Daily Star Online can reveal Eurovision Song Contest bosses are currently working on series of secret contingency plans to keep the show on air if coronavirus continues to take over Europe.
Bosses at the European Broadcasting Union [EBU], the company who produce the annual show, have confirmed they are ‘looking at various scenarios’ in order to allow the programe to continue in some form.
One idea currently being floated around is that each hopeful takes part via video link from their own country.
This would remove the concern of traveling and the need for a large live audience in Rotterdam, Holland.
“The EBU is, of course, closely monitoring the situation concerning the spread of coronavirus and taking all necessary health and safety precautions in line with WHO and national authority guidelines,” a rep for the EBU explained.
Eurovision Song contest bosses are ‘considering various format scenarios’ amid the coronavirus outbreak (Image: BBC/So TV/Christopher Baines/Matt Burlem)
“We will continue to follow developments across Europe; and are looking at various possible scenarios together with the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 host broadcasters NPO, NOS and AVROTROS.”
Refusing to comment on specific plans, they added to Daily Star Online: “However, it is currently too early to comment on these scenarios as they depend on developments in the coming months.
“For now, we are proceeding with our planning for the event in Rotterdam and liaising with the relevant authorities.”
Eurovision Song Contest 2020 is slated to take place on May 16.
One idea is that each hopeful takes part via video link from their own country
The EBU’s admission they are talking abut changing Eurovision’s format to combat coronavirus comes as specialists call for the show to be turned into a one off online only format.
Dr Libby Carter, a lecturer in Event, Venue and Experience Management at Birmingham City University’s Business School, said: “In 11 short weeks Rotterdam is expected to host the 65th Eurovision Song Contest – a contest designed with the intention to bring together different countries within Europe.
“However, given the outbreak and continuous spread of the coronavirus, questions will be asked about the security of the contest.”
She continued: “We have seen the impact of the virus on sporting events with the Rugby Six Nations cancelling their matches between Italy and Ireland.
“Furthermore, Switzerland has just announced a ban on public gatherings, given the risks of contamination in crowds.
“It could be that fans shouldn’t get too excited yet as there is a likelihood that the Eurovision Song Contest may also be postponed or cancelled. If this is the case there will be huge implications to the economy of the Netherlands, not to mention implications to the huge effort which goes to broadcasting such an event live.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
