The Ukrainian national broadcaster has released a formal statement outlining their position on the fine placed on it by the EBU.
An official statement from UA:PBC has been released this evening following an announcement earlier today by its Director General that they would be appealing the decision by the EBU to fine the broadcaster. The Director General stated that the fine placed on the broadcaster by the EBU totals 200,000 Euros.
UA:PBC has been fined by the European Broadcasting Union for the delays in the organisation of this years contest and a lack of co-operation with the EBU over the participation of the Russian artist in the contest. In a statement the European Broadcasting Union added,
As a result of this, attention was drawn away from the competition and the brand reputation of the Eurovision Song Contest was endangered.
It was revealed this afternoon that Russia will not face any financial penalties for non-attendance of the Heads of Delegation Meeting, as well as not broadcasting this years contest. The Reference Group of the contest instead reprimanded the Russian broadcaster, Channel One for their actions.
UA:PBC released a statement that says as follows:
National Public Broadcasting Company of Ukraine as the host broadcaster of Eurovision-2017 has made every effort to ensure the Eurovision Song Contest in Kyiv was successful. The quality of the organization of Eurovision 2017 was highly appreciated not only the delegations of the participating countries and viewers, but also European Broadcasters Union.
Despite this, the European Broadcasters Union said it is considering sanctions against JSC “NSTU” (UA:PBC)because the broadcaster organizer could not ensure the participation of the singer from the Russian Federation Yulia Samoilova in the competition.
The decision to ban entry into the territory of Ukraine Yulia Samoilova period of three years was taken by the Security Service of Ukraine in connection with the unlawful entry proven singer in occupied Crimea.
In this regard NSTU (UA:PBC) reports that strictly it adheres to the laws of Ukraine, and adhered to the decision by the relevant authorities and does not find it possible to violate the laws of the state under any pretext. Eurovision as any other international competition can not be an exception and (be used) justify the violation of the laws of the contest.
In addition, the NSTU (UA:PBC) stresses that the public broadcaster is not the body that controls the borders or one that affects the legislation of Ukraine. The Question of laws regarding border crossings and appropriate sanctions for non-compliance does not lie within the responsibility of the National Public Broadcasting Company of Ukraine.
Given the above, the NSTU (UA:PBC) finds the sanctions unsubstantiated. NSTU (UA:PBC) challenge such sanctions under the rules in force at the European Broadcasting Union.
Source: UA:PBC
