Eurovision Song Contest, in Czech also called Eurovize, is a song contest organized by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). Czech Television is a member and provides the Czech entry.[1][2] In 2026 the 70th edition was held; Bulgaria won with the song Bangaranga, performed by singer Dara.[1]
Czech participation
Czechia first took part in the contest in 2007. It did not participate after the 2009 edition, returning in 2015.[2] The best Czech result remains Mikolas Josef's sixth place in 2018.[2] The last Czech representative, in 2026, was singer Daniel Žižka. With the song Crossroads, which he composed himself and which deals with the difficulty of life decisions, he advanced to the final in the spring and finished sixteenth.[1][2]
Cost of participation
In response to a freedom-of-information request from 29 May 2024, Czech Television put the total external costs of the Eurovision project at 9.18 million Czech korunas. The budget included the participation fee paid to the organizer, selection of the representative, broadcast links, transport and accommodation (the contest was then held in Malmö, Sweden), fees for performers and crew, preparation of the stage performance, and production of the Czech-language version.[2]
Decision not to participate in 2027
On 6 October 2026, Czech Television announced on social media that it would not take part in the contest in 2027. It cited ongoing budget adjustments as the reason. It also stated that it assesses each edition individually and does not want to anticipate when it will rejoin the contest.[1][2] According to its statement, the Czech flag will not be seen on the stage in 2027; the broadcaster thanked Czech representatives and fans.[1]
News of the considered withdrawal had already been reported in late September 2026 by Deník N and Aktuálně.cz. Deník N wrote that the broadcaster's senior management had discussed further participation and considers the contest expensive and poorly watched. According to Aktuálně.cz, the decision is linked to the government's planned abolition of television license fees.[1][2] Milan Fridrich, director of the Program and Digital Services division, called Deník N's speculation about withdrawal just that—speculation.[1] The official statement does not cite viewership as a reason.[2]
Chronologie
- — Czech Television announced that it would not take part in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027, citing ongoing budget adjustments as the reason. → Seznam Zprávy Lupa.cz
Pages linking here
Sources
- Seznam Zprávy — 6 October 2026
- Lupa.cz — 6 October 2026