Spain risks huge Eurovision fine after ignoring warnings as broadcaster airs statement
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Spanish broadcasters have taken a bold stand at the Eurovision Song Contest, facing potential hefty fines after defying warnings from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). Spanish hopeful Melody entered the contest with an energetic number, resonating with audiences throughout the continent.
Yet, despite its popularity, Spanish networks overlooked cautions from the EBU. A black screen showing white text in both Spanish and English heralded the final, stating: "When human rights are at stake, silence is not an option. Peace and Justice for Palestine."
This powerful interlude lasted 16 seconds on air.
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The transmission on RTVE, Spain's counterpart to BBC, made waves after also being posted on Twitter/X. The message swiftly caught fire among social media circles.
Controversy sparked from the get-go as pro-Palestine demonstrators gathered to protest Israel's participation in the event. The subsequent storm brewed around Israel's act, reports the Mirror.
(Image: X)
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
(Image: AP)
The artist representing Israel received a polarising reaction from those present. After Yuval Raphael expressed gratitude to the audience post-performance, UK commentator Graham Norton didn't miss the chance to take a playful dig at Switzerland and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
Comedian Graham gave a candid insight to UK viewers, saying: "I'm not sure what you're hearing at home, but it was a mixed response."
This forthright comment followed allegations that the Eurovision Song Contest had masked the sound of audience boos directed at a contentious participant by overlaying artificial applause.
Stay tuned with our live blog for all things Eurovision Song Contest.
Allegations have surfaced that the contest's organisers attempted to suppress the booing from the crowd in the arena. This controversy emerged after the rehearsal performance of 'New Day Will Rise' on Friday night.
A statement was issued concerning the manipulation of crowd noise, stating: "For the Eurovision Song Contest, the host broadcaster SRG SSR is working with the 'audio sweetening' method, which is common practice for major international productions."
The statement further explained: "This process helps to harmonise the sound of the transitions between moderations, video clips and the individual acts and to create a consistent soundscape for the TV audience. It is used exclusively for the technical rounding off of the programme."
It also clarified: "This process is used equally and identically for all acts. The competition and its results are not affected in any way."
Viewers at home didn't hesitate to hop onto social media to discuss the varied reactions following the broadcast.
There was an attempt to disrupt the Israeli performance at the arena, with two individuals making a dash for the stage, according to the organisers. A spokesperson for SRG SSR disclosed: "At the end of the Israeli performance a man and a woman tried to get over a barrier onto the stage.
"They were stopped. One of the two agitators threw paint and a crew member was hit. The crew member is fine and nobody was injured. The man and the woman were taken out of the venue and handed over to the police."
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