| Eurovision Song Contest News - 2009 Moscow, Russia 

Gert Waterink

Listen carefully. I love Eurovision history, but every year I am beginning to love the Eurovision Songcontest less more. Why is that? Because of all those mamut-changes we experienced since the introduction of the televoting rules.

My ideal Eurovision Songcontest should be both modern, but also a nice visual program with high-quality songs. Because, that's what it is about..........Eurovision 'SONG' Contest. If I were in Svante Stockselius footsteps and if Holland would win the contest for a 5th time, I would make the following changes:

- A 'back to basic' theme to the Eurovision Songcontest. Instead of using the contest as the ultimate means of tourism/country promotion, I would use 'songs' as underlying theme for the Eurovision Songcontest. A possible slogan could be: Eurovision Songcontest 2010, Rotterdam, 'Sing Europe to the Top!'.
- I still would use the televoting procedure, as that is a more democratic part of the contest. But to keep the quality, I would like to introduce a 10-headed professional jury in every country. I would like the results of both the televoting and the juries counted as 50\%/50\% for the end results. Though this new rule would not be a clear improvement of the quality, it gives a clear signal to all the participating countries to bring back some quality.
- I would like to promote our ideal songcontest to all countries in Europe, just like singers in the contest are doing. Starting right after september, and way before december, I would like to see every European broadcaster to look after a nice high quality national final, with good quality songs.
- I would throw the BIG-4 rule away. This rule was introduced, when there still was one final, and when big spenders Spain, UK, Germany and France still could face relegation. But today, semi finals are introduced, so that every country can participate in the contest. And secondly, the money from the BIG 4 countries are being used for that semi final too! Enough reason to get lost of that BIG-4 rule.
- As a safety device for losing out the BIG-4 countries, and especially Germany (who can's stand to loose), I would like to cut costs. A more modern stage design is still possible, but it can be done with less lighting equipment. It also can be done be hiring a smaller arena/hall where the contest can be held. Throw away those sport arena's, welcome back cosy halls, like the Point Theatre in Dublin and the Ahoy in Rotterdam.
- I would give the presenters more training. They should be able to read all the votes in the old fashioned way, both in French and English. To speed the voting up a little, the presenters must have a course in 'speed reading', and they must more or less brutally cut all those stupid 'thank you's', especially from Ireland. You are not home of Eurovision anymore. Furthermore, they should get more training in 'improvising'. Cut the foolish jokes, like the ones from Denmark 2001.
- I would like to see a better designed scorebord, a scorebord which fills the whole screen, like in 1997 and 1998. Those were still modern, but nowadays the scorebord turns into a cartoonish showbord; a pinball machine. Back to basic, but only if basics still can look stylish and modern.
- I would not introduce the orchestra again, as this is not possible anymore, with all those tight rehearsal schedules. But then again, I think up to 6 countries must have the chance to play their instruments LIVE! It adds a bit quality to the contest.
- I would introduce two semi finals, instead of one. In both semi finals up to 20 countries participate, INCLUDING the so called BIG-4 countries. The focus should ly on these semi-finals, to make them attractive to watch on television. The first semi final takes place mid March, so that the entrants in this first semi final should start national finals end of november up to early february. Meanwhile the other 20 countries can start a bit later with their preselections, as they will participate in the second semi final mid April.
- From each semi final, 12 entries will go forward to the usual Eurovision Songcontest final mid May. In this way, we have a good solution for a trustworthy, fair Eurovision format, in which EVERY country has got equal chances to present their best song. Furthermore, it will result in a FRESH start every year, and every public broadcaster has got PLENTY of time to show their semi-final on television. A country has got the chance NOT to broadcast the semi final, in which they are not going to show up! But then again, every country, every EBU-member MUST broadcast the final mid May.
- Some other small details: Please dear audience, sit down when a contestant is about to perform. Enjoy, but SITTT DOWN!

So, that's about it. This format sounds very feasible. But I am affraid I won't get the chance to change the contest in this much better direction. But then again..........-like 007 said- never say never