[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_F-v8OPJ7lU[/youtube]
No matter what your opinion of Giorgos Alkaios and the grunting goodness of “Opa!”, Greece thankfully dodged a bullet Saturday night by placing 8th and it’s probably best if it doesn’t win Eurovision in years to come.
Despite the fact Eurovision is one of the longest-running TV programs in the world, the annual competition that pits EU nations against each other in a week-long contest of kitsch and song has become a financial burden on the winning country.
Norway, last year’s winner and this year’s host, told Reuters they spent $32 million and cannot afford to host again if they won. Russia spent $43 million last year, and the government and taxpayers absorbed $30 million. The last country to turn a profit was Greece in 2006, when Helena Paparizou brought Eurovision to Athens and commercials were permitted during the show. The latter is no longer true.
I understand that far more people care about Eurovision than Euro elections, which is why I don’t have a choice but to hear the show via balconies and living rooms around me. But did we forget that we are still paying for Athens 2004 and standing knee-deep in austerity?
Perhaps we should fight the urge to be #1 and be content to revel in Helena’s “My Number One.” Ah, the good ol’ days of denial.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4hB-NTaPjw[/youtube]
Sources
“Eurovision song contest feels the pinch” — Reuters
More info
“Greek academic sees crisis nationalism in his country’s entry” – Sydney Morning Herald
“Greece in the Eurovision Song Contest”
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“My infatuation with Dimitris Basis“
Kat Reply:
June 2nd, 2010 at 01:39
Hi Demetri, it’s good to see you again. Months ago when people voted for one of five (?) songs, I was a bit surprised this one won. But I didn’t vote, so I don’t have a right to criticize. Like you, I’d rather see time and money spent on encouraging and promoting local talent. Too many artists go abroad because opportunities and venues are limited, and it makes more sense to invest at home.