EBU in deal to create Asian version of Eurovision Song Contest

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has struck a deal with Australian Associate SBS (Special Broadcasting Service) to create an Asian version of the Eurovision Song Contest.

The EBU has signed an exclusive option of SBS under which the Australian company and production partner Blink TV will explore the opportunity to create an Asian contest that would include up to 20 countries across the Asia Pacific region. The inaugural event is planned for Australia in 2017. Broadcast rights will be licensed on a global basis.

Blink TV will lead disucssions with potential sponsors, commercial partners and regional broadcasters over the next few months.

“SBS Australia has been broadcasting Eurovision for over 30 years, so we feel they are a perfect partner to build an alliance of networks with, and give Asian songwriters and artists the opportunity to perform on the Eurovision stage,” said Jon Ola Sand, Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest.

SBS Managing Director Michael Ebeid said: “As the official broadcaster of Eurovision for over 30 years, SBS are pleased to explore the opportunity to bring an event of this calibre more closely to our shores, strengthening the multicultural ties in our own backyard. Asia Pacific has a spectacular music culture and the perfect next step to extend the Eurovision brand, bringing its hugely popular appeal beyond Australian audiences and to the wider region.”