The deal for Australian participation was for 8 years only, which runs out this year, and was premised on the Australian government owned free to air multicultural TV channel, SBS, establishing an Australasian version of Eurovision.
It's correct that Australia has a long history of support for Eurovision, because of our diverse population. SBS has screened Eurovision for decades, long before it had its current profile, and helped to build interest across this region, bringing a much larger audience, which benefits Eurovision.
Due to the cost, SBS has dropped the plan to create an Australasian version of the competition.
That leaves the future of an Australian entrant in Eurovision after this year up in the air.
Culturally, Australia is very European, with large, vibrant Greek and Italian communities, as well as Poms. There are also German, Dutch and Polish communities that I know of, doubtless others too. There used to be a Dutch supermarket in Melbourne's outer East.
I suspect cost is not the only barrier to an Australasian version, given the repressive nature of many governments in the region.
That's incorrect about Australia.
The deal for Australian participation was for 8 years only, which runs out this year, and was premised on the Australian government owned free to air multicultural TV channel, SBS, establishing an Australasian version of Eurovision.
It's correct that Australia has a long history of support for Eurovision, because of our diverse population. SBS has screened Eurovision for decades, long before it had its current profile, and helped to build interest across this region, bringing a much larger audience, which benefits Eurovision.
Due to the cost, SBS has dropped the plan to create an Australasian version of the competition.
That leaves the future of an Australian entrant in Eurovision after this year up in the air.
interesting clarification, thanks!
Culturally, Australia is very European, with large, vibrant Greek and Italian communities, as well as Poms. There are also German, Dutch and Polish communities that I know of, doubtless others too. There used to be a Dutch supermarket in Melbourne's outer East.
I suspect cost is not the only barrier to an Australasian version, given the repressive nature of many governments in the region.