Eurovision Song Contest Voting

Song Contests Unit
Head of Unit

Attn: Mr. Svante Stockselius


Dear Mr. Stockselius,

It has come to our attention via several ESC themed internet sites that the voting procedure during the final of this years Eurovision Song Contest in Athens is going to be altered as follows:

* The scoreboard will automatically be updated with the points allocated by each broadcaster, from one to seven.

* Then, each broadcaster will announce its eight to twelve point allocation from their respective television studios.

It is well known that the voting procedure is one of the major highlights and trademarks of the contest.

To many of us who watched the Junior Eurovision (JESC) it was evident that the new system did not significantly reduce the overall running time of the contest, if at all, and was somewhat confusing and cumbersome to follow.

We respectfully submit to you that the above mentioned amendment would severely impede the interest, integrity and the ultimate thrill of the entire procedure, and of the contest itself.

For example, the contest would be denied one of its simple yet most endearing traditions which is the audiences recognition of a first point awarded to a null point entry.
But far more important - it is widely known that in countless contests the winning entry was decided by a mere few point differential from the runner up. With this new suggested format the winning entry could very well be decided with no announced recognition at the pivotal moment, especially in a scenario where often the higher points are awarded at the final stages of voting to entries that are not in contention for victory.

We are well aware of the tiresome and lengthy process of over 35 voting rounds, as demonstrated in the past two contests, and the diminished public interest and television ratings that may be a result of such. However, we respectively submit to you that there are other procedures that can be considered before implementing such a drastic change as mentioned above.

One such solution could be that the entire point allocation of all non-participating broadcasters would appear on the scoreboard, either as one bloc or individually, followed by a brief explanation by the hosts to allow the public to familiarize itself with the standings.
The remaining finalist broadcasters would then proceed to announce their points in the traditional manner.


We the undersigned, bound by our common concern and respect to the Eurovision Song Contest, respectfully ask that you and the other distinguished members of the deciding panel reconsider your positions on this subject, and adopt a voting platform that is more consistent with past voting traditions of the contest that is so dear to us all.