16.12.2025 20:55
The Austrian broadcaster ORF, which will air the Eurovision Song Contest, announced that it will not stop the booing during Israel's performance.
The state broadcaster ORF, which will broadcast the Eurovision Song Contest to be held in Austria, announced that it will not stop the booing during Israel's performance.
THE CHANNEL BROADCASTING EUROVISION WILL NOT STOP ISRAEL PROTESTS
As reactions continue following the approval of Israel's participation in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, the state broadcaster ORF, which will broadcast the Eurovision Song Contest to be held in Austria, announced that protests against Israel will be allowed. ORF stated that it will not stop the booing during Israel's performance.
"OUR DUTY IS TO SHOW EVENTS AS THEY ARE"
Michael Kroen, the producer of Eurovision, stated at a press conference organized by ORF that spectators will be allowed to carry Palestinian flags, saying, "We will allow the use of all official flags that are in accordance with the laws. We will not beautify anything or shy away from showing what is happening, because our duty is to show events as they are."
"WE WILL NOT ADD FAKE APPLAUSE SOUNDS"
ORF Program Director Stefanie Groiss-Horowitz stated that the broadcaster will not stop the booing sounds of the audience during Israel's performance, saying, "We will not add fake applause sounds in any way."
ORF and the Austrian government have supported Israel's participation in the contest despite objections, and ORF General Manager Roland Weissmann visited Israel last month to show his support.
MANY COUNTRIES HAVE DECIDED TO BOYCOTT EUROVISION
During the general assembly meeting held by the European Broadcasting Union on December 4 in Geneva, Switzerland, no voting was held regarding Israel's participation in this year's organization despite the boycott threats from many countries, and Israel's participation in the 70th contest to be held next year was officially confirmed. Following the EBU's approval of Israel's participation, the national broadcasters of Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Spain decided to withdraw from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest. Eurovision will be held with the lowest number of participants since 2003, with 35 countries participating.