Posted March 14, 200718 yr More info from the Head of Delegations meeting 2 semi finals: Divided by draw An alternative method for determining which countries will participate in each of the two semi finals for 2008 was discussed in the Head of Delegations meeting in Helsinki. Rather than dividing the participating countries by time zone, a draw will be held to determine which countries enter each semi final. There was also a large amount of opposition to the idea of two semi finals on one day, so it is most likely that they will take place one day after another, on the Wednesday and Thursday nights. It will be mandatory for countries to broadcast the semi final in which they participate, but broadcasters will not have to screen the other semi final. It is believed that the big four and the winning country from the previous year will be able to broadcast both semi finals, but are not obligated to screen either of them. Countries will only be able to vote in the semi final in which they take part in. Opposition to dividing the participating countries came from many delegations, some because they felt they would be at a greater disadvantage by being placed outside the semi final with the countries most in tune with their culture, others because of possible timing problems. Should the semi finals take place on the same day, Russia may be automatically placed in the first semi final because of the time-zone issue. This would mean that Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan (should they join) would most likely also ask to be placed in the earlier semi final. It should be pointed out that no firm decision about the format or the way in which the two semi final system will operate has yet been made, and the idea is still in the discussion phase. There does seem to be unilateral agreement that the current system is no longer sustainable with such a large number of countries participating and that the two semi final system will, in some form, be introduced in 2008. ESC Today.
March 14, 200718 yr I don't really think it's all that bad, just as long as they don't make us go through the semi-finals :manson: As unfair as it is, the Big 4 rule has saved us a few (actually, a lot considering our track record so far this decade...<_<) times, and we should be allowed an autoamtic place seeing as the ESC wouldn't exist without us.
March 14, 200718 yr Author I wonder how much the big four actually contribute tot eh EBU? It must be a hell of a lot more than anyone else for us to get guaranteed a place every year. :D I know Italy would make a big five as well did they participate.
March 15, 200718 yr I wonder how much the big four actually contribute tot eh EBU? It must be a hell of a lot more than anyone else for us to get guaranteed a place every year. :D I know Italy would make a big five as well did they participate. I think they were part of the big 5, but they were only in it for the first year of its inception, then they pulled out :lol:
March 16, 200718 yr i've been away 4 few days :) so is this official news for next year :unsure: :???:
March 16, 200718 yr Author Yeah I think it's gonna happen Boyan. Hmm... and I wonder if only the countries that are in the semi-final are allowed to vote, will only the countries in the final be allowed to vote in that? :o :dance:
March 16, 200718 yr Author They thought the Eurovision didn't give out good music and stuff, and they wanted to focus more on their own San Remo festival.
March 16, 200718 yr i think if in the semi-finals vote only the semifanalist, in the final should vote only the finalists :D it's the only reasonable thing to do ^_^
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