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  • Eurovision announces rule changes

    Eurovision announces rule changes

    23 September 2013


    Next year's Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Copenhagen, Denmark

    Eurovision organisers have announced changes to the song contest's
    jury rules, amid allegations of bribery.

    >From next year, the names of each country's jury will be revealed
    ahead of the competition in an effort to increase openness and
    accountability.

    For the first time, individual juror scores will also be published
    immediately after the final.

    The changes come after it was alleged votes had been bought for the
    Azeri contestant at this year's contest.

    Previously, the identity of jury members - whose votes account for 50%
    of the points each country awards it competitors - was not disclosed
    until after the final.

    To increase diversity, music industry professionals can now only take
    a seat on the jury if they have not participated during the previous
    two editions of the contest.

    "Tighter rules and increased openness are important for the Eurovision
    Song Contest to build on its success," Jon Ola Sand, the executive
    supervisor of the contest, said.

    "We want to make sure participants, viewers and fans know that we have
    done, and will always do, our utmost to secure a fair result.

    "We believe in the independence of every jury member [and] I believe
    the fact their votes are on display will help them vote
    independently."

    'End speculations'

    Organisers have been looking into recent claims that Azerbaijan -
    which came second this year - offered money to other countries in
    exchange for points.

    Emmelie de Forest won the contest for Denmark this year

    Mr Sands said the results of their investigation would take time, as
    they were "doing this very thoroughly".

    "It`s important to find who is behind the alleged attempt, and if we
    find any wrongdoing that originates from a participating broadcaster,
    the Reference Group and the TV Committee will impose sanctions
    according to the rules of the Eurovision Song Contest," he said.

    "We want to first put an end to these speculations, and clamp down on
    attempts to unfairly influence the voting."

    Last week, Croatia announced it would be withdrawing from next year's
    contest, citing financial reasons. The country has not qualified for
    the final since 2009.

    It became the sixth country to pull out, along with Andorra,
    Luxembourg, Monaco, Morocco and Slovakia.

    Meanwhile Turkey - which snubbed the contest this year citing
    dissatisfaction with the rules - has created its own rival to
    Eurovision.

    Turkvision will see 20 countries and autonomous regions populated with
    Turkic minorities participate in the yearly event, the first of which
    will be held in Eskisehir this December.

    Next year's Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Copenhagen,
    Denmark, with the final held on 10 May.

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-24202939

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