The Post reports that TVNZ, the public broadcaster of New Zealand, has looked at airing the Eurovision Song Contest, but has not looked at participation in the Song Contest or Eurovision Asia.
The Post has reported that Television New Zealand has confirmed that it has discussed acquiring the rights to broadcast the Eurovision Song Contest in the country. A spokesperson told the outlet that “We’ve assessed the opportunity but not moved forward.” With regards to participation in the competition, they also confirmed that the broadcaster has not examined participation, adding:
“we would need to weigh up the financial impact and logistical requirements against audience interest”
While TVNZ has not looked at participation, an appearance in the contest has support from New Zealand politicians. Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Paul Goldsmith told The Post that:
“It would be an enormous opportunity for our artists to promote New Zealand as a creative powerhouse with global reach. I’d hope New Zealand could showcase its creative industries in all their forms,”
The Eurovision Song Contest was first broadcast in New Zealand in 1992 when TVNZ aired the competition, which took place in Malmö, Sweden. It would be over 15 years until Eurovision was again on TV screens in New Zealand. Between 2009 and 2011, Stratos broadcast the Eurovision Song Contest on a 12-hour delay in 2009 before delaying the show until June and July in 2010 and 2011. BBC UKTV would again bring the contest to New Zealand, airing the contest live for viewers between 2014 and 2016, but ultimately dropping coverage.
To be able to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest, TVNZ would need to be invited by the Eurovision Song Contest Steering Group to compete in the contest. TVNZ currently holds associate membership in the European Broadcasting Union, but unlike Australia, who participate in the contest, it lacks a long history of airing the competition. However, New Zealand would likely be eligilble to compete in the Eurovision Song Contest Asia, which will be held for the first time later this year.
TVNZ historically created an international song contest for the Pacific region, find out more about the Pacific Song Contest below:
Source: The Press
