Why is Australia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2018 when they aren't in Europe?
If you don't know, the Eurovision Song Contest is
the longest-running annual international TV song competition held among the member countries of the European Broadcasting Union.
So why are Australia participating when they are not in Europe and not part of the European Broadcasting Union??
Best Answer
The 'rules' around the competition are fairly relaxed and fully under the control of the EBU. The EBU clearly allows itself to invite other broadcasters to join the competition by special invitation.
The EBU boundaries already go well beyond the geography of Europe, with member broadcasters from Israel, Jordan and Algeria.
The inclusion of Australia first happened in 2015. This Eurovision Press release and FAQ goes into more details but it states:
Australia’s Eurovision Song Contest participation is a one-off initiative. But throughout its 60 years of development, new elements have been introduced to keep the Eurovision Song Contest exciting, surprising and relevant to the spirit of time. Who knows what the future will bring, as excitement about this European tradition spreads to other countries around the world?
Which indicates that the door was open for such a repeat of this event or for future invitations to other countries as well. Australia has subsequently taken part in the 2016 and 2017 competitions.
The FAQ also states that
Broadcaster SBS from Australia is also an Associate Member of the EBU.
Associate members come from countries all over the world.
Pictures about "Why is Australia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2018 when they aren't in Europe?"
Why Australian takes part in Eurovision?
Australia definitely isn't in Europe - however, in 2015, singers from the other side of the world were welcomed to take part in Eurovision. Australia was invited to get involved as a gesture of goodwill for the show's 60th anniversary, which had a 'Building Bridges' theme.Why are countries not in Europe in Eurovision?
Eligibility to participate is not determined by geographic inclusion within the continent of Europe, despite the "Euro" in "Eurovision", nor does it have a direct connection with the European Union.Is Australia is eligible to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest?
Australia was invited to participate in Eurovision's 60th anniversary in 2015 as a one-off. Their right to compete was then up for consideration each year. But in 2019, Eurovision announced that Australia had secured its spot as a competitor until 2023.When did Australia join the European Song Contest?
Australia debuted in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2015 by invitation from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) as a "one-off" special guest to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Eurovision.Why is Australia in the Eurovision Song Contest?
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