Story perspectives

RTÉ replaces Eurovision with Father Ted amid Gaza outcry

5/12/2026

Summary

RTÉ Cancels Eurovision

RTÉ will replace the Eurovision Song Contest final on May 16 with the Father Ted episode “A Song for Europe” on RTÉ2.
RTÉ said Ireland’s participation would be “unconscionable” because of the “appalling loss of lives in Gaza” and concerns about journalist killings.
Graham Linehan, co-creator of Father Ted, launched a petition demanding RTÉ Director-General Kevin Bakhurst’s resignation, calling the broadcast “antisemitic harassment”.
RTÉ declined to comment on Linehan’s petition.

Summary

RTÉ Blackouts Eurovision

Because RTÉ will not broadcast the Eurovision contest—the first blackout in 61 years—viewers must watch on BBC One with Graham Norton commentary or on the Eurovision YouTube channel.
RTÉ will split Final night programming between “Mummies” and news on RTÉ 1 and “Jaws” plus a “Father Ted” episode on RTÉ 2.
The replacement schedule repeats “Home Grown” and “Father Ted,” and adds specials “Fair City” and “The End of the World with Beanz.”

History

Historical Context

The 1979 Eurovision Song Contest, held in Jerusalem, marked the first time the competition was hosted by Israel, prompting a regional boycott. The Arab League, joined by Saudi Arabia and Egypt, withdrew, reducing the field to 19 participating broadcasters, a 30% drop from the 1978 record. Similarly, RTÉ’s 2024 decision to replace the Eurovision final with a Father Ted episode echoes the 1979 political protest, citing Gaza casualties and media safety concerns. The recurrence underscores how cultural broadcasts become leverage points for geopolitical disputes, prompting broadcasters like BBC and YouTube to offer alternative streams for displaced audiences.

1 of 3

RTÉ Cancels Eurovision

RTÉ will replace the Eurovision Song Contest final on May 16 with the Father Ted episode “A Song for Europe” on RTÉ2.
RTÉ said Ireland’s participation would be “unconscionable” because of the “appalling loss of lives in Gaza” and concerns about journalist killings.
Graham Linehan, co-creator of Father Ted, launched a petition demanding RTÉ Director-General Kevin Bakhurst’s resignation, calling the broadcast “antisemitic harassment”.
RTÉ declined to comment on Linehan’s petition.

1 / 3