BBC to seek additional programming from producers ahead of next year’s event
The BBC will host the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 on behalf of this year’s winning country Ukraine, amid the country’s ongoing war.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) decided that as the runner-up nation following Sam Ryder’s performance, the BBC should act as host broadcaster for the 67th annual singing competition.
Representatives from Ukraine’s broadcaster UA: PBC will work with the BBC to incorporate Ukrainian elements into next year’s shows, with Ukraine automatically qualifying.
BBC Studios will produce both semi-finals and the grand final having been commissioned ahead of any discussions about the UK hosting the competition.
The BBC will also be seeking additional third-party programming from producers, with further details to follow.
“It is a matter of great regret that our colleagues and friends in Ukraine are not able to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest,” said BBC director general Tim Davie.
“Being asked to host the largest and most complex music competition in the world is a great privilege. The BBC is committed to making the event a true reflection of Ukrainian culture alongside showcasing the diversity of British music and creativity.”
Eurovision Song Contest executive supervisor Martin Österdahl expressed his gratitude to the BBC, which has hosted eight Eurovision Song Contests previously – more than any other country.
“Continuing in this tradition of solidarity, we know that next year’s contest will showcase the creativity and skill of one of Europe’s most experienced public broadcasters whilst ensuring this year’s winners, Ukraine, are celebrated and represented throughout the event,” he said.
Next year’s host city will be chosen in the coming months, with a bidding process launching this week. The dates for the contest have not yet been revealed.
Since the competition started in 1956, London has hosted in 1960, 1963, 1968 and 1977, Edinburgh in 1972, Brighton in 1974, Harrogate in 1982 and Birmingham in 1998.
This year’s competition reached over 180 million viewers worldwide, with BBC1’s coverage of May’s final entertaining a consolidated audience of 9.2m (50.4%).
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