Israel: The public service status of KAN and the country’s participation in Eurovision at risk

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The bill introduced by Communications Minister Shlomo Karai and Member of Knesset Tali Gottlieb aims to cut funding for Israel’s Public Broadcasting Corporation (KAN) from the state budget and transfer the management of television and radio to private hands. If the bill is approved, KAN will be sold to private entities and could be shut down by 2025, which could have serious consequences for Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest.

Reactions and Risks to Press Freedom

This proposal has sparked strong reactions from various groups, including legal institutions and human rights activists. Israeli Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has expressed concerns about the implications of this legislation, warning that it is a step that threatens press freedom and journalistic independence. She stated, “The proposal sends a serious message – broadcasts that do not align with the government’s agenda may lead to malicious actions against the media.”

The government, on the other hand, argues that transitioning the telecommunications and media sector to private hands will foster competition and reduce the waste of public funds. Shlomo Karai, the Communications Minister, claims that KAN has become an organization with controversial content and lacking the necessary oversight, which justifies its transfer to private ownership.

Implications for Israel’s Participation in Eurovision

If the proposed bill is passed and KAN is privatized, Israel may lose its right to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest from 2025 onwards. KAN is a member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which is responsible for organizing the contest. According to EBU regulations, a member must have an independent public broadcaster that meets strict criteria for providing quality, independent content, such as news and cultural programming. With the closure of KAN, Israel may no longer meet the EBU’s requirements and could be excluded from the competition.

While a privately managed channel can join the EBU, the requirements for television services from private companies are stricter, demanding the adherence to high ethical standards and the provision of a variety of programming for the public. These requirements may be difficult to meet by existing private channels in Israel.

Support for and Reactions to KAN

On the other hand, KAN has been an important pillar for democracy in Israel, with many of its media outlets offering independent and objective content. The debate over transferring its management to private hands has raised concerns about journalistic independence and the impact such changes could have on the quality of information in Israeli society.

The government and its supporters argue that this change will enhance competitiveness and media freedom, while opponents warn of the risk of media manipulation and the weakening of democratic values in Israel.

EBU’s Response

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has expressed deep concern about the Israeli government’s push to pass legislation that could result in the closure of its Israeli member, KAN, and the shutdown of the country’s public service broadcasting. The bill aims to privatize the Israeli Public Broadcasting Institute by ending public funding and seeking a private buyer. If no buyer is found for its TV and radio networks, the public broadcaster could be shut down within two years.

EBU Director General Noel Curran said: “Public service broadcasting in Israel is under sustained political attack, facing threats that not only jeopardize its independence but also its very existence in the future.” Curran noted that the EBU shares the concerns of the Israeli Attorney General’s office, considering this political response from the government might be linked to KAN’s content. He said that the government either wants to take full control or shut down the broadcaster altogether.

Israel’s public broadcaster has been a member of the EBU since 1957, and as a member, it has access to news, sports, and music content from the broad network of European public service broadcasters.

Conclusion

The new privatization law for the Israeli Public Broadcasting Institute brings with it significant political, social, and cultural consequences for Israel. Reactions are strong, with concerns about maintaining journalistic freedom and the country’s participation in important international events like Eurovision. Particularly concerning is the potential risk to Israel’s future participation in the Eurovision contest if the public broadcaster is privatized, which could threaten the country’s position in the competition after 2025.

Israel has officially registered for Eurovision 2025, with its representative to be selected through the talent show HaKokhav Haba.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all updates!

Source: Euromix, EBU

Israel: All the highlights from the sixth episode of HaKokhav Haba!

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The sixth episode of the highly anticipated Israeli selection process for Eurovision 2025, HaKokhav Haba, aired tonight. This competition, known in English as “The Next Star”, is the format used by Israel to choose its representative for the Eurovision Song Contest.

Since its debut in 2015, HaKokhav Haba has been the main selection method for Israel, excluding the years 2022 and 2023. The show has achieved significant success, notably securing Israel’s Eurovision victory with Netta in 2018.

Though filming for this season began on October 10 at Neve Ilan Studios, on November 10 the official broadcast commenced on Israeli television.

Hosts and Judging Panel

Returning to host the show are Rotem Sela and Assi Azar. Azar has been involved with HaKokhav Haba since its inaugural edition in 2013 and previously hosted the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest. Sela joined as a host in the second season and has been a presenter ever since.

The judging panel for this season includes a diverse group of music industry veterans:

  • Assaf Amdursky
  • Keren Peles
  • Shiri Maimon
  • Eden Hason
  • Ran Danker
  • Itay Levi

With their combined experience, the panel ensures a high level of competition, which promises to be even more intense than last season’s edition.

