Story perspectives

RTÉ Skips Eurovision Final, Airs Father Ted Amid Israel Boycott

5/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

RTÉ will not air the Eurovision final, showing a Eurovision-themed Father Ted episode instead.
The final in Vienna on Saturday features 25 countries, while five broadcasters boycott Israel’s participation.
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez says the boycott puts Spain on the right side of history.
RTÉ called participation unconscionable because of Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) warned Israeli broadcaster KAN for urging viewers to vote ten times.

History

Historical Context

In 1973 the Eurovision Song Contest moved to Luxembourg, and Israel’s debut prompted armed security after the 1972 Munich massacre and led Arab broadcasters to cut the feed, with only 17 of 18 eligible stations showing the show. Decades later, EBU handling of Israel’s entries—culminating in 2025 boycotts by RTÉ and criticism from Spain’s Pedro Sánchez—shows how the contest becomes a flashpoint for geopolitical tension.

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Story summary

RTÉ will not air the Eurovision final, showing a Eurovision-themed Father Ted episode instead.
The final in Vienna on Saturday features 25 countries, while five broadcasters boycott Israel’s participation.
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez says the boycott puts Spain on the right side of history.
RTÉ called participation unconscionable because of Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) warned Israeli broadcaster KAN for urging viewers to vote ten times.

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