Full Breakdown
RTÉ Replaces Eurovision Grand Final with Father Ted Episode Amid Israel Boycott
5/12/2026, 8:05:59 PM
Background and Boycott Context
Eurovision’s 70th edition will be staged in Vienna on 16 May, drawing an estimated 200 million viewers. Israel’s continued participation has led Ireland, Spain and Slovenia to withdraw from the contest, while the Netherlands and Iceland will not send entries but will still air the shows. In December 2025 RTÉ announced it would not broadcast any Eurovision programme, citing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The campaign No Music For Genocide, signed by more than 1,100 cultural figures—including Brian Eno, Massive Attack, Paloma Faith and Roger Waters—has called for a full boycott.
RTÉ’s Programming Decision
RTÉ 2 will air the Father Ted episode “A Song for Europe”, featuring the fictional entry “My Lovely Horse”, during the Grand Final slot; RTÉ 1 will show a film and the news. This is the first time in 61 years that RTÉ will not transmit any Eurovision broadcast, a move framed as counter-programming.
Official Statements & Responses
RTÉ said participation in Eurovision would be unconscionable given civilian deaths in Gaza and the targeted killing of journalists. The European Broadcasting Union reported that a large majority of members agreed no further vote on Israel’s participation was needed and that the 2026 contest would proceed with added safeguards.
Criticism & Opposition
Co-creator Graham Linehan launched a petition demanding the resignation of RTÉ Director-General Kevin Bakhurst, calling the broadcaster’s use of the Father Ted episode “a tool of antisemitic harassment” and labeling the action “disgraceful antisemitism”. He urged that the programme not be employed as a political prop.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
A *New York Times* investigation alleges Israel ran a “well-organised campaign” to use Eurovision as a soft-power tool; the claim has not been independently verified and originates from a source rated 39.4 for reliability.
Verbatim Quotes
- “RTÉ remains deeply concerned by the targeted killing of journalists in Gaza during the conflict and the continued denied access to international journalists to the territory” — RTÉ spokesperson
- “Linehan claimed RTÉ had "chosen to boycott the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest solely because Israel is participating" and described the broadcaster's position as "antisemitism".” — Graham Linehan, co-creator of Father Ted
- “I am disgusted that Father Ted is being used as a fig leaf to cover RTE's disgraceful antisemitism.” — Graham Linehan, co-creator of Father Ted
- “A large majority of members agreed that there was no need for a further vote on participation and that the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 should proceed as planned, with the additional safeguards in place.” — European Broadcasting Union
What’s Next
RTÉ will continue alternative programming throughout the Eurovision week, while BBC One and the official Eurovision YouTube channel will broadcast the contest live for Irish viewers. The boycott may influence future EBU policy on participation criteria and voting safeguards.
