Eurovision 2023 - BBC

[gottago]

Glasgow are exceptionally keen to have it, but I do worry the political situation could make it ugly. It's a "United Kingdom" event, not a "Scotland" event. Sturgeon being keen to host on behalf of a union she wants shot of could be read as being rather crass. On the flipside, separatists do generally regard themselves as extremely European.

Don't worry, this won't be an issue at all.

[telebox2001]

I hope not. ?

Worth noting that it's already confirmed that BBC Studios will run the production. One assumes this will therefore permit sponsorship to be screened to international viewers?

[Jon]

I actually think Birmingham having the Commonwealths and wall to wall coverage might make the BBC consider giving another city the chance to get some international spotlight but we'll see.

I largely agree with you actually, but it’s funny how momentum can build up over a place and it can seem to be flavour of the month for a bit. It was similar in 1998 with Birmingham hosting the G8 Summit the week before or after. I imagine the mayor and council will be keen to build on the momentum of the commonwealths and will be pushing hard. But then so will other mayors and councils. 

The wording of that description was almost to much like Birmingham’s NEC proposal in mind, but had to open it to general applications. 

There was talk of the EBU wanting a London contest at some point though, can’t see that happening but I’d argue Manchester and Liverpool are more glamour cities culturally with the later having a very special link to music.

Ultimately I think the practical concerns will be what sways it and as you could say that could include funding.

[gottago]

Worth noting that it's already confirmed that BBC Studios will run the production. One assumes this will therefore permit sponsorship to be screened to international viewers?

It'll certainly be fascinating to see this age-old TV Forum question of what will happen re Eurovision, the BBC and sponsorship finally get answered!

[Brekkie]

I actually think Birmingham having the Commonwealths and wall to wall coverage might make the BBC consider giving another city the chance to get some international spotlight but we'll see.

I largely agree with you actually, but it’s funny how momentum can build up over a place and it can seem to be flavour of the month for a bit. It was similar in 1998 with Birmingham hosting the G8 Summit the week before or after. I imagine the mayor and council will be keen to build on the momentum of the commonwealths and will be pushing hard. But then so will other mayors and councils. 

The wording of that description was almost to much like Birmingham’s NEC proposal in mind, but had to open it to general applications. 

Generally if you have the infrastructure and plans there for one event it's something that can be adapted for another event and generally be proven to work, giving them a head start on rival bids.

That said I would say it is between Manchester and Glasgow realistically.  Probably the two highest profile cities outside London and I suspect most likely to bring the necessary funding to the table.

[telebox2001]

Manchester's a pretty big airport and a major "second" hub for quite a lot of airlines now, plus it's accessible from London via the West Coast Mainline train - a lot of delegations will have no choice but to come into Heathrow.

[Jon]

Although the argument for Birmingham being slap bang in the middle of both those airports and having its own airport is surely something in their favour.

I think if it’s purely down to practicalities Birmingham is the choice.

If it’s political it’s Glasgow. If they’re going for well known cultural cities it’s Manchester or Liverpool.

Cardiff is out, it seems because the stadium is too.

[telebox2001]

Birmingham is the obvious candidate for me.

[Inspector Sands]

What about hosting it in Dover? 

[telebox2001]

I see the topic title's been changed; I'm confused.  Are UA: PBC officially a host broadcaster or not?  Wikipedia had them and the BBC both credited, then the Beeb on their own, then both again.

[Josh]

Just reread the press release and it looks the BBC will be doing it on behalf of UAPBC, but with their representatives helping them with Ukrainian culture pieces.

[RhysJR]

Swindon withdraw from the running...

https://twitter.com/SwindonCouncil/statu...4068418560

[Onion Terror]

There was talk of the EBU wanting a London contest at some point though, can’t see that happening but I’d argue Manchester and Liverpool are more glamour cities culturally with the later having a very special link to music.

And a special link with Ukraine: Liverpool is twinned with Odessa and has been since 1957.

Don't forget that as well as being served by the West Coast Main LIne and Manchester Airport, there's Liverpool John Lennon Airport with regular filghts between various Eastern European/Baltic/Balkan countries.

It's my city: of course I'm going to big it up

[telebox2001]

Tech Q - would Salford still downlink from the world satellite feed, or would the BBC line-feed Salford from the venue?

One major point is that I can't see Graham presenting and commentating like Terry did in 1998.

Not only will the international rules still need talking over locally, the non-voting semi final in particular will still need regular "you can't vote" interjections when calls to action are being made - on this occasion probably by very familiar faces!

Of course, the BBC may opt not go for Graham at all and this won't be an issue. Dermot O' Leary surely has to be in contention.

I assume the BBC will also still want to cover the second recap for domestic viewers, although they'll obviously be able to do this more slickly than usual. Indeed we may finally see some decent provision and "get out now/rejoin now" points made for broadcasters who don't want to air the second recap in their non-voting semi, such as an opportunity for them to show advertising there and take the entertainment in the "official" window after the lines close.

On that note, RAI very cleverly set the ad breaks up in such a way that there was an opt-out window within the opt-out window, allowing them to show the guest artist to Italian viewers during the first half, but then get out for adverts whilst (some very iffy) filler content was aired internationally during the second half, which allowed BBC Three to air the interval acts yet still get some wraparound content in. I can't see them dumping out of their own show next year though, and imagine Rylan and Scott will be largely out-of-vision.

[Markymark]

Tech Q - would Salford still downlink from the world satellite feed, or would the BBC line-feed Salford from the venue?

Does it matter either way round?

Last year's Euro Football UK matches, and I think  including domestic on site pres from BBC and ITV were all routed through the host broadcaster IBC in The Netherlands?