The former Director General of Kringvarp Føroya has revealed that the they’ve been informed they’re now eligible for membership of the European Broadcasting Union.
Speaking earlier this year Johnny í Grótinum explained that the Faroese national broadcaster Kringvarp Føroya is seriously looking at whether it will become a member of the European Broadcasting Union. Mr Grótinum, who has since stepped down from the role, explained that the broadcaster has re-examined whether they are eligible to be an EBU member since their failed membership bid in 2010. In 2010 the broadcaster was told that they were not eligible to become a member of the European Broadcasting Union.
According to the former Director General, the broadcaster was informed by the EBU that;
The Faroe Islands are not excluded by the definition that only independent nations can be members.
The Faroe Islands is part of the Danish realm and is an autonomous country. The Faroe Islands is self governing in almost all areas and has been compared to the likes of Scotland and Wales in the United Kingdom, who also have their own devolved Governments. Both Scotland and Wales have broadcasters which are members of the EBU;
- Scotland – BBC Alba – To participate in Eurovision Choir of the Year 2019
- Scotland – STV
- Wales – S4C – Participated in Eurovision Choir of the Year and the Junior Eurovision Song Contest
Membership of the EBU would cost the Faroese broadcaster around 500,000 Euro per year. Mr Grótinum explained;
It’s a lot of money, but the EBU is so much more than the Grand Prix (Eurovision). EBU has a number of other services, news and so much else that we can benefit from.
Faroe Islands and the Eurovision Song Contest
The Faroe Islands have previously broadcast the Eurovision Song Contest in both 2011 and 2014. At the time Kringvarp Føroya reached agreements with the Danish broadcaster DR to air the contest.
Mr Grótinum explained that should the broadcaster join the EBU they would organise a Melodi Grand Prix competition similar to that of Denmark. But that should they win the competition;
We would certainly have to find another country to cooperate with.
Until Kringvarp Føroya joins the European Broadcasting Union, Faroese citizens wishing to take to the Eurovision stage can only compete on behalf of Denmark. Singers from the Faroe Islands are eligible to compete in Dansk Melodi Grand Prix, with Carlsen being the last Faroese singers to take part in the competition.
Other Broadcasters Aiming for Full EBU Membership
A number of other broadcasters across Europe are also currently trying to secure full membership of the European Broadcasting Union. The list currently includes:
- Catalonia – TV3
- Kazakhstan – Khabar Agency
- Kosovo – RTK
- Liechtenstein – 1FLTV
Source: Sermitsiaq.ag