After the closure of the Slovak national broadcaster, RTVS, it seemed like it was the end of the country’s chance to participate in future Eurovision Song Contests, but perhaps the last word has not been spoken.

Approximately two months ago, Slovakia announced the permanent closure of its public television broadcaster, RTVS. This move was part of a controversial plan to replace RTVS with a new national broadcaster, Slovak Television and Radio (STVR), whose board would be appointed by the government. This decision raised concerns about press freedom, as it appeared to violate the European Union’s freedom of the press law. The closure of RTVS also led to Slovakia’s withdrawal from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and its exclusion from the Eurovision Song Contest until a new broadcaster could be established and join the union.

Establishment of New Broadcaster

On July 1, the new Slovak national broadcaster, STVR, was officially established. Initially, the Slovak government faced pressure from various organizations regarding the composition of the board. However, the board remained as it was, and the European press freedom law was applied to the new broadcaster. Consequently, Slovakia met the conditions for joining the EBU, and STVR inherited RTVS’s membership, allowing Slovakia to potentially participate in Eurovision again.

Eurovision Participation and Financial Challenges

Despite the new broadcaster’s establishment, Slovakia will not participate in Eurovision 2025. Previously, RTVS had announced its non-participation due to budget constraints, as the state budget for RTVS was reduced at the end of 2023. Zuzana Vicelová, head of public relations and communications for RTVS, cited high financial costs as the reason for opting out of the competition.

STVR has confirmed that it will also not participate in Eurovision 2025. However, its status as an independent national broadcaster and continued EBU membership leaves the possibility open for future participation.

Historically, Slovakia has faced financial difficulties in participating in Eurovision, with its last entry in 2012 being largely funded by the representative, Max Jason Mai. Slovakia initially joined the Eurovision competition in 1994 and participated in 1996 and 1998 but did not achieve significant success. After withdrawing in 2000, Slovakia returned in 2009 and participated four more times until 2012, failing to reach the finals each time. Slovakia has participated in Eurovision a total of seven times.

Source: esctoday