The Catalan broadcaster TV3’s application to join the EBU as a full member is currently being considered by the organisation.
The European Broadcasting Union has confirmed to Eurofestivales, that the application of the Catalan broadcaster TV3 is being considered. It was first reported in December of 2018, that Catalonia was looking to apply for full membership of the European Broadcasting Union. Claire Rainford a spokesperson for the EBU explained to Eurofestivales that:
The TV3 application for EBU membership is being considered, the final decision is likely to be made in the summer.
TV3’s application is thought to be part of a wider application by Corporació Catalana de Mitjans Audiovisuals (CCM) which is formed of seven television broadcasters and four radio networks. If full membership of the EBU is approved, the broadcaster is hoping to debut in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2020.
The broadcaster is looking at a budget for participation of around 300,000 Euros. This would include the participation fee that the broadcaster would have to pay to gain the rights to contest, as well as preparations for the contest. Catalonia would also hold a national selection show to determine their participant for the competition.
Catalonia & Eurovision
TV3 does have prior experience working on the Eurovision Song Contest having co-operated with the Andorran national broadcaster in 2004. RTVA worked with TV3, the Catalan regional broadcaster to produce the Andorran selection process for Eurovision Song Contest. RTVA has stated that it is willing to cooperate with the Catalan broadcaster should it return to the contest.
El Nacional reports that CCM is currently looking at what EBU events it could start broadcasting to help boost its membership chances. Among the programs being discussed is the Eurovision Song Contest, and whether it could provide Catalan language coverage of the competition.
According to analysis by Barlovento, the Eurovision Song Contest had an audience of 1 million viewers last year in Catalonia. This was made up of 400,000 in large cities, and 600,000 in the regions.
Source: Eurofestivales