Russia's Channel 1 has held its press conference to introduce the hosts of this week's shows and discuss all matters relating to the presentation of the 2009 edition of the Eurovision Song Contest.

The broadcaster is mightily proud to be hosting this event, and speaks of Russia's 15 year history in the event, and how they have worked to win the contest mainly to provide an opportunity to host it. Some commentators have spoken about the lavish staging and organisation of the Moscow event, particularly given the bleak economic outlook across the continent. But the hosts mention how the modern, professional and detailed delivery of the contest are a key part of their objective. Konstantin Ernst, Channel 1's General Director says, "We knew from the beginning we wouldn't make any money, or profit. It's more expenses than profits. It's more about the image you create. We would like to dispel the image that some Europeans have about Russia and Russians."

This perspective links particularly to the theme of the second semifinal, as explained by Executive Producer, Yuriy Aksyuta. "The First Semi-Final is to based upon famous Russian fairytales, and the Second Semi-Final based upon modern people and will have a comedy effect, an irony about the stereotypes people have of Russia."

On the subject of the final, Yuriy is holding his cards closer to his chest. "The theme of the Final will be different, the Canadian Cirque Du Soleil team will help with the introduction, the history of a singer, a little boy who grows up, the challenges in life he faces and transforms himself in to the Eurovision Song Contest winner, this of course being based upon Dima Bilan. During the interval act, this will be very emotional and some colleagues from Argentina will help Channel 1 with that, but that's all we can tell you."
Tissues at the ready!

Andrew Malakhov and Natalia Vodianova will host both semifinals, whilst Ivan Urgant will be joined by the Russian from 2000, Alsou. Neither Natalia nor Alsou have any presenting experience, so handling long live shows with audiences in nine digits will be a daunting introduction to the role. Russian Ksenya Sukhinova, the reigning Miss World will feature at the end of each postcard, introducing the subsequent entries.