Contestants and Their Performances

In tonight’s episode, six contestants took the stage, and five of them advanced to the next stage of the competition. Here’s a look at some of the standout performances:

  • Noam Chen (16): At just 16 years old, Noam Chen is already showing a lot of promise with his musical talents. He plays both the ukulele and the guitar and has a strong passion for rock music. Noam performed “Don’t Look Back in Anger” by Oasis, and his natural charisma and confidence on stage really impressed the judges. With unanimous votes from all of them, he scored an impressive 88%.
  • Niv Dagan (17): Coming from a musical family, Niv Dagan gave a heartfelt performance of “When I Was Your Man” by Bruno Mars. Her vocals were spot-on, and although she earned praise from most of the judges, Assaf Amdursky had some doubts, mentioning he wasn’t sure if she was ready for the Eurovision stage just yet. Despite this, Niv still earned a solid 86%, with everyone except Assaf voting for her.
  • Noa Lesri (20): Noa Lesri performed “Chomot Chimar” by Margalit Tzanani, bringing a natural and sensual energy to the stage. While the studio audience wasn’t totally sold on her performance, the judges were fully on board, and they all gave her their support, resulting in a score of 84%.
  • Esther Avka (30): A news anchor and popular TikTok content creator, Esther Avka took the stage to show she’s not just about her online presence, but also a serious artist. Despite receiving a solid 84%, Esther didn’t win over Assaf Amdursky, who chose not to vote for her.
  • Yuval Gold (25): Yuval Gold, a singer, music producer, and guitarist, wowed the judges with an original song titled “Be Nice.” His performance stood out for its unique style, and the judges didn’t hesitate to give him the highest score of the night, 96%. Yuval’s originality and musical talent are definitely setting him apart as a strong contender in the competition.

The next episode of HaKokhav Haba will be broadcast on Tuesday evening.

The winner of HaKokhav Haba and therefore Israel’s representative in Eurovision 2024 was Eden Golan. Eden Golan performed her song “Hurricane“, finishing fifth overall.

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the latest updates on the Israeli selection process!

Source: euromix

Eurovision 2025: 66,57% voted in favour of the Basel referendum for the funding of the contest

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As we have already informed you in previous articles, Swiss citizens were called on Sunday to decide on the funding for the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest in Basel. After two weeks of postal voting, the results were just announced, showing that the majority voted in favor of public funding, with 66.57% of the votes supporting the decision to fund the contest.

Specifically, as presented in the analytical table and graph below, the results show that the total number of votes counted reached 57,358. Of these, 38,186 votes, or 66.57%, were in favor of the funding, while 19,172 votes, or 33.43%, were against it. Overall, the voter turnout for the referendum was 57.15%.

Pie chart showing the percentage of votes. 66.57% voted Yes, while 33.43% voted No.

 

Detailed statistics chart showing the breakdown of votes. 57,358 votes were cast in total: 38,186 for Yes and 19,172 for No.

With the “Yes” vote prevailing, funding for the Eurovision 2025 in Basel can now proceed. As a result, the city will host both the main events of the contest, such as the performances at St-Jakobshalle, as well as parallel activities like the Eurovillage and Arena+.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the latest updates!

Source: Basel

Eurovision 2025: The first results of the Basel referendum on contest funding show a ‘Yes’

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Swiss citizens were called on Sunday to decide on the funding of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel. After two weeks of postal voting, the first results indicate that the majority voted in favor of public funding, with 66.40% supporting the decision to finance the contest.

The decision to host Eurovision in Basel was reconsidered after a petition by the ultraconservative “Federal Democratic Union of Switzerland” (EDU) party, which gathered the necessary signatures to hold a referendum. The Grand Council of the Basel-Stadt canton had approved funding of 37 million CHF for the event.

The voting process was conducted via mail, with the majority of Swiss voters casting their ballots early. Since Swiss elections often involve various referendums, voter turnout typically reaches 50% or higher, as citizens submit their votes before the official result date.

According to the initial results, 66.40% of Basel citizens voted “Yes” to the funding, while 33.60% opposed the decision.

What Do the Results Mean for Eurovision?

With the “Yes” vote prevailing, funding for Eurovision 2025 in Basel can proceed. This means that the city will host both the main events, such as the performances at the St-Jakobshalle, and the side activities, including the Eurovillage and Arena+.

