Acting Director General of RTK, Zana Spahiu, has continued discussions with the European Broadcasting Union on the broadcaster gaining membership of the organisation.
Speaking to RTK, Zana Spahiu, confirmed that she met with Deputy Director General of the EBU, Jean Philip De Tender and Director of the Eurovision Song Contest, Martin Green, at the EBU General Assembly in Prague. As part of the meeting she confirmed that discussions took place about RTK joining the organisation, adding:
“The EBU representatives expressed their willingness to discuss ways in which this issue can be further addressed, taking into account the recent developments within the organization itself,”
Changes to the EBU statutes at the 96th EBU General Assembly have opened potential additional paths for RTK to join the organisation. An Auxiliary Membership category was approved by the Union yesterday, with the EBU explaining that the new membership category “recognises broadcasting organisations that serve a large autonomous linguistic community and whose participation brings value to the EBU.”
The Kosovar broadcaster remains committed to joining the European Broadcasting Union with Ms Spahiu emphasising that RTK will continue its commitment to membership:
“RTK will continue its institutional and professional commitment to follow all the necessary steps towards membership in the EBU and Kosovo’s participation in Eurovision. We are convinced that this process requires work, patience and coordination, but we also believe that the moment to move this issue forward is now”
The Kosovar broadcasters Acting Director General, also made the case for Kosovo’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest explaining:
“RTK has already proven organizational, professional and creative capacity, especially through Festivalit të Këngës, which has been successfully organized for three consecutive years. This festival was built with high standards and with the clear aim of serving as a platform for the representation of Kosovo in Eurovision in the future”,
We believe that the time has come for RTK to be part of the EBU and for Kosovo to have the opportunity to be presented at Eurovision through the Song Festival. Kosovo’s participation in Eurovision should not become part of daily politics or hostage to political interpretations. Music, art and sport should serve as bridges of communication and cooperation between peoples”
Kosovo is one of a number of countries interested in participating in the Eurovision Song Contest, and in 2011, it competed in a Eurovision contest. Find out more about Kosovo below:
Source: RTK
