ESC 2026 in Austria: Finance for JJS grandiose success!

ESC 2026 in Austria: Finance for JJS grandiose success!

Wels, Österreich - The "Eurovision Song Contest" (ESC) 2026 will take place in Austria after the Austrian opera singer JJ (Johannes Pietsch) won the 2025 competition in Basel. His victory, which he won with the song "Wasted Love" against Israeli Yuval Raphael, who competed with "New Day Will Rise", is celebrated as a great success in the domestic music scene. Austria's Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and the Vienna State Opera congratulated JJ on his outstanding triumph, which is reminiscent of the glorious times of the ESC in Austria when Conchita Wurst won the competition.

Preparations for the ESC 2026 are associated with challenges. The broadcaster ORF, which will be responsible for the execution of the competition, sees itself in a financial crisis. A savings package of 325 million euros must be implemented by 2026. Important voices from the industry, including ORF program manager Stefanie Groiss-Horowitz, are optimistic despite the predicament that the ESC 2026 can be carried out successfully.

financial challenges

The financial hurdles that stand before the ESC 2026 are considerable. While the costs for the expiry of the ESC 2025 in Basel were around 60 million euros, those responsible for the upcoming competition in Austria expect expenses of at least 30 million euros. However, this sum could prove to be more problematic if one considered the current financial difficulties of the ORF. By 2031, further savings of 220 million euros must also be realized. The concerns about the financing of the ESC 2026 reflect a broader discussion about the costs of the competition, which also always germinates in other countries.

In social media, many users have already commented on the upcoming financial challenges. The question arises how the financing of the ESC 2026 can be ensured. Talks with tourism and business associations to close the financing gap are already underway. ORF plans to use experiences from the host of the ESC 2015, which cost around 32 million euros, to be able to do more efficiently.

comparison with other countries

In an international context, the ESC is often considered a comparatively cheap television format. The fees required for participation, which are paid to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), are relatively low compared to other large television events. According to information from Eurovision.de, there is a base amount of around 6.2 million euros, which must be raised by the host country. In addition, another 10 to 20 million euros are required, usually covered by sponsorship.

For the ESC 2026 it remains to be seen how the ORF can mobilize the necessary means. In Germany, for example, there are always discussions about the costs and the use of funds, especially after poor results. Some countries such as North Macedonia and Montenegro have already dispensed with participation for financial reasons. The Austrian ORF will therefore have to find paths in good time to make the ESC 2026 a new success.

The anticipation for the ESC 2026 in Austria is great, but the financial framework conditions throw a shadow over the plans. There are currently many questions open, but optimism and pragmatic approaches could be the key to realizing the event and creating an unforgettable experience for the audience.