Bbc News - Eurovision

[andy-hughes]

This evening's 10 O'clock News on the BBC started with The Eurovision Song Contest, with Jane Hill reporting direct from Liverpool.

Is this really headline news?

It's been a camp freak-fest for decades, and suddenly, this year, it's been elevated to something almost on a par with the coronation.

Why are we getting so worked up about an entertainment show?

In fact, does it really qualify as 'news' at all?

[douglas9401]

Ukraine.

That is all.

[ichkeria]

It is quite a big event these days. Last staged in the UK 25 years ago when it was nothing like what it is now

[Peter Pedant]

News - I think it is news - Scousers being nice to incomers, getting possed and still having a good time

have they just not reported the stabbings, explosions, robberies etc, or is it really peaceful?

[Peter Pedant]

I was robber in Madree'
and pick pockered in Roumania and it kinda puts you off....

[Buenchico]

8.9 million TV viewers watched the Eurovision final in the UK last year, with more expected to watch this year due to the programme being hosted in this country. That's more than watched the FA Cup Final and roughly half of the number of people who watched the Coronation this year. So it's obviously important to a lot of people.

There's absolutely no reason why 'news' should nearly always be about conflict and/or politics and/or disasters. Something else that many people care about has just as much right to a place in the headlines.

[johnk]

Not really and I agree with all your views

[johnk]

PP explosions??? You'll have to elaborate.

[royfromaus]

Of course it is headline news unlike...


Excess deaths that continue to be through the roof (in all age groups)and the BBC don't give a carp.
Neither does the government
And neither does Dr Dave.

[naomi24]

The lead up to an international music contest hosted by the UK on behalf of the Ukraine is big news. I just wish the railway unions weren't so sour that they're happy to spoil it for a lot of people.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-65574063

[retrocop]

I have to admit it has never interested me all my life. I really couldn't care who wins.

[douglas9401]

It was ever so, powerful unions whose only function is to disrupt festivals of joy and taste.

Still I'm sure those happy-go-lucky scousers will grin and bear it with their usual uncomplaining cheeriness.

[Old_Geezer]

It's not really news of the type one anticipates being reported on a news programme. It's the sort of thing that gets shoved in, in desperation, when they haven't found any real news to report on. It appears to happen more & more these days, so one can only assume that the world is experiencing less interesting times right now. (Which may also account for why so many seem to be tuning in to mediocre TV programmes.)

[10ClarionSt]

The BBC have been ramming this down our throats all week. As douglas says, it's the Ukraine factor. From what I've seen of it, Liverpool seems to be full of outrageous weirdos. And they're gonna let you know about it!

Doesn't the BBC pay towards the cost of the Eurovision anyway? Which is why they never have to qualify? Part of your licence fee is funding all this gubbins folks!

[dave50]

I just hope that people don't vote for Ukraine again just because of the war.

[naomi24]

Eurovision has been political for years - the reason I gave up watching it a long time ago.

[WSpa]

I agree with andy-hughes, switched tv off.

[smurfchops]

Load of freaks. Couldn’t care less who wins.

[royfromaus]

And neither do answerbankers in general.

[ichkeria]

The contest annually unites people on Answerbank who know nothing about it, never watch it, are convinced no one else does but nonetheless feel compelled to give their opinion - one of which used to be “we always come last cos no one likes us”. An argument that was silenced last year.
I agree with Naomi about the trains: it’s funny how the strikes always appear to coincide with major events.

[William51]

It is news in that it is in the UK on behalf of Ukraine. But as far as the musical entertainment goes the show is noisy and tacky.