What it is about
The 2024 Eurovision Song Contest captivated audiences, drawing an impressive 163 million viewers worldwide, according to data revealed by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). This comes amidst a backdrop of notable calls for boycott due to Israel’s participation over the conflict in Gaza.
Why it matters
The high viewership numbers, which surpass those of the past two years, underscore the Eurovision contest’s enduring appeal and resilience. The figures also highlight significant support for Israel’s integration in the event, indicating that calls for boycott did not hinder its success or popularity.
Details
Specifically, the competition saw substantial viewership from across the continent:
- In Sweden, the host country, 2.3 million viewers tuned in.
- 723,000 viewers watched from Switzerland, the winning country.
- Germany recorded the peak viewership with 8.1 million, followed by the United Kingdom with 7.7 million viewers.
- France documented 5.4 million viewers, while Croatia saw its highest Eurovision viewing figures since 2006, registering 1.1 million viewers.
- In Israel, an impressive 1.1 million people watched the contest.
Significance for Israel
These robust figures are particularly positive for Israel’s Kan Public Broadcasting Corporation and the EBU, as they affirm that Eurovision viewing numbers remained strong despite attempted boycotts. Israel’s own contestant, Eden Golan, resonated powerfully with the audience. She emerged as the second favorite in the popular vote, reaffirming her pivotal role as a leading contender and showcasing Israel’s vibrant participation in the competition.
The broader impact
By demonstrating resilient viewership and hearty public engagement, the contest evidentially counters negative sentiments attempting to marginalize Israeli talent and presence in Eurovision. The data signifies that the spirit of global unity and celebration through music continues to prevail over divisive arguments.
This story was first published on ynetnews.com.