EBU INVESTIGATES POSSIBLE JURIES PROBE
The EBU, through the Estonian broadcaster ERR received information that suggests that attempts have been made to the mood of the jury’s influence. Sietse Bakker of the EBU announces that such rumors are often doing the rounds, but that they nevertheless be considered seriously.
The Estonian broadcaster ERR at the EBU reported that he was approached by several countries to a jury deal. The story of 2002 repeats itself so obviously. Even when there was outcry over a number of countries with a mixed jury system televoting that collusion would have made. Afterwards we opted for full televoting.
Sietse Bakker of the EBU and a different perspective: “Such rumors reached the EBU each year and of course always be treated carefully and seriously investigated. We are in touch with the Estonian broadcaster ERR and investigate the matter. Currently, this information but no concrete proof that there really was unfair influence the vote. Would actually be proven that a participating broadcaster is involved in attempts to unfairly influence the vote and thus break the rules, then the EBU immediate drastic sanctions. Such penalties can be up to three years exclusion from participation.”
We would like to say that the system of the juries is deadly wrong as the exchange of points is not only theoretically possible but we all know (it’s a common secret) how the national broadcasters exchange points every year.
source: eurosong.be, songfestival.web-log.nl
