Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Eurovision boycotts prompt warning, viewership slips below 166 million

5/12/2026

50 11 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Eurovision organizers warned Israel’s KAN broadcaster after it posted videos urging viewers to give the Israeli entry ten votes.
Public broadcasters in Ireland, Slovenia, Spain, Iceland and the Netherlands are boycotting the 2026 Eurovision.
RTÉ will replace Eurovision slots with “Home of the Year Scotland” and a “Father Ted” repeat.
Organisers expect viewership to drop below 166 million because of the boycott and Gaza-related protests.

History

Historical Context

Israel’s 1974 Eurovision win prompted Arab broadcasters to cut the live feed, a precedent for later political pull-outs. Decades later, RTÉ, Slovenia’s RTV and Spain’s RTVE announced they will replace Eurovision slots as the Gaza war fuels fresh boycotts. The contest, staged 69 times since 1956, now faces a possible dip in its pan-European audience.

1 of 2

Story summary

Eurovision organizers warned Israel’s KAN broadcaster after it posted videos urging viewers to give the Israeli entry ten votes.
Public broadcasters in Ireland, Slovenia, Spain, Iceland and the Netherlands are boycotting the 2026 Eurovision.
RTÉ will replace Eurovision slots with “Home of the Year Scotland” and a “Father Ted” repeat.
Organisers expect viewership to drop below 166 million because of the boycott and Gaza-related protests.

1 / 2