With the initial participation list growing, one broadcaster has pulled its name from the roster for the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest. Bulgarian BNT has announced a break from the competition, blaming the decision on a lack of money to back an entry.
In recent years, the country has done well, ending second in 2017, despite this, the show attracts low viewer numbers in Bulgaria, making it an easy target for cuts as public purse money dries up.
“We regret that Bulgarian National Television (BNT) has taken the decision not to enter the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv. BNT has been an enthusiastic participant and enjoyed great success in the contest in recent years,” an EBU spokesperson said. “We look forward to welcoming them back in the future.”
It costs a lot of money to enter ESC (ask SMRTV San Marino), it costs a hell of a lot more if you win (ask KAN Israel). I fear the ever escalating cost of a credible entry will mean we’ll see more of this.
More than 1 or 2 countries enter the contest every year hoping to do well, 2nd place is a bit too close for comfort, top 5 is great. They’re not in it to win it (though I doubt they’d admit that publicly).
I don’t think it will be long before we wake up the morning after an ESC final to discover that the winners have with regret declined to host the next competition, because they can’t afford it.