If the vote had been negative, the events surrounding the contest would have been scaled back, and the show itself would have been reduced to a televised production without the public side events.

Although there is still the possibility of moving the event to another city, preparations in Basel are moving forward rapidly, with the grand final scheduled for May 17, 2025, less than six months away.

Economic Benefits of the Event

Basel expects significant economic benefits from Eurovision 2025, with predictions of earnings around 60 million CHF, mainly from tourism and hospitality services.

Basel, known for its role as a global hub for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, hosts the headquarters of companies like Novartis and Roche. At the same time, it is a major cultural center with internationally renowned museums and the famous Art Basel.

In Conclusion

The referendum’s decision gives the “green light” for Eurovision to take place in Basel, with the hope that voters will recognize the unique opportunity this event offers both to the city and Switzerland as a whole.

The final results will be announced at 18.00 cet.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the latest updates!

Source: Basel

Eurovision 2025: Swiss voters decide today in a referendum on funding the event in Basel

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Swiss voters will be called to decide on three important issues this Sunday: the expansion of the country’s road network, the rights of property owners, and whether the taxpayers of Basel should finance the hosting of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025.

In Switzerland, most citizens prefer to vote by mail before the referendum day, which is why polling stations are only open until noon. The results are expected later on Sunday.

Nemo won Eurovision 2024 with the song “The Code,” securing Switzerland the right to host the upcoming competition. Basel, the city located in the northern part of Switzerland, near the borders with France and Germany, was chosen to host this major event.

However, the ultra-conservative and Christian party “Federal Democratic Union of Switzerland” gathered enough signatures to organize a referendum on whether the 34.96 million Swiss francs (approximately 37 million euros) approved by local authorities for the event should be allocated.

Swiss citizens are used to having a direct say in how their taxes are spent, and some are opposed to the potential costs and disruption that the Eurovision event might bring to their city.

Eurovision is a non-profit event that is primarily funded by contributions from the public broadcasters of the participating countries. However, organizers emphasize that the cities hosting the event must also make a financial contribution, given the benefits they will gain.

“A Unique Opportunity” for Basel

If the referendum rejects the funding, the event will have to be scaled back significantly. Although it is possible to move the event to another city, preparations in Basel are progressing quickly, with Eurovision 2025 scheduled for May 17, less than six months away.

“The project team hopes that the voters of Basel will recognize this unique opportunity for the city and the country as a whole,” said Edi Estermann, head of communications for Eurovision 2025.

Significant Tourism Gains Expected

Based on previous contests, such as those in Liverpool and Malmö, Basel hopes to earn around 60 million Swiss francs from the event, primarily through tourism and hospitality services.

Basel, situated on the banks of the Rhine River, is an international hub for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, hosting the headquarters of giants like Novartis and Roche. Additionally, the city boasts a rich cultural scene, with several internationally renowned museums and the annual Art Basel, the world’s largest contemporary art fair.

Andrea Strahm, a lawyer and member of the Basel-Stadt regional assembly, told AFP: “We are a city of art and music. It is always very important for us to participate in such events.”

The results of the referendum are eagerly awaited later today.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates.

Israel: All the highlights from the fifth episode of HaKokhav Haba!

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The fifth episode of the highly anticipated Israeli selection process for Eurovision 2025, HaKokhav Haba, aired tonight. This competition, known in English as “The Next Star”, is the format used by Israel to choose its representative for the Eurovision Song Contest.

Since its debut in 2015, HaKokhav Haba has been the main selection method for Israel, excluding the years 2022 and 2023. The show has achieved significant success, notably securing Israel’s Eurovision victory with Netta in 2018.

Though filming for this season began on October 10 at Neve Ilan Studios, on November 10 the official broadcast commenced on Israeli television.

Hosts and Judging Panel

Returning to host the show are Rotem Sela and Assi Azar. Azar has been involved with HaKokhav Haba since its inaugural edition in 2013 and previously hosted the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest. Sela joined as a host in the second season and has been a presenter ever since.

The judging panel for this season includes a diverse group of music industry veterans:

  • Assaf Amdursky
  • Keren Peles
  • Shiri Maimon
  • Eden Hason
  • Ran Danker
  • Itay Levi

With their combined experience, the panel ensures a high level of competition, which promises to be even more intense than last season’s edition.

