The delegation from RAI have made their first trip to Geneva, Switzerland to discuss Eurovision with the EBU.
The Italian broadcaster RAI made their first visit to the European Broadcasting Union in Geneva yesterday to begin preparations on next years Eurovision Song Contest. RAI met with the Reference Group for the Song Contest in their first post contest meeting.
Speaking to Eurovision.tv Head of Delegation, Simona Martorelli, shared her enthusiasm for Italy hosting next years contest:
‘There is a lot of enthusiasm around the Eurovision Song Contest in Italy. This victory is combined with a sentiment of rebirth that Italy really needs. We’re looking forward to working with the Reference Group on producing an incredible ESC in Italy in 2022.
In the story of Eurovision, my favourite song is ABBA’s “Waterloo” and my favourite Italian entry is, of course, Maneskin’s “Zitti E Buoni!”‘
Eurovision Song Contest Executive Supervisor Martin Österdahl added:
It’s great to finally be able to welcome the Reference Group to Geneva and meet in person for the first time in over 18 months.
The handover between the previous and next year’s Host Broadcaster is always a special moment and even more so this year. We’ve reflected on three spectacular shows in Rotterdam and are excited to welcome the team from RAI onboard and already looking forward to what they will bring us in 2022.
The Eurovision Song Contest Reference Group also saw changes to its line-up following elections for new members earlier this year. Four new members joined the Group which is formed of:
- Dr. Frank-Dieter Freiling (ZDF – Germany) – Chairman
- Mr. Martin Osterdahl – Eurovision Song Contest Executive Supervisor
- Mr. David Tserunyan (AMPTV – Armenia) – Newly elected member
- Ms. Carla Bugalho (RTP – Portugal) – Eurovision 2018 Executive Producer
- Mr. Felix Bergsson (RUV – Iceland) – Newly elected member
- Sietse Bakker (NOS – Netherlands) – Representative of the Eurovision 2021 host broadcaster
- Simona Martorelli (RAI – Italy) – New member as representative of Eurovision 2022 host broadcaster
- Alexandra Redde (France Televisions – France) – Newly elected member
- Mr. Yuval Cohen (KAN – Israel) – Representative of the Eurovision 2019 host broadcaster
- Ms. Astrid Dutrenit (NOS/AVROTROS – Netherlands) – Representative of the Eurovision 2021 host broadcaster
Image Source: EBU / Thomas Hannes | Source: Eurovision.tv
