Organizers of the Eurovision Song Contest say they’re changing the voting system of the popular musical extravaganza to ensure fairness.
Jamey KeatenFILE - Israeli fans cheer for Yuval Raphael from Israel after performing during the Semi-Final of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, in Basel, Switzerland, Thursday, May 15, 2025. Eurovision Song Contest announced plans to change the voting system of the popular musical extravaganza to ensure fairness, a move that follows allegations of “interference” by Israel's government.
The European Broadcasting Union, a Geneva-based union of public broadcasters that runs the event, said Friday that the changes were “designed to strengthen trust, transparency and audience engagement.”Israel has competed in Eurovision for more than 50 years and won four times. But calls for Israel to be kicked out swelled over the conduct of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government in theIn September, Dutch public broadcaster AVROTROS — citing human suffering in the Gaza war — said that it could no longer justify Israel’s participation in the contest.The Dutch broadcaster went on to say there had been “proven interference by the Israeli government during the last edition of the Song Contest, with the event being used as a political instrument.” The statement didn't elaborate. That same month, the CEO of Israeli public broadcaster Kan, Golan Yochpaz, said that there was “no reason why we should not continue to be a significant part of this cultural event, which must not become political.” Kan also said then that it was “convinced” that the EBU “will continue to maintain the apolitical, professional and cultural character of the competition, especially on the eve of the 70th anniversary of Eurovision” next year. As part of the new Eurovision measures, in next year’s contest — scheduled to take place in May in Vienna — the number of votes per payment method will be reduced by half to 10, the EBU said. In addition, “professional juries” will return to the semifinals for the first time since 2022 — a move that will give roughly 50-50 percentage weight between audience and jury votes, it said. Organizers will also enhance safeguards to thwart “suspicious or coordinated voting activity” and strengthen security systems that “monitor, detect and prevent fraudulent patterns,” EBU said. Contest director Martin Green said that the neutrality and integrity of the competition is of “paramount importance” to the EBU, its members, and audiences, adding that the event “should remain a neutral space and must not be instrumentalized.” The EBU’s general assembly on Dec. 4-5 is poised to consider whether Israel can participate next year. A vote on that participation will only take place if member broadcasters decide the new steps are “not sufficient,” Green said. Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.Skating returns to its roots as Planet Skate revives Northside tradition▶Voices of the 904 Ep. 6 - He etched his granddad’s musical legacy into the rebirth of 41 Duval St.▶President Trump signs bill to release Epstein files. What happens next?Downtown Jacksonville Investment Authority approves nearly $2 million for Mag's Cafe renovationNews4JAX reporter Aleesia Hatcher explains why online rumors of Jacksonville serial killer beganWater quality concerns in Fernandina Beach▶JSO addresses social media rumors of serial killer in JacksonvilleRichard's Swing Makeover Pt. 10: It's time to paint!Hometown ESPN analyst gets greenlight to build 20K square foot fitness facility in St. Johns CountyHometown ESPN analyst gets greenlight to build 20K square foot fitness facility in St. Johns CountyThe Weather Authority breaks down the numbers for our ongoing drought1:09River City Guide: Northeast Florida events to get you moving from Nov. 20 - Nov. 23Family identifies woman found dead under Blanding Boulevard bridgeDry spell continues across Northeast Florida, Southeast GeorgiaMore than 120 children rescued in 'Operation Home for the Holidays'The Ultimate TAILgate: Jax animal services hosts pet adoption ahead of Jags gameChristmas tree lighting at Nights of LightsCar narrowly missing sleeping child after crashing into apartment | 'Didn't know what to think'Difference between a 30 and 50 year mortgageVictim's family relieved after Palatka woman sentenced in 2022 fatal stabbingLocal Tiktok creator helps fuel Dachshund adoption waveNights of Lights returns this weekendBillboard honors Jacksonville man who was murdered in 2020
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Eurovision plans changes to voting, security after allegations of Israeli government 'interference'Organizers of the Eurovision Song Contest say they’re changing the voting system of the popular musical extravaganza to ensure fairness. The announcement on Friday came in the wake of allegations of “interference” by Israel’s government. The European Broadcasting Union is a union of public broadcasters that runs the event.
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