Contestants and Their Performances

In tonight’s episode, six contestants took the stage, and five of them advanced to the next stage of the competition. Here’s a look at some of the standout performances:

  • Elikir Keren (27): While serving in the military, Elikir Keren rediscovered his passion for music and decided to pursue his dream. Performing “Hagoral Haze,” his stage presence and charisma left a lasting impression on the judges. His powerful performance earned unanimous votes, resulting in an impressive score of 95%.
  • Harel Cohen (24): Working as a bartender, Harel Cohen took to the stage with an energetic rendition of “Lose Control“ by Teddy Swims. His performance brought life to the audience and received praise from most of the judges. However, Assaf Amdursky chose not to vote for him, and Harel finished with a score of 88%.
  • Uri Saban (21): Uri Saban has overcome personal challenges, including a diagnosis of stuttering, to find his true passion in singing, which allows him to express himself freely. Uri performed “Shirai Dika’on,” and his heartfelt rendition moved the judges. Despite Assaf Amdursky not voting for him, Uri received overwhelming support from the rest of the panel, finishing with a score of 86%.
  • Ofir Harosh (23): A multi-talented singer, model, and content creator, Ofir Harosh returned to “The Next Star” after previously competing in 2018, where she was eliminated early. This time, she performed “On My Own” by Nika Costa, showcasing her natural charisma and stage presence. Despite her strong performance, Shiri Maimon and Ran Danker chose not to vote for her, resulting in a score of 86%.
  • Valerie Hamati (25): One of the standout performers of the night, Valerie Hamati is no stranger to the spotlight. A runner-up on “The Next Star” in 2021 and a former participant on “Dancing with the Stars,” Valerie returned to the competition with her eyes set on representing Israel in Basel. Known for her Arab-Israeli heritage, she chose to perform “Sea Wind” by Ofer Levi, singing the chorus in Arabic. Adding an element of intrigue, Valerie performed wearing a mask to keep her identity concealed. Once she finished, the judges were stunned, and her true identity was revealed. Her powerful performance earned her a score of 93%, making her one of the favorites to win the coveted spot in Basel, displaying herself as a symbol of unity.

The next episode of HaKokhav Haba will be broadcast tomorrow evening.

The winner of HaKokhav Haba and therefore Israel’s representative in Eurovision 2024 was Eden Golan. Eden Golan performed her song “Hurricane“, finishing fifth overall.

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the latest updates on the Israeli selection process!

Source: euromix

Netherlands: Cornald Maas has already listened to the 331 submitted songs, and one stands out

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Earlier today, the Dutch public broadcaster confirmed the country’s participation in Eurovision 2026 and announced that a total of 331 songs were submitted for consideration to represent the Netherlands in the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest, set to take place this May in Basel.

The submission period for entries to represent the Netherlands in Eurovision 2025 has officially closed, with 331 songs submitted for the internal selection process that will determine the country’s entry for the competition.

According to Cornald Maas, a renowned Dutch presenter and Eurovision commentator, who spoke to RTL Boulevard, he has already listened to all 331 submissions. Maas revealed that there is one specific song that stands out and appears ready to win the contest.

Maas, a seasoned Eurovision expert widely recognized for his involvement in the festival, described the selection process as particularly challenging this year, given the diverse range of musical styles and themes among the entries. Despite the wealth of talent on display, he emphasized that one song shines above the rest and seems like a strong contender for victory.

A committee will ultimately choose the Dutch entry for Eurovision 2025, with the decision expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the latest updates!

Source: RTL BOULEVARD

Israel: A Christian, Arab-Origin singer to represent the country at Eurovision 2025?

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Valerie Hamaty, a 25-year-old Arab-origin, Orthodox Christian singer, is rumored to be participating in the upcoming episode of HaKokhav Haba, the talent show through which Israel’s representative for Eurovision 2025 will be selected.

For the second time, Valerie Hamaty will try her luck on HaKokhav Haba, after already making a significant mark in Israel’s music scene. In 2022, she secured second place, although that year Israel’s Eurovision representative was chosen through a different talent show, X Factor. In addition to her singing career, Hamaty has also built a notable path in acting.

The possibility of Valerie Hamaty, an Arab-origin Orthodox Christian singer, representing Israel at Eurovision 2025 is highly symbolic and impactful. If it happens, it will signal a strong indication of social and cultural unity in a region with deep political and religious divisions. Although of Arab descent, Hamaty is part of Israeli society and represents the multiculturalism that defines Israel, a factor that could prove particularly significant on such an international stage as Eurovision.

We will, of course, have to wait until tonight to see if the rumors are confirmed, and whether Valerie Hamaty is among the contestants. Her potential participation will undoubtedly spark new discussions, with the symbolic weight of her possible representation of Israel in Basel being more than evident.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates!

