
– The unlikely scenario: EBU removes KAN
– The possible scenario: Israel sends an absolute hunk of a gorgeously sxy man to Eurovision with a catchy dance track and all is forgiven by certain elements of the fandom, and they finish top 5.
– The likely scenario: Everything that happens this year, will happen next year again, as the EBU are weak.
Agree Azeri 2011 is the worst winner but to be fair to them, 2011 was a weak year. Eric Saade or Dino Merlin were way more impactful that year.
Azeri song was second with juries.
It was proved that some juries received money…
EBU like always denied Eurovision Song Contest is a non political event and yet the Israelis government are allowed to get involved in this year event campaigning worldwide get votes for their country . This is so corrupted and unfair towards others participation in the contests . I think the sudden disqualified of The Netherlands entry could be FRAMED. Shame on you EBU
Youve articulated this perfectly!
Thanks ! I can smell something fishy going on,,,,
Instead of everyone having 20 votes they can put on a single song, it should be changed to a maximum of 10 votes in total and max 5 per song, then the political and “pity” voting would be much more under control. While everyone still being able to cast multiple votes for a personal favourite.
The bots are coming to downvote…. Act natural.
I find it hilarious, i don’t mind them actually:) just don’t engage in discussions
No I’ve stopped now.
They just look thick anyway. When you have like most comments here saying the same thing with like -20 downvotes, you know you’re doing okay
Slovenia is making some good points. The whole rest of the world vote was wild for me, like why if not only for money.
A more democratic en open process seems a very good idea for the EBU
If you see an advertisement no one is forcing you to vote. What about Malta Armenia a few years ago then ?
blah blah remove also the televote base on betting odds propaganda then.
Respect RTVSLO for joining the other broadcasts who are demanding answers from the EBU. This is the only way to keep EBU accountable for their actions.
If there was real investigation and bot votes were removed Israel would lose 250 tele points lol. Now that would be fireworks
Im Portuguese . I voted for Israel and France . Do you know Why ? Because they had QUALITY
They had good voices but from a musical perspective both very bland songs! Anyway…
That is real vote and that is fine. But if you organised 5 people with 15 mobile phones and 10 different cards, that is bot voting and doesn’t reflect reality. That’s why u said 250 and not 300 whatever points bcs there sure are people who voted genuinely like yourself
While everyone else had INTEGRITY.
Which is more important
EBU says the contest isn’t about governments, it’s between broadcasters, yet the Israeli government is openly admitting to being involved in a propaganda campaign to get votes.
Seriously EBU cop the f**k on and ACT NOW! KAN needs to be removed from this sh!tshow,
Hear, hear!
Did you aplaude Noa kirel las year ? Dana International? Israel has history at Eurovision …
Unicorn was lyrically weak – so no. Dana international, I was 7.
Russia has history at Eurovision too.
No, I did not want to see her dance.
The televote results from many countries are indeed questionable. Especially Ireland.
RTV SLO is right to challenge this. Especially when the answer is glaringly obvious. Another complaint being lodged with the EBU in 3…2…1…
Not that they’ll do anything though
Só . You do believe that a darkest power game to our house and said: vote for Israel . No . People voted because they didn’t like the boos on the tv . People voted because the music was good ( France for me was 1st) and because lots of people in Europe are turning right … ex : Italy the Netherlands . I dont say Why because wiwiblogs Block me
You don’t speak for the rest of the votes for Israel. You are one person. You voted for them, that’s up to you.
BUT and think this is lost on you, BUT the votes across Europe don’t stack up and the Israeli foreign ministry (who have no business interfering with Eurovision due to its “apolitical” policy) have openly admitted to interfering with the voting process.
THAT is what the adults are talking about Raul.
If you’re Portuguese, then you should then be able to read the comment sections of the posts on Festival da Canção’s Instagram account during the Eurovision week. The amount of people saying that they voted for Israel without even watching the show is insane!
Probable the “silent majority”. Chega! and ADN supporters.
“However, voting breakdowns of previous years show that the Slovenian public does not regularly award Israel many points.” – Well, yes, because there was no reason to send sympathy votes during the previous years. That’s not really unexpected. Votes for Ukraine also went massively up in 2022, and Ukraine wasn’t even target of bullies during the entire Eurovision week.
Stop bringing politics into Eurovision and this won’t happen.
How about you stop sympathising a genoc!dal state while you’re at it.
How about go to Wikipédia search facts about H…a…m…a….s
Again eiwiblogs blocked my first message
Anyone can edit Wikipedia.
Why don’t you look at the news, go to google, type in literally any western news media and search g3n0c1de in G@z@a.
Tiktok is better. Learn history through 30 sec video.
That explains why you’re such a moron then Salomon.
Learn to make a statement when you have actual evidence. Redirecting me to Wikipedia is not a valid argument.
Surely if the public like the song they would vote for it regardless of country. So the statement about voting breakdowns is against the idea of the televote. So in other words, we can expect Slovenia to vote for Balkans and Italy forever. I hope this makes sense, I know what I’m trying to say but my English isn’t good.
No, RTV is questioning how a certain country received high points across the board, especially in countries were their participation was not very welcome. The result of which seems to have been confirmed by the Israeli foreign ministry themselves, which should of course be investigated.
RTV isn’t cracking down on who slovenians vote for, but as the national broadcaster of a country, they would be well aware of public opinion towards Israeli participation and would definitely question it when the voting doesn’t seem to represent broader society.
The main question is : in an apolitical contest, is a government allowed to promote an entry through public means and funds?
Only if you are Israel. If you are any other country it will get you banned.
Presented by MoroccanOil!
In football, the clubs and the national teams might be kicked out by FIFA & UEFA if a government of a country interferes in the decision making etc. of a football federation, so you would imagine the same is true in Eurovision…
Ridiculous, most of broadcasters are public broadcaster so they are financed by governments. So the delegations themselves are financed by the governments. Are they poliical too ?
If they get involved in the process (ala Israel) then yes.
However if they stay out of the broadcasters decisions, and let things happen as per contest rules (aka everyone else) then no.