ORF Chief Weißmann Will Persuade for Israel's Participation in ESC

"It is not a political, but a musical event," says ORF Director General Roland Weißmann, who in an APA interview calls for a return to the original idea of "united by music" at the Eurovision Song Contest. Some countries like Spain, the Netherlands, and Ireland threatened to boycott if Israel participates in the ESC. The European Broadcasting Union initially planned a vote on Israel's participation but decided to discuss the issue at the General Assembly in December.

ORF Chief Weißmann Aims to Persuade with "Tact"

Until then, Weißmann and ORF Foundation Board Chairman Heinz Lederer plan to hold ongoing talks and use "tact" to persuade other EBU members. "It is the time of diplomacy - in front of and behind the curtain," says the ORF chief. He feels a "push" from official Austria and Vienna for Israel's participation. He is in close coordination with EBU CEO Noel Curran.

"I assume that many countries will participate in the anniversary year," the 57-year-old says optimistically. It will only be known on December 10, when the discussion at the General Assembly is concluded and the participation fees are paid. Of particular interest is whether any of the "Big Five" will drop out. This refers to the five major contributors Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Spain, who are automatically qualified for the final and contribute to the budget.

Financial Risk of Individual ESC Withdrawals Manageable

"The financial risk is very manageable. If one or two countries do not participate, it is absolutely manageable," says Weißmann, who also sits on the EBU Supervisory Board. The risk is shared between the EBU and the organizer in the form of ORF. The goal, however, is for as many countries as possible to participate.

Rumor has it that the Chancellor's party ÖVP has already been pushing behind the scenes for ORF to withdraw as the event's organizer if Israel is denied participation. "Participation in the ESC includes the obligation to host the next ESC in the event of a win. Contracts are binding," Weißmann clarifies. Theoretically, it would be possible for another broadcaster to step in. "But the costs would still be ours," says the ORF chief.

ORF Foundation Board Chairman Lederer: "Of Course the ESC Must Take Place in Vienna"

"Of course the ESC must take place in Vienna," says ORF Foundation Board Chairman Lederer. "It cannot be that the ORF - by any party - is ordered not to hold an event. What's next? The ban on special broadcasts?" The ORF operates independently and has a public service mandate. While there is clearly a need for discussion, which will be addressed, he cannot imagine yielding to political pressure. They are seeking dialogue with religious communities, the "Solidarity Israel" initiative, and political stakeholders. The goal is to alleviate fears and concerns. "We want Israel to participate," Lederer speaks out against "cancel culture."

"It will be a difficult, sensitive Song Contest, but it will take place here in Vienna," says the Foundation Board Chairman. Not only because they are committed to countless fans: "It is very important for Vienna as the most lovable and livable city." A study commissioned by the Ministry of Economic Affairs from the Eco Austria Institute estimates a demand impulse from the ESC of around 57 million euros. Every euro invested in the ESC in the broadest sense could trigger an overall economic value creation of 1.7 euros. The advertising effect is also enormous. For this year's host city Basel, an EBU analysis estimated an advertising value of around 730 million euros.

"For the ORF, it is an honor and extremely important in times of economic challenges to bring something as positive as the ESC to fruition again. We will deliver a great show that Austrians can be proud of and that also stimulates the economy," says Weißmann. Vienna has already proven itself as an event location a decade ago. "It has great locations and a lot of know-how. I am sure the hard work will culminate in a great finale on May 16, 2026," says Weißmann, assuring that security aspects are being thoroughly examined. They are also not only focusing on Vienna. "We are presenting Austria to the world," says Weißmann. Lederer agrees: "We are not treading a narrow corridor, but want to open up the ESC and hold side events outside of Vienna as well."

ORF Chief Weißmann Promises "Sensational" Stage Design at the ESC

There have been no delays due to the discussions of recent weeks. "The preparations are going extremely well. We are very much on schedule because we know from past experience how important it is to start work on the first day," says the ORF Chief. The ORF's ESC core team has set up in the broadcasting house on Argentinierstraße and will continue to grow as the ESC approaches.

Currently, intensive work is being done on the stage design. Initial drafts by renowned stage designer Florian Wieder were recently presented internally at ORF. "It will be sensational," believes the ORF Chief, hoping to surpass the stage in Basel and also the one from Vienna 2015. Who will host the ESC, as well as the stage design, will be presented later this year. Who will represent Austria at the ESC will only be decided in February after a selection show. The application deadline for this has expired in mid-October. "A lot of people have applied. It will be a great show," says Weißmann. For the winner, he already has a desired placement in the ESC final in mind: "A good second," the ORF Chief smiles.

(APA/Red)

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