Albania: Snippets of the Festivali i Këngës 63 entries to be released on 6th of December!

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Festivali i Këngës 63 is going to be used to pick the entry of Albania in the 69th Eurovision Song Contest to be held in May, in Basel, Switzerland.

According to the post of the official Eurovision account in Albania on Instagram, the snippets of the songs that are going to take part in Festivali i Këngës 63 are scheduled to be released on 6th of December.

These are the thirty participants of Festivali i Këngës 63:

  • Algert Sala – “Bosh”
  • Alis Kallacej – “Mjegull”
  • Ardit Çuni – “Amane”
  • Devis Xherahu – “Ka momente”
  • Djemtë e Detit – “Larg”
  • Elvana Gjata – “Karnaval”
  • Endrik Beba – “Ishe ti”
  • Epos – “Kurajo dhe Zjarr”
  • Erma Mici – “Mbaje”
  • Frensi Revania – “Rreziko”
  • Gjergj Kaçinari – “Larg jetës pa ty”
  • Gresa Gjocera – “E vërteta”
  • Jet – “Gjallë”
  • Kejsi Jazxhi – “Kur bota hesht”
  • Klea Dina – “Dashuri ndiej“
  • Kleansa Susaj – “Ta dija”
  • Laurjan Ejlli & Adelina Corraj – “A thu”
  • Lorenc Hasrama – “Frymë”
  • Luna Çausholli – “Qiell apo ferr”
  • Mal Retkoceri – “Antihero”
  • Martina Serreqi – “Nese qaj”
  • Mihallaq Andrea – “Porositë e babait”
  • Nita Latifi – “Zemrës”
  • Orgesa Zaimi – “I parë”
  • Rea Nuhu – “Sot”
  • Ronaldo Mesuli – “N’zemër”
  • Santino De Bartolo – “Kur nata vjen si bora”
  • Shkodra Elektronike – “Zjerm”
  • Stine – “E kishim nis”
  • Vesa Smolica – “Lutem”

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding the Eurovision Song Contest 2025!

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Eurovision 2025: The Boycott that never happened and Europe’s dynamic return to the musical stage

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The Eurovision Song Contest 2025 is already shaping up to be one of the most dynamic editions in recent decades. Early official announcements confirm that at least 38 countries have expressed their intention to participate, surpassing the number of entries in Malmö last year, as Montenegro joins the list of returning nations. However, what truly stands out is the complete collapse of the anticipated boycott that many had predicted following the events of 2024.

The Boycott: A Story That Remained in Theory

Following last year’s contest in Sweden, several voices — including politicians, artists, and fans from various countries — called for a boycott of the competition. The protests mainly focused on Israel’s continued participation due to geopolitical tensions, along with claims that Eurovision was straying from its original purpose as a cultural and musical platform of unity.

Despite these calls, predictions of mass withdrawals fell flat. Not only did no country exit the competition, but Montenegro’s return adds to the participant count, making the 2025 contest even larger than in 2024. This highlights Eurovision’s enduring resilience as a cultural institution, capable of withstanding political controversies and challenges.

The Growing Momentum of Eurovision 2025

The announcement of 38 confirmed participants sends a clear message: the contest is not only intact but continues to unite nations and people through music. Discussions of a boycott now seem irrelevant, as the number of participating countries has increased. Furthermore, the official list from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) may hold even more surprises, potentially welcoming additional returning nations.

The fact that predictions of Eurovision’s disintegration proved baseless underscores the deep-rooted significance of the event. Eurovision is more than just a music competition — it is a platform for cultural diplomacy. Even in the face of challenging geopolitical circumstances, music remains the prevailing force.

Basel Prepares for a Historic Event

With 38 countries already confirmed, Basel, Switzerland, is gearing up to host a contest that already carries the hallmarks of success. Montenegro’s return, along with the potential for additional nations to join, not only reinforces Eurovision’s significance but also disproves exaggerated claims about the contest’s decline.

Eurovision 2025 promises to be much more than a competition: it will serve as a symbol of unity and resilience in the face of challenges. It will leave behind the political disputes and reaffirm that music is a universal bridge.

The voices of a vocal minority predicting the contest’s collapse and the mass withdrawal of nations due to last year’s controversies — including Israel’s continued participation — have been proven to be mere wishful thinking. Public broadcasters, as EBU members, ultimately had a very different perspective, choosing to uphold the spirit of the contest.

With May just around the corner, all indications point to Eurovision 2025 being the most dazzling answer to those who doubted the strength and importance of this beloved event for Europe.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the latest updates!