BBC director-general Tim Davie has confirmed that the corporation will “make a decision” on whether it will take part in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest. The announcement follows threats of a boycott from broadcasters in Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland and Slovenia if Israel is allowed to compete in Vienna. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which runs Eurovision, has been consulting its members on how to manage participation amid geopolitical tensions, giving them until mid-December to confirm their involvement.
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Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s The Media Show, Mr Davie said the BBC is awaiting the EBU’s review on entry criteria and assurances before making its final decision. He emphasised that Eurovision “has never been about politics” but acknowledged concerns raised by broadcasters. Calls for boycotts are largely in protest at Israel’s offensive in Gaza, with UK musician Phil Coulter and various Green Party leaders urging the BBC to withdraw coverage if Israel participates. The UK, as part of the Big Five, is guaranteed a place in the final due to its financial contributions.
Mr Davie also addressed the Royal Television Society’s Cambridge Convention, where he urged the industry to adopt “swagger” and act with urgency to secure the future of public service broadcasting (PSB). He referenced insights from the BBC’s public survey Our BBC, Our Future, highlighting the need for the corporation to remain relevant in the digital era. He said the priority is not self-preservation but to support the wider industry, describing the BBC as a form of “precious venture capital” for the UK creative sector.
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Despite facing criticism over controversies such as misconduct allegations against MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace and the live coverage of Bob Vylan at Glastonbury, Mr Davie expressed confidence in the BBC’s future. He stressed that the charter review, due to conclude before its December 2027 expiry, is an opportunity to ensure sustainable funding, nurture talent, and maintain the BBC as a universal public service broadcaster that benefits audiences and the industry across the UK.
