Ireland’s RTE urges talks on Israel’s Eurovision participation amid growing pressure

Israel’s entry in last year’s Eurovision was Eden Golan. (File/AP)
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Updated 09 May 2025
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Ireland’s RTE urges talks on Israel’s Eurovision participation amid growing pressure

  • European Broadcasting Union ‘whitewashing’ Israeli war crimes
  • EBU must ban Israel like it did with Russia in 2022, say activists

DUBAI: Ireland’s national broadcaster RTE has invited the European Broadcasting Union for talks on Israel’s participation in the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest, as pressure mounts from dozens of former contestants demanding the country’s exclusion.

RTE’s Director-General Kevin Bakhurst has expressed deep concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the situation of Israeli hostages, emphasizing the need for RTE to remain objective in its coverage of the war.

He also pointed to political pressure on Israel’s public broadcaster, Kan, from the Israeli government.

Israel, a Eurovision participant since 1973, is set to compete in this year’s contest, running from May 13 to 17, in Basel, Switzerland, with singer Yuval Raphael, a survivor of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack at the Nova music festival.

Earlier this week, in an open letter, 72 former Eurovision contestants called on the EBU to ban Israel and its national broadcaster, KAN, from this year’s contest.

They cited the country’s war in Gaza and accused the union of “normalizing and whitewashing” alleged Israeli war crimes.

They argued that Israel’s participation would be inconsistent with the EBU’s decision to ban Russia in 2022 over its invasion of Ukraine.

The EBU previously said it acknowledges the concerns but aims to keep Eurovision a positive, inclusive event that transcends politics and unites people through music.


Mobily celebrates 20th anniversary with new campaign

Updated 26 December 2025
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Mobily celebrates 20th anniversary with new campaign

  • Multiplatform campaign developed by FP7 McCann Riyadh

DUBAI: Saudi telecom giant Mobily has released a new campaign, “Ever Closer,” to mark its 20th anniversary.  

The campaign is “rooted in the insight that the closer people become, the more ‘languages’ they share — from unspoken understanding to shared experiences,” explained Tarek Miknas, CEO of FP7 McCann MENAT, the agency behind the campaign.  

“Our shared ambition was to mark Mobily’s 20-year journey with a story that’s built to last — one that is emotionally resonant, grounded, and capable of powering the Kingdom’s digital future,” he told Arab News. 

The campaign includes a main film, supported by a wide media rollout across billboards, digital, social and retail platforms.  

It represents one of Mobily’s largest media investments to date, spanning out-of-home advertising in major Saudi cities, stadiums, airports and metro stations, as well as placements on TV, video-on-demand platforms such as Shahid, and digital media channels.  

Earlier this month, Mobily announced its first rebrand in 20 years. The rebrand aims to signify a shift in brand focus from functionality to individuality and to resonate with young Saudis, according to a company statement. 

“Mobily’s brand relaunch is more than a campaign — it’s a signal of Saudi Arabia’s creative and commercial confidence on the world stage,” said Miknas.  

He added: “As a homegrown agency network with deep roots in the Kingdom, it’s a privilege to help shape a platform that captures the spirit of a nation in motion.”