Why is Australia allowed to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest?

Australia has been participating in the ESC since 2015. But why? Clearly the country is not in Europe. The “down under” background can be found in the nation’s past.

CANBERRA – You don’t need to be a geographer to realize that Australia is a long way from Europe. Nevertheless, the attraction of Australians Eurovision Song Contest Always great. The competition has been broadcast there continuously since 1983 and has achieved ratings few European countries can dream of. But why is that?

Many Australians are particularly passionate about the ESC and have fought for a long time to finally be allowed to participate. ESC, which has been going on since the 1950s, was originally the European Broadcasting Union’s (EBU) initiative to promote program exchange and thus strengthen a European identity. Australia has also been a part of the EBU since 1973 and is keen to actively expand the horizons of its population and bring them closer to the cultures of distant countries.

ESC 2023: Australia – distant yet deeply connected

transmitter SBS, where the ESC is broadcast in Australia, the EBU has a similar mission: to create a multicultural Australian public – with a global perspective. Jessica Garniel, a humanities scholar from the University of Southern Queensland, describes this in her book “Understanding the Eurovision Song Contest in Multicultural Australia”.

There is another reason: as a settler country, Australia is deeply influenced by European influences. Documentary producer Julia Naliwaiko sat down SBS Actively supports the ESC and Australia’s right to participate: “By becoming part of Eurovision, we recognize that Europe is part of our national DNA.”

From 2015: Australia also participates in ESC 2023

It’s a long road to Australia’s participation. The country has always tried to gain the support of Europeans, so in 2013 it sent a message to the European audience. In 2014, Australian singer Jessica Mauboy was allowed to appear as guest of honor at the final of the ESC – albeit without a rating.

In 2015, the 60th anniversary of the Eurovision Song Contest, Australia received a “GO” for the first time and went directly to the final in Vienna. Finally – from “Australia” to “Austria”. at SBS The joy was immeasurable.

ESC 2023: Australia can always assert itself

Good things come to those who wait, as Australia has had many outstanding performances and has always been able to hold its own against the competition. In his first year of participation, singer Guy Sebastian placed fifth. A year later, Tommy Im took second place with his “Sound of Silence”.

At ESC 2023, Australia will compete in the second semi-final on May 12 – with Germany. Daniel Estrin Part of the Australian contribution was pioneering the progressive metal band Voyager. If the country’s success story secures a spot in the top ten, they could even compete in the finals on May 14. The tournament will be held in Liverpool this year. (Maibrit Schultken)