In a new interview: Michael Krön, executive producer of Eurovision 2026, discusses the tight budget, the host city, and intensive security preparations prompted by Israel’s participation.
In the spring of 2026, Austria will take center stage as Michael Krön, executive producer at the Austrian national broadcaster ORF, leads the production of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest. The decision regarding the host city, expected at the end of August, lies between Vienna and Innsbruck, with economic, security, cultural, and creative considerations at the forefront.
Krön, who shoulders the organizational responsibility for the largest event ORF will stage in the coming years, reveals new details about the host city, pledges to deliver a “spectacular show” that is “small in reality – but grand on screen,” and notes that he operates under intense budgetary constraints. He emphasizes that creativity, a powerful script, and emotional engagement will be central to the production, ensuring an impressive show that will move viewers even with more limited resources.
The Host City Competition: Vienna or Innsbruck?
The selection between Vienna and Innsbruck is still open, as Krön pointed out, with both cities presenting impressive bids and demonstrating high budgetary and conceptual commitment. He describes the process as an “open race” continuing until the end of August and emphasizes that any financial benefit from the event will not flow to ORF, but to the chosen host city.
“Eurovision is an opportunity to represent not only the national broadcaster but the entire country. With the world watching, it’s a chance to show the best of what Austria has to offer”.
Krön said in an interview with the Austrian outlet oe24.at. He adds that the decision will be based on “the best package”: what aligns with audience expectations, ORF’s brand value, and the interests of Austria as a whole. As he states clearly: “Financial strength will be just as decisive as creative strength”.
Additionally, Krön is introducing a fresh and innovative approach to the event’s production: “This is a television event – small in reality, big on TV”. The main focus, he says, will be on showcasing the artists, creative storytelling, and weaving a coherent message, enabling the creation of a powerful and impressive spectacle even within a tighter budget.
Security Preparations in Response to Protests Against Israel
Michael Krön underscores that ensuring the security of the event has become far more significant than it was a decade ago, necessitating substantial resources and a high level of expertise to protect all participants and attendees – a situation spurred primarily by the tensions surrounding Israel’s participation in recent years. He notes that intensive discussions with authorities and security agencies are already underway to guarantee a safe and worry-free event for everyone present. Krön stresses that security planning is a core part of the organization for Eurovision 2026, although the exact location is yet to be determined.
Collaborative Innovation in Production
Krön notes that his appointment as executive producer was a natural decision, given his role as the lead producer of ORF productions. Despite the pressure and challenges, he expresses confidence that the newly formed core team – which includes experienced professionals from Eurovision 2015, also hosted in Austria – will ensure the event’s success. He states:
“We are bringing all the best talents to this project, and I am here to provide them the support and resources they need”.
Krön also discussed professional collaboration with past Eurovision teams, including production crews from Switzerland and other European professionals.
Core Team:
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Michael Krön – Executive Producer
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Stefan Zechner – Show Producer
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Daniel Hackl – Head of Production
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Christine Tichy – Technical Manager
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Martin Sernetz – Legal Advisor
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Nina Kaiser – Head of Commercial Affairs
Will JJ participate in production?
On whether the Eurovision 2025 winner, JJ – nicknamed “the Voice” in Austria and who captured many hearts – will be involved in the show, Michael Krön indicates that if there is a possibility and the timing is right, JJ may take part in the event alongside past icons like Conchita Wurst. However, as the lineup of participants, hosts, and other key roles has not yet been finalized, there is currently no certainty regarding the participation of JJ or Conchita Wurst at the upcoming contest.
In any case, the final decision on the host city will be made towards the end of the month and will significantly influence the nature of the show, whether a mountainous city with Alpine charm or Vienna’s multicultural metropolis hosts the contest. The production aims to make this event a milestone, celebrating 70 years of one of the world’s most influential and beloved competitions.
Eurovision 2026: The 70th Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Austria, following the country’s third historic win with the song “Wasted Love” performed by JJ. This will be the third time the contest is hosted in Austria, after 1967 and 2015.
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Ilay Gaist is a leading Israeli content creator and writer specializing in the Eurovision Song Contest. He is a well-known commentator with extensive expertise in the contest’s history, rules, and dynamics. His passion for Eurovision drives him to deliver rich, professional, and innovative content to his audience.
Ilay holds a bachelor’s degree in Arabic and has a multilingual background. He also engages in cultural research, with a particular focus on global culinary traditions and the evolution of local cuisines around